Thunderbolts* 2: Will It Happen, Which Cast Members Could Return And Everything We Know

Warning! This article contains major SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*Now Thunderbolts* has hit theaters, it’s worth addressing whether the MCU will release Thunderbolts* 2, and which cast members might return. Given that Thunderbolts* has struck a chord with MCU fans, it makes sense that a swath will be clamoring for a sequel. The overall tone of Thunderbolts* felt decidedly unique among MCU installments, and positive reactions suggest that Marvel Studios should continue pursuing this brand of team-up.

Thunderbolts* at least proved that the тιтular team is compelling enough to carry a second movie. The team is now the foremost example of an MCU underdog story, with members whose stories are primed to be explored further as they have proved themselves to be among the most relatable characters in the MCU. Here’s whether Marvel Studios intends to capitalize on this hype with a second solo movie.

Thunderbolts* 2 Has Not Been Confirmed

Thunderbolts* Needs Time To Settle

Still, the widely positive response to Thunderbolts* could translate to a new franchise in a similar way to the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team that was largely unknown when it debuted in the MCU.

The announcement of a sequel will likely hinge on the financial success of Thunderbolts*. With Spider-Man and the Avengers being the MCU’s most successful franchises, it stands to reason that their sequels would be announced in short order. Whether Thunderbolts* will rake in as much as these highly profitable franchises remains to be seen, especially as the characters in Thunderbolts* aren’t as popular as Spider-Man. Still, the widely positive response to Thunderbolts* could translate to a new franchise in a similar way to the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team that was largely unknown when it debuted in the MCU.

Thunderbolts* 2 Cast: Who Could Return

Only One Of The Main Cast Won’t Be Returning

Should the Thunderbolts (or the New Avengers) return in a future movie, it would likely comprise a similar set of faces. By the end of Thunderbolts*, only one of the characters on the billing met their (unceremonious) end – namely, Antonia Dreykov’s Taskmaster. The rest of the team not only came out unscathed but arguably in better mental shape than when they embarked on their perilous journey together. With that in mind, the returning cast members for Thunderbolts* 2 would likely include:

Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds
Wyatt Russell as John Walker
David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov
Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

With Valentina being the Thunderbolts* secondary villain, her return is perhaps the most surprising. Nevertheless, with Yelena ᴀsserting in the final scene of Thunderbolts* that they “own” her now, it stands to reason that Louis-Dreyfus would reprise the role as the team’s browbeaten figurehead, especially as the actress and her character are so popular. This all hinges, however, on whether the team survives their confirmed next appearance.

The Thunderbolts* Cast Will Return In Avengers: Doomsday

They Were Confirmed To Be Returning In Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Live Stream

A surprise live stream from Marvel Studios in March confirmed that all of the Thunderbolts* main cast, barring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Olga Kurylenko, will be returning for Avengers: Doomsday. In fact, the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene seemed to directly set the movie up, as the Fantastic Four’s spaceship was seen entering the MCU’s main universe, Earth-616, presumably as they escape their own after the events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This also all but confirms that the Thunderbolts* stars will be reprising their Earth-616 character roles rather than variants.

Many of the cast from the original X-Men movies were also confirmed to be returning in Avengers: Doomsday.

The specific role that the Thunderbolts/New Avengers will play in Avengers: Doomsday remains to be seen, though Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige recently confirmed that they’ll be joining up with other super-teams to face off against Doom. Whatever the case, the ending of Thunderbolts* suggested friction between the New Avengers and the Avengers that Sam Wilson intends to form, setting up an interesting dynamic ahead of Avengers: Doomsday‘s release in 2026. Should they follow the trend set by Thunderbolts*, it’s also possible that they will emerge unscathed despite being clear underdogs in the fight.

Upcoming MCU Movies

Thunderbolts*

Release Date

May 2, 2025

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Release Date

July 25, 2025

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Avengers: Doomsday

Release Date

May 1, 2026

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Release Date

July 31, 2026

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Avengers: Secret Wars

Release Date

May 7, 2027

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