Last year, Marvel Studios released a single film, yet they have an exciting lineup of three theatrical releases scheduled for 2025. These films include Captain America: Brave New World in February, Thunderbolts in May, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Each of these titles is set to contribute to the progression of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga in distinct ways. Notably, the three films appear quite different in tone and style. For example, while Brave New World is being promoted as a tense political thriller, The Fantastic Four boasts a retro-futuristic style reminiscent of the 1960s.
As for Thunderbolts, one of its stars, Sebastian Stan, noted that it channels more of a classic 1980s coming-of-age dramedy than what fans of the comics might anticipate. “Thunderbolts is really intriguing because it was so much fun,” Stan, returning to his role as Bucky Barnes, shared during his visit to Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I can’t wait to see how audiences respond [to it] because the closest comparison for me is The Breakfast Club.”
“It’s really that. It’s an odd group thrown together, and the humor is there, the tone is right. They’re all misfits,” Stan added excitedly. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Stan’s insights might be unexpected for some, but Thunderbolts indeed aims to gather an eclectic mix of existing MCU characters, including Bucky, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, David Harbour’s Alexei Shostakov, Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster, Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, among others.
Whether Thunderbolts will manage to create a cohesive dynamic among its mismatched protagonists—akin to how The Breakfast Club masterfully handled its teenage ensemble—remains to be seen. However, thanks to its quirky trailers, diverse cast, and Stan’s recent remarks, it’s evident that the film is striving for depth and complexity beyond a conventional superhero team-up.
Thunderbolts is slated for release in theaters on May 2.
