Chaos, comedy and not our Captain America. That’s what we can expect from Thunderbolts*. At least based on the Thunderbolts* special look from D23 Brazil.
Marvel debuted the new look at the upcoming film during its panel at the event Saturday. David Harbour was in attendance to represent the film, which is scheduled for a May 2, 2025, release. The feature introduces the Thunderbolts team of Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, John Walker/US Agent, Ghost, Taskmaster and Bob. However, the focus is mostly on the first three members, showcasing their personalities and abilities. It leaves room for curiosity, provides a brief explanation about why these people have been brought together and gives fans an exciting glimpse into what’s to come.
Here are our picks for the best moments from the Thunderbolts* special look from D23 Brazil:
The Red Guardian Limo Service
Finding out that, since helping take down the Red Room in Black Widow, Alexei Shostakov has been running the “Red Guardian Limo Service” is hilarious. What makes him qualified to run such a company? No clue. And yet it makes complete sense and feels so fitting for his character.
The service could be a front for something nefarious, though. It would make sense considering one of the hidden switches in the vehicle is supposed to engage defensive measures. Then again, when Alexei flipped the switch, Ginuwine’s “Pony” started blasting from the speakers, and party lights turned on. So maybe it is just a limousine after all.
Bucky Barnes on a Motorcycle
Let’s be real here. This was going to just be about Bucky Barnes on a motorcycle, casually taking out Humvees before taking out the limousine full of antiheroes. But all his action sequences in the Thunderbolts* special look are ridiculously awesome. So to highlight only Bucky’s introductory scene in this compilation would be a disservice.
It feels as though Bucky has embraced his Super Soldier abilities and isn’t shying away from the strength and skills that came from being the Winter Soldier. His longer hair is back, too! But he’s still Bucky, not the Winter Soldier that HYDRA created and not the Bucky who was struggling to navigate his life being cured of brainwashing but still burdened with the guilt of it. There’s even an instrumental track with heroic vibes that plays as Bucky cruises on the motorcycle with a massive weapon in hand. So though he’s engaging in some violent acts, it’s clear he’s still a good guy.
We last saw Bucky in Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, happily at the cookout where his contribution was a store-bought cookies and cream cake. So seeing how the man out of time ends up with the Thunderbolts is an intriguing thought. Until we find out, we’ll continue enjoying Bucky on a motorcycle as the wind blows through his hair.
Alexei Shostakov, the Winter Soldier Superfan
Speaking of Bucky Barnes, we’re more like the Red Guardian than we would’ve thought. When Bucky is on his motorcycle chasing the limousine and taking out Humvees, Alexei cannot help but rave about the Winter Soldier. Upon realizing Bucky is there, Alexei endearing says, “That guy, so cool.” He then cheers after Bucky takes out the last military vehicle.
It reminds us of how Marvel’s resident fanboy Phil Coulson would gush over Steve Rogers, and we love that!
Avengers Tower, Is That You?!
Spider-Man: Far From Home revealed that Avengers Tower was sold, but no mention was made about who Tony Stark sold it to. The Thunderbolts* special look may have finally given us the answer: Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Director of the CIA and presumed mastermind behind the Thunderbolts.
When the team exits an elevator and enters this grand open space of a skyscraper, Valentina is pouring herself a drink at the bar. She then greets her guests, “How crazy is it to think of all the monumental fights that happened exactly here where you’re standing? I mean, the place wasn’t cheap, but it’s got good optics.”
It’s important to note there’s nothing explicitly mentioned here. But Avengers Tower is a site that’d be worthy of a shoutout, and it was renovated after being sold. So the new look that the Thunderbolts* special look reveals aligns with the supposed setting.
Yelena Belova’s New Pet?
An enhanced assassin who has compassion for animals? We didn’t need another reason to love Yelena Belova, but we have one.
The Thunderbolts* D23 Brazil special look shows Yelena taking out several people in a hallway. The scene cuts to her walking outside, a guinea pig in hand. She then turns around, watches a building explode and continues on in a nonchalant manner.
What’s the story there? That remains to be explained. But all signs point to Yelena saving the animal from that explosion while still carrying out missions.
In the grand scheme of the narrative, what happens with the guinea pig probably isn’t crucial. But we still hope the film gives us concrete answers about what’s to come of the animal. Will Yelena keep the guinea pig as a pet for herself? If she does, what will she name them? Or does she give it to someone else like a teammate? We think Alexei could use a pet — assuming Yelena doesn’t want the animal, that is.
Super Soldier Bonding
When you’re in a car with a fellow Super Soldier, why not bond over that shared experience? Alexei sure did.
The Thunderbolts* special look shows a scene where Alexei and Bucky are riding in a car together. Alexei makes conversation by asking the World War II veteran about how he became a Super Soldier:
“What kind of Super Serum did you get?”
“I don’t know. Regular. Hydra.”
“Hydra? Oh, fancy.”
It’s a fun moment that captures both men’s personalities, showcases their dynamic, and offers an idea of how and what kind of humor is used in the movie.
Not Our Captain America
John Walker was never our Captain America, and the rest of the Thunderbolts seemingly agree. The Thunderbolts* special look doesn’t feature much of Ghost, but it does feature her calling him “the dime store Captain America.” As nice as it would have been to see more of her, that comment makes up for it.
When he retaliates by saying he was “the official Captain America,” Yelena is quick to counter with a mocking laugh: “Yeah, for like two seconds.”
We already love that scene, and we definitely love that energy.
