Marvel film directed by Jake Schreier starring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, Thunderbolts will be released on Disney+ on January 30, 2026, following its VOD debut in 2025.
Marvel Studios expands its lineup with Thunderbolts*, an action-packed fantasy film directed by Jake Schreier, starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour. Released in theaters on April 30, 2025, this 36th Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film—and the last of Phase 5—brings together a team of anti-heroes and former foes, many of whom we’ve seen before in the franchise, under the supervision of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). After premiering on VOD, the movie will be available on Disney+ from January 30, 2026.
At the center of the story, Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and several morally complex characters find themselves recruited for a high-stakes mission. Oriented in a world where moral boundaries are blurred, these outcasts of the system must navigate their pasts, conflicting agendas, and differing methods, all while falling into a trap that tightens around them. The film explores a tense, fractured group dynamic, where the very notion of redemption remains uncertain.
The story picks up where recent Marvel Cinematic Universe events left off, particularly following Captain America: Brave New World. Joining forces with Yelena and Bucky, the team brings together Red Guardian, Ghost, John Walker, and Taskmaster, who must work together despite underlying tensions. The arrival of Sentry rounds out this ensemble, while Valentina orchestrates operations behind the scenes, though there’s no guarantee everyone will find the outcome they’re hoping for.
The Thunderbolts Trailer Is Here
Thunderbolts
Originally based on a comic team created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley (first appearing in The Incredible Hulk #449, January 1997), the project went through several stages of development. The initial screenplay was written by Eric Pearson, but it was later revised to emphasize a more ensemble feel, with significant contributions from Lee Sung Jin. The film’s progress was also slowed by strikes involving writers and actors. As for the cast, Lewis Pullman has taken on the role of Sentry, replacing Steven Yeun, who had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
Thunderbolts* is aimed at fans of superhero movies who enjoy darker stories, like Suicide Squad or Guardians of the Galaxy. This film targets an adult audience familiar with the MCU’s evolution, seeking a more complex and morally ambiguous portrayal of its characters. What makes Thunderbolts* stand out is its concept of redemption intertwined with often questionable motives, featuring characters who are neither wholly good nor entirely villainous. Expect this movie to inject fresh energy into the Marvel universe by moving away from multiverse storylines and focusing on more grounded, human conflicts. If you’ve enjoyed Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Thunderbolts* might just live up to your expectations.
Our Review of Thunderbolts:
So, does Marvel Studios manage to redeem itself with Thunderbolts, after a string of recent films that divided fans? The answer is yes, and it was more than time. Thunderbolts is a solid, energetic film that delivers punchy action scenes as well as sharp, well-crafted dialogue. It also remains coherent in its storytelling. While it follows a familiar formula, it leaves enough room for the characters’ personalities to shine through.
We see Florence Pugh adding depth to Yelena Belova, a well-written and compelling character. Hannah John-Kamen, as Ghost, finally gets her moment after feeling somewhat flat in Ant-Man & The Wasp. Then there’s Wyatt Russell (John Walker) and David Harbour (The Red Guardian), whose roles here lean more toward comic relief… An effective genre mash-up that works well, thanks in part to a standout cast. For example, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine exudes a vibe reminiscent of Selina Meyer (from the series Veep), minus the vulgarity. Basically, we loved it! The Sentry character also proves to be quite intriguing.
The film is well-paced, balancing action with quieter moments that allow emotions to come through. It’s a refreshing change from superhero movies that race at full throttle! The only gripe is that it feels a bit mild in its approach to the anti-hero genre (although, to be fair, the only comparable reference might be Suicide Squad), perhaps a tad too sanitized. Still, it’s worth the watch!
And of course, don’t miss the two post-credit scenes, especially the second, which hints at an exciting future for the MCU’s hero adventures. Whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or someone disappointed by recent releases who’s willing to give the universe another chance (trust us, it’s worth it!), this film is a must-see. Now it’s up to you to go see it and form your own opinion.
Thunderbolts* | Film | Expected in theaters: April 30, 2025
Streaming debut on Disney+: January 30, 2026
Action, Fantasy | Runtime: 2h06
Directed by Jake Schreier | Starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour
Original title: Thunderbolts*
Country: United States
Thunderbolts
Blending team dynamics, mission-driven storytelling, and established character arcs, Thunderbolts* ventures into a darker, more ambiguous corner of the MCU—where the very idea of heroism is up for debate within the team itself. Its release on Disney+ positions it neatly within the franchise’s recent timeline, bridging the gap between movies and series.
For those looking to explore further, check out our curated list of Disney+ new releases for January, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top pick in what to watch today in streaming.
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