Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is coming, but do not expect it to play by the usual MCU rules. With a team of anti-heroes like Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes, things are bound to get messy, and fans love it! The trailer hints at something darker, more twisted, and fans are buzzing with theories. Is this Marvel’s boldest move yet? Can these misfits really keep up with the usual heavyweights? 

While what surprises does Thunderbolts* hold in store will be known when it hits the screen on May 2, 2025, the movie has already served and hopeful for fans and also for the MCU. But how? 

Marvel’s next big move is not another sequel—it is Thunderbolts*, and it is storming into theaters soon. That is huge. May has, for 13 years now, always been reserved for Marvel’s heavy-hitters like Civil War and Infinity War. So why is this anti-hero mash-up taking that spot? As ScreenRant suggests, it is a clear signal of Marvel’s confidence. In 13 years, the upcoming flick is set to be Marvel's first non-sequel to pave the way to theaters. Thunderbolts* is not just a filler. It is the dark horse that could shake up the entire MCU phase and introduce something utterly unexpected.

This time, it is not about polished heroes; it is all about the messy ones. Led by Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova, the Thunderbolts* lineup includes Ghost, U.S. Agent, Taskmaster, and Red Guardian. Think misfits, not icons. And if Florence Pugh’s wild skyscraper stunt, seen in behind-the-scenes footage on YouTube, has any indication to offer, it is that this film is all in. Sandwiched between Captain America: Brave New World and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Thunderbolts* could just be the chaotic catalyst Marvel needs to rekindle the hype.

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Thunderbolts* is shaking up the MCU’s usual formula, with praise mounting for the Thunderbolts* and fans on a speculating spree. The trailer drops hints and clips that could ruffle things up, from character arcs to unexpected twists. What is really going to be unleashed? The mystery is growing, and fans are hungry for more answers. 

The latest Thunderbolts* promotional clip has fans piecing together clues that hint at major twists. Geraldine Viswanathan’s character, who was previously introduced as Mel, is spotted wearing a necklace that many believe resembles Songbird’s symbol. While promoting You’re Cordially Invited back in January, she laughed off a direct question about the character to ScreenRant, leaving fans even more suspicious. Add in her close link to Valentina, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and it is no surprise fans are convinced she is secretly playing Melissa Gold.  

Songbird is not the only surprise. The Thunderbolts* trailer reveals Sentry and his sinister alter ego, the Void, played by Lewis Pullman, shifting the film toward a darker narrative. The lineup of the team—Yelena, Bucky, Ghost, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, and John Walker appears strained, and glimpses of brutal action hint at shaky alliances. The trailer’s darker vibe and unexpected revelations have fans buzzing as the release date gets closer.

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Do you have any Thunderbolts* theories? What do you think Marvel is planning with this May release? Let us know in the comments!