7 Key Revelations from the Thunderbolts Trailer
Marvel Studios gave fans a thrilling sneak peek at the upcoming Thunderbolts movie during San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024. The trailer dropped some major surprises, offering a glimpse into the dark, complex world of this new team. Here are the biggest takeaways:
1. Yelena Belova is “Lost” After Hawkeye
Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova, but her path forward seems uncertain. Reuniting with David Harbour’s Red Guardian, Yelena admits she feels an “emptiness” inside, revealing she’s been “drifting” without purpose since learning the truth about Natasha Romanoff’s death in Avengers: Endgame. This film will put Yelena front and center, allowing her to find her way and fully realize her potential.
2. The Winter Soldier Becomes a Congressman
In a surprising twist, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes is now a United States Congressman. The trailer shows Bucky walking into a session of Congress, sporting a sharp suit, an American flag pin, and a new goatee. While he’s later seen back in action as a superhero, Bucky’s new role as a leader—both in Congress and within the Thunderbolts—promises to add depth and new challenges to his character.
3. U.S. Agent is a Father
Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, aka U.S. Agent, returns to the MCU, this time as a father. Early footage shows Walker scrolling through news articles on his phone with a young daughter nearby. This adds a new layer to Walker’s character, who was previously seen only in his role as a soldier and anti-hero. How his status as a father will influence his actions in the movie remains to be seen.
4. Lewis Pullman’s Mystery Character is “Bob”
Top Gun: Maverick star Lewis Pullman appears briefly in the trailer, playing a mysterious character named Bob. When Yelena, Ghost, and U.S. Agent encounter him, Bob seems confused, clad in hospital scrubs. Later, Bob is shot at, but the bullets bounce off his body, hinting that he may be Robert Reynolds, who becomes Sentry—one of Marvel’s most powerful characters. This could mean that Bob is either a threat or a key ally for the Thunderbolts.
5. Thunderbolts’ Initial Mission is Top-Secret
Much like DC’s Suicide Squad, the Thunderbolts’ mission starts off shrouded in mystery. The trailer hints at tension and distrust among team members, and even when they meet Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the purpose of their assembly remains unclear. Marvel is keeping major plot points under wraps, building anticipation for what’s to come.
6. New Costumes for Ghost, Taskmaster, & More
As expected in a Marvel film, several characters sport new costumes in Thunderbolts. Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen, ditches her grey armour from Ant-Man and the Wasp for an all-black outfit with a white mask. Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster also returns with a revamped look, featuring a white mask with black eyeholes and a black hood. These new designs are sure to keep fans buzzing until more details are revealed.
7. Avengers Tower Buyer Revealed?
One of the biggest mysteries since the Infinity Saga has been who bought Avengers Tower after Tony Stark sold it. The final shot of the trailer might have provided the answer: Val. The Thunderbolts are seen meeting Val in a room with a wall of windows that strongly resembles Avengers Tower. With Val now the CIA director, she has the resources and ambition to turn this iconic building into her new headquarters, potentially setting the stage for some high-stakes action.
