The latest Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* trailer dropped during the Big Game, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing and unconventional Marvel films to date. Unlike the Avengers, this team isn’t composed of classic heroes. Instead, a group of misfits, outcasts, and former villains is thrust into a mission that demands teamwork—whether they like it or not.
A Different Kind of Team
The trailer makes it clear: The Avengers aren’t coming. This time, it’s up to a crew of morally ambiguous figures to protect the American people. Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier), Red Guardian, U.S. Agent John Walker, Taskmaster, and Ghost all find themselves reluctantly thrown together. But as they quickly realize, teamwork isn’t exactly their strong suit.
One of the most humorous yet telling moments from the trailer comes when the team discusses their abilities:
“So none of us can fly?”
“So what, we all just punch and shoot?”
This exchange, delivered with perfect comedic timing, highlights the lack of traditional superhero abilities. There are no super-powered gods or genius-billionaire-tech heroes here—just bruisers, fighters, and killers trying to figure out their place in this uneasy alliance.
A Threat Bigger Than Themselves
While the trailer keeps the major plot points under wraps, there are hints at a major global threat. The menacing presence of Sentry looms in the background, suggesting that this unstable Superman-like figure could be the team’s biggest challenge yet. Some fans speculate that the dark entity known as The Void could also play a role, making Sentry an even bigger wildcard.
As one character ominously puts it:
“You thought you were going to be great saviors? You can’t even save yourselves.”
This line perfectly encapsulates the Thunderbolts’ struggle—not just with the external threat but with their own personal demons. Unlike the Avengers, these characters carry heavy baggage, and their past mistakes aren’t easily left behind.
Red Guardian’s Unfiltered Optimism
One standout element from the trailer is Red Guardian, played by David Harbour, who brings his signature blend of humor and brute-force enthusiasm to the role. Fans were quick to note his hilarious outbursts and chaotic energy:
“This team can be the heroes on the Wheaties box… with the little kiddy toy…”
“Alexei, have you slept?”
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead!”
It’s clear that Red Guardian sees this mission as his chance to prove himself—perhaps more than anyone else on the team.
Bucky Barnes: The Reluctant Leader?
Another key takeaway from the trailer is Bucky Barnes’ evolving role. Fans have long speculated about his place in the post-Endgame world, and it appears that Thunderbolts will push him into a leadership role. With Steve Rogers gone, Bucky is left to navigate his own path, and he may just find that leading this ragtag team is part of his journey.
One fan comment perfectly summed up this development:
“It’s really nice to see Bucky follow in Steve’s footsteps and take on more of a leader role. This is like his version of the Avengers.”
Fan Reactions: Excitement, Humor, and Wild Predictions
The internet was buzzing after the trailer release, with fans sharing their excitement and hilarious takes:
- Red Guardian’s fate: “Red Guardian really has that ‘die in the movie’ type of aura.”
- The struggle is real: “Arm popped off like my old action figures.”
- Bucky’s continued misfortune: “1:05 Not Bucky getting his arm taken off again in a fight bro can’t catch a break 😭”
- Potential iconic moments: “If Bucky yells out ‘ARMED AND DANGEROUS’ on Sentry/Void, it’ll be absolute cinema.”
- John Walker’s skepticism: “I really hope the whole ‘Please can we not call ourselves the Thunderbolts’ is the whole reason for the asterisk in the title.”
Final Thoughts: The Underdog Team We Didn’t Know We Needed
Thunderbolts is shaping up to be a refreshing departure from the typical Marvel formula. Instead of a polished team of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, we’re getting a group of flawed, reluctant antiheroes who may—or may not—come together for the greater good. With humor, action, and a whole lot of uncertainty, this film has the potential to be one of the most unique entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Whether they rise to glory or crash and burn spectacularly, one thing’s for sure: this team is about to make some noise.
Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts hits theaters on May 2, 2025. Are you ready?*
