Thunderbolts* debuts in almost a month, and I can’t believe Marvel has already revealed that six characters from the film will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Before the Avengers reᴀssemble in 2026, Marvel is introducing a more amateur version of the team, featuring several of the MCU’s best anti-heroes. Formed by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the Thunderbolts comprises several new and familiar faces, such as Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and U.S. Agent.
The film also introduces Sentry, a powerful hero who sometimes can become Marvel’s worst nightmare when his second idenтιтy, The Void, emerges. Thunderbolts* is essentially Marvel’s version of DC’s Suicide Squad, with some significant differences. The filmmakers and actors have teased that surprises are in store for the film, and no one is safe. However, Marvel just ruined that idea during its Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement, confirming that six Thunderbolts* characters appear in the film, meaning most of them will survive.
6 Thunderbolts* Characters Will Appear In Avengers: Doomsday
Most Of Marvel’s Newest Team Will Appear In The Next Avengers Film
On March 26, Marvel shared a five-hour live stream that slowly revealed the cast for Avengers: Doomsday via film set chairs. The cast included some familiar faces, like Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, and Anthony Mackie, and some surprises, like Ian McKellen, Channing Tatum, and Alan Cumming. It’s a mᴀssive cast, and includes members of Marvel’s newest teams: The Fantastic Four and the Thunderbolts. Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, Wyatt Russell, and Hannah John-Kamen are all being promoted from the Thunderbolts to the Avengers.
Stan is the only member of Thunderbolts* with Avengers experience, but the others have appeared in other MCU projects. Harbour and Pugh were co-stars in Black Widow, and Pugh’s Yelena returned to fight Clint Barton in Hawkeye. Russell’s John Walker briefly became Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier but lost the тιтle after getting demoted due to his violent outburst. John-Kamen’s Ghost previously fought two Avengers in Ant-Man and the Wasp and is looking for a fresh start. Pullman makes his MCU debut as Sentry in Thunderbolts*, but may be a powerful tool for the Avengers.
Their Confirmation Could Hurt The Thunderbolts* Premise
Thunderbolts* Has Lost Much Of Its Mystery
Part of Thunderbolts*‘ intrigue is that each character is supposedly at risk. None of these characters are considered heavy hitters within the MCU, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Fontaine recruited them to use them as cannon fodder, similar to Amanda Waller with the Suicide Squad. This film is fascinating because Marvel often plays it safe. Not many MCU characters have died, and the ones that do die are often resurrected in some way. The multiverse is a way of bringing back actors like Hugh Jackman and Downey Jr, despite their characters’ deaths.
Thunderbolts* finally felt like a film with stakes. Even though characters like Bucky, Yelena, and Red Guardian are fan-favorites, it would not have been surprising if they died in this film. However, the Doomsday cast announcement ruins this element since we know they’re in the next Avengers film. The only character on the chopping block is Taskmaster, but her absence from the trailers has already hinted that her fate is grim. It’s possible they’re all variants in Doomsday, but that would be a cheap way to bring them back.
I’m Still Excited To See Several Of These Characters In The Avengers
I’m glad they’re not all dying in Thunderbolts*
While I’m annoyed that Marvel essentially spoiled Thunderbolts* with its casting announcement, I’m glad to see several of them join the Avengers. Yelena is one of my favorite characters since Endgame, and it’ll be a good way for Marvel to honor Black Widow’s legacy without bringing back Scarlett Johansson. She has fantastic chemistry with Harbour’s Red Guardian, and he’ll be a welcome addition to the team. Bucky isn’t necessarily surprising since he’s a crucial MCU character. However, I’m happy that Thunderbolts* won’t be his final appearance.
Doomsday will be better with these characters, but I wish Marvel announced the cast after Thunderbolts* premiered.
Bucky has one of the best character arcs, and his political narrative as a congressman should be fascinating. Ghost and John Walker were both interesting antagonists in their first MCU appearances, and their redemption arcs could be one of the best parts of Thunderbolts* and Doomsday. I’m also glad Sentry won’t be a one-off character, and he’ll get to show his full potential, fighting Doctor Doom alongside the Avengers. Doomsday will be better with these characters, but I wish Marvel announced the cast after Thunderbolts* premiered.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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MCU Spider-Man 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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