If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out when did Thunderbolts come out, the answer is a little messy. It’s a mix of "already here" and "not quite yet," depending on whether you’re talking about the comic book legends or the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) blockbuster. Honestly, keeping track of Marvel’s release calendar lately feels like a full-time job.
Let’s clear the air immediately. The movie, officially titled Thunderbolts*, is currently scheduled to hit theaters on May 2, 2025.
It’s been a long road. If it feels like you’ve been waiting for this movie since the dawn of time, you aren’t crazy. The project has been shuffled, delayed, and paused more times than a glitchy YouTube video. Between global strikes and the general reshuffling of the Disney slate, the timeline has shifted significantly from its original 2024 projections.
The Long Journey to May 2025
Marvel fans are used to waiting. But the "when did Thunderbolts come out" question usually stems from the fact that we’ve seen these characters for years. This isn't an origin story for individuals; it's a "team-up" of the MCU’s most lovable disasters.
Originally, Disney had high hopes for a 2024 release. Then the industry-wide strikes happened. The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023 halted production entirely. This wasn't just a minor hiccup. It meant that cameras couldn't roll, scripts couldn't be polished, and the VFX teams—who are already under a mountain of work at Marvel—had to wait.
The film is directed by Jake Schreier. You might know him from Paper Towns or his work on the brilliant Netflix series Beef. Having him at the helm gives people hope that this won't be a generic "punch-the-bad-guy" movie. It feels like it’s going to have actual soul.
Production Milestones and Setbacks
Filming finally got underway in early 2024. Locations spanned from Atlanta—the home base for basically every Marvel project—to parts of Utah and even New York.
There was a weird bit of news during production where Steven Yeun, who everyone was hyped to see as the Sentry, had to drop out. Scheduling conflicts are a nightmare. Lewis Pullman eventually stepped into the role. It’s these kinds of behind-the-scenes shifts that make fans feel like the movie has been "coming out" for ages without actually arriving.
Why the Asterisk Matters
You might have noticed the title is officially Thunderbolts*. Yes, with an asterisk.
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Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the MCU, confirmed the asterisk is intentional. He basically told fans we won’t know why it’s there until after we see the movie. This has led to wild theories. Is the team going to be renamed the Dark Avengers? Are they all going to die? Probably not the latter, given Disney loves a sequel, but the mystery adds a layer of frustration for those just wanting a straight release date.
When Did Thunderbolts Come Out in the Comics?
If you aren't looking for the movie, you might be asking about the source material. This is where the history gets really cool.
The Thunderbolts first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449, which hit stands in January 1997. They were created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.
At the time, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four were "dead" (comics are weird). A new team of heroes emerged to fill the void. The twist at the end of Thunderbolts #1 is still considered one of the greatest "gotcha" moments in comic history.
Spoiler alert for a 30-year-old comic: They weren't heroes. They were the Masters of Evil in disguise, led by Baron Zemo.
- Thunderbolts Vol 1: Released in 1997.
- New Thunderbolts: Launched in 2004.
- Thunderbolts (Marvel NOW!): The 2012 era featuring Red Hulk.
- Winter Soldier and the Thunderbolts: 2016.
So, if you’re a comic reader, "when did Thunderbolts come out" has an answer rooted in the late 90s. The team has been a staple of Marvel publishing for nearly three decades, evolving from a group of villains pretending to be heroes into a government-sanctioned strike force.
The Cast: Who Are We Actually Waiting For?
The reason this movie has so much hype is the roster. It’s basically a sequel to Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Hawkeye all at once.
Florence Pugh is back as Yelena Belova. She is arguably the "main character" of this ensemble. Then you have Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier), who seems to be the reluctant adult in the room.
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David Harbour returns as Red Guardian, which is great because we need the comedic relief. Wyatt Russell is U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen is Ghost, and Olga Kurylenko is Taskmaster. Rounding it out is Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine—the woman pulling the strings.
It’s a massive cast. Getting all these people in one room at the same time is probably why the production took so long to get off the ground.
Comparing Thunderbolts to Suicide Squad
People keep calling this Marvel’s Suicide Squad. It’s a fair comparison, honestly. Both involve a group of reformed (or not-so-reformed) villains doing the government’s dirty work.
But there’s a nuance here. The Thunderbolts aren't necessarily "bad" in the way some DC villains are. They’re mostly people who have been used by systems. Bucky was a brainwashed assassin. Yelena was a victim of the Red Room. John Walker was a soldier who cracked under pressure.
The tone of the trailers we’ve seen suggests a more grounded, gritty, "John Wick-lite" vibe than the cosmic scale of Guardians of the Galaxy. This grounded approach is likely why the May 2025 release date is being treated as a major tentpole for Marvel’s "return to form."
What to Watch Before the 2025 Release
If you want to be fully prepared for when the movie finally drops, you have a bit of homework. You don't have to watch everything, but it helps.
- Black Widow (2021): This is essential for Yelena and Red Guardian’s backstories.
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021): This introduces John Walker and shows Bucky’s current mental state. It also introduces Val.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018): This gives you the origin of Ghost.
- Hawkeye (2021): More Yelena development.
Watching these will make the May 2025 arrival much more satisfying. You’ll see the breadcrumbs Marvel has been dropping for years.
Why Was Thunderbolts Delayed So Often?
It’s a valid question. The MCU has faced some criticism lately for "superhero fatigue." Disney CEO Bob Iger has been vocal about slowing down the pace of releases to focus on quality.
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The delay from 2024 to 2025 wasn't just about the strikes. It was about breathing room. Deadpool & Wolverine was the only Marvel movie in 2024. By pushing Thunderbolts to May 2025, Marvel is trying to ensure that each movie feels like an event again.
They also had to deal with the Jonathan Majors situation, which threw the entire "Multiverse Saga" into a tailspin. While Thunderbolts is largely a grounded, street-level movie, it still has to fit into the broader narrative arc leading up to the next Avengers films.
Looking Toward the Future of the Team
When May 2, 2025, finally rolls around, what should we expect?
The rumors are swirling that this movie sets up the "Sentry" as a major power player in the MCU. If you aren't familiar, Sentry is basically Marvel’s version of Superman, but with a terrifying, dark split personality called the Void.
If the movie delivers, Thunderbolts won't just be a one-off. It will likely launch a new sub-franchise. We could see these characters popping up in the New Avengers or facing off against the Fantastic Four.
Actionable Steps for Fans
To stay ahead of the curve and make sure you're ready for the release, here is what you should do:
- Check Local Listings in April 2025: Tickets for major Marvel movies usually go on sale about a month in advance. If you want opening night, you have to be fast.
- Revisit the 1997 Comics: Grab a digital subscription to Marvel Unlimited and read the original Kurt Busiek run. It’s spectacular and will give you a deeper appreciation for the team's "villainous" roots.
- Watch the Official Trailers: Marvel usually drops the "big" trailer during the Super Bowl or shortly after. Keep an eye out in early 2025 for the final marketing push.
- Track the "Asterisk" Theories: Follow reliable fan communities to see if any more info leaks regarding the Thunderbolts* title change. It’s going to be the biggest talking point leading up to the premiere.
The wait is almost over. After years of questions about when did Thunderbolts come out, we finally have a solid target. Mark your calendars for May. It’s going to be a wild ride.