MCU Timeline Revealed for Thunderbolts: How It Connects to Past Events
Marvel fans have been curious about where Thunderbolts will fit into the ever-growing MCU timeline, and now, thanks to the release of its first trailer, the placement has been revealed. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, each new project adds layers to the complex chronological order of its stories, and Thunderbolts is no exception.
Where Does Thunderbolts Fit on the MCU Timeline?
The newly released trailer for Thunderbolts offers a key detail about the movie’s timeline placement. At the one-minute mark, Wyatt Russell’s John Walker (aka U.S. Agent) is seen scrolling on his phone, reading an article about his downfall chronicled in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The article mentions that these events happened “a few short years ago,” providing a clue that the movie takes place a handful of years after the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which is set in 2024.
This would put Thunderbolts in the MCU timeline somewhere between 2026 and 2029, making it one of the more recent entries chronologically. As it stands, Agatha All Along (taking place in 2026) is the most current MCU project in the timeline, but Thunderbolts might soon take that title if it occurs closer to 2029.
How Thunderbolts Connect to Other Titles
With such a packed cast, many fans are eager to know how the timelines for their favourite characters connect to Thunderbolts.
Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova was last seen in Hawkeye, which took place during Christmas 2024. By the time she reappears in Thunderbolts, several years will have passed in-universe since her hunt for Clint Barton.
Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and Wyatt Russell’s John Walker were last seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, set in 2024. Their return in Thunderbolts will mark a few years since their last MCU appearances.
David Harbour’s Red Guardian and Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster were last seen in Black Widow, a 2017 movie. The nearly decade-long gap in the timeline will provide some intrigue as to where these characters stand when they resurface.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Val, who has been assembling the Thunderbolts team behind the scenes, was last seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, set around 2025, just before Thunderbolts.
Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost last appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp in 2018, meaning she will have been off the radar for almost a decade when she joins the Thunderbolts crew.
By establishing Thunderbolts within the 2026-2029 timeline range, Marvel continues to play with its expansive universe, ensuring that the connections between its films and series remain consistent and engaging. As fans anticipate the release of Thunderbolts on May 2, 2025, they can expect to see how these beloved characters have evolved and what new dynamics they will bring to the MCU’s future stories.
