As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement as Thunderbolts* is about to hit the silver screen soon! With its impending release, this is an ideal moment for us fans to revisit the stellar works of our favorite stars outside their Marvel Cinematic Universe roles. The upcoming movie presents a fresh, formidable team of anti-heroes, primarily composed of characters deeply rooted in the MCU.
Following the mixed reactions to Captain America: Brave New World, it’s clear that the long-standing comic book franchise is yearning for a rejuvenation. Thunderbolts* promises to deliver with its gritty, street-level action and captivating character interactions – a standalone tale that’s sure to be a breath of fresh air. The star-studded cast of the MCU’s next cinematic adventure includes several A-list celebrities, along with a few promising new talents making their mark in mainstream films and television.
As a cinephile, I’ve got some exciting news for fellow movie enthusiasts! The stellar cast of the upcoming film “Thunderbolts*” has graced our screens with outstanding performances in countless fantastic movies and television series, even outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To ensure you don’t miss out on their brilliance when “Thunderbolts*” storms into cinemas, I highly recommend adding these talented actors to your watchlist right away!
Florence Pugh
In “Thunderbolts,” Florence Pugh is set to appear for the third time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying Yelena Belova – a former Red Room assassin and adoptive sister of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. Prior to her MCU roles, Pugh gained recognition through notable films like “Lady MacBeth” (2016) and “King Lear” (2018). However, it was her breakout performance in “Fighting with My Family” (2019) that truly brought her into the limelight. The same year, Pugh gave an award-nominated portrayal of Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women,” a role that significantly boosted her career and solidified her current status as a star.
After making her appearance as a recurring character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the 2021 film “Black Widow”, Pugh has skillfully balanced her role within this major franchise by accepting both minor and leading roles across various projects. These projects range from high-profile blockbusters like “Oppenheimer”, “Dune: Part Two”, and “Don’t Worry Darling” to lesser-known yet captivating productions such as “The Wonder”, “A Good Person”, and “We Live in Time”.
It’s challenging to find a young actor with as impressive a filmography as Florence Pugh. Among her many exceptional roles, her lead performance in Ari Aster’s 2019 horror film Midsommar stands out as particularly noteworthy. This movie is both deeply unsettling and brutally shocking, with its portrayal of a sinister Swedish cult. The film peels back the cult’s wholesome exterior to reveal something truly horrific beneath. Pugh’s performance as Dani, a character coping with the trauma of her sister’s murder-suicide of their parents, is nothing short of mesmerizing. She beautifully captures Dani’s journey from paranoia and fear to acceptance of her fate over the course of the movie.
Right now, you won’t find “Midsommar” streaming on popular platforms, but fear not! You can still watch it by renting or buying the movie on numerous Video On Demand (VOD) services.
Sebastian Stan
Veteran actor Sebastian Stan, well-known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is poised to reprise his character Bucky Barnes in an upcoming film titled “Thunderbolts*“. Beyond his comic book movie roles, Stan has made appearances across various genres. His earlier notable works include a 4-year stint on the TV show “Gossip Girl” from 2007 to 2010 and the 2010 film “Black Swan”, before joining the MCU in 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger”. Remarkably, many of Stan’s most acclaimed performances have emerged from his more recent projects. Additionally, the actor has demonstrated a talent for portraying real-life personalities. In 2022, he earned an Emmy nomination for his role as Tommy Lee in Hulu’s miniseries “Pam & Tommy”, and secured his first Oscar nod for playing a young Donald Trump in the 2024 film “The Apprentice”.
In 2024, Stan gave an exceptional performance in the film “A Different Man”. Here, he plays Edward Lemuel, a neurofibromatosis patient who acts aspiringly, undergoing a novel medical procedure to alter his facial features. The reality of Edward’s new face turns out to be far from what he anticipated, leading to an engaging exploration of self-discovery. Stan masterfully portrays the film’s main character, with his emotional range adding depth to the storyline. “A Different Man” offers a blend of humor, introspection, and wit throughout, making it a must-watch for fans of Stan due to its profound depiction of identity struggles and the impact of facial transformations on one’s self-image.
A Different Man is available to stream on Max.
David Harbour
David Harbour’s character Alexei Shostakov, also known as Red Guardian, will reappear in the MCU for the first time since his introduction in Black Widow. After making a splash in his debut role as Gregg Beam in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, Harbour went on to star in notable films such as Revolutionary Road from the 1950s and State of Play. The actor’s portrayal of Frank Masters in The Equalizer (2014) is particularly noteworthy, and his performance as Reed Akley in Manhattan remains one of his most underappreciated roles on television.
Harbour truly shines as Jim Hopper in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things.” This popular show centers around a tight-knit group of young friends who encounter unexplained supernatural occurrences in 1980s Indiana, unveiling a complex network of extraterrestrial dangers and government secrets. Over the course of its four seasons, Harbour masterfully portrays Hopper, the police chief of Hawkins, Indiana, and adoptive father to Millie Bobby Brown’s character Eleven. Fans eagerly anticipate the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” with the show continuing to be one of the most gripping productions on television. The series boasts compelling plot developments, touching relationships between characters, and numerous unexpected turns, making it an exceptional work of storytelling.
Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.
Hannah John-Kamen
Hannah John-Kamen will reprise her role as Ava Starr/Ghost in the upcoming film, “Thunderbolts.” This will be her second appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following her significant part in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” from 2018. The range of John-Kamen’s acting skills is demonstrated by her small roles in popular British TV series such as “Misfits,” “Whitechapel,” and “Happy Valley,” as well as big-screen franchises like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” from 2015 and “Tomb Raider” from 2018. Additionally, she made a brief appearance in Season 6 of “Game of Thrones” as the character Ornela.
Just prior to her Marvel Cinematic Universe introduction, Lupita Nyong’o had one of her most significant roles in Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One.” The movie, based on the book with the same title, tells an engrossing story that unfolds within a virtual reality world. Following the death of the creator of OASIS (the virtual world), various factions commence a quest to discover his Easter egg, which gives its finder control over the entire reality. In this movie, Nyong’o plays F’Nale Zandor, the leader of the antagonistic group called the Sixers, who are employees of an evil corporation. “Ready Player One” is a rollercoaster ride throughout its 2 hours and 30 minutes, packed with speed, action, and unexpected twists. It stands as Nyong’o’s most impressive project to date.
Ready Player One is available to rent or purchase across various VOD platforms.
Wyatt Russell
2021 marked the introduction of Wyatt Russell’s John Walker in the Disney+ series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and this character is set to make his big-screen debut in “Thunderbolts.” Beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Russell’s acting career encompasses roles like Zook from the comedy “22 Jump Street,” Corporal Lewis Ford in the WWII zombie film “Overlord,” and Dan Lafferty in the miniseries “Under the Banner of Heaven.” Russell also portrayed the younger version of his father, Kurt Russell’s character, in Apple TV+’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
The most impressive role in the actor’s career so far is from the 2017 dark comedy titled “Ingrid Goes West.” Directed by Matt Spicer, this film tells the story of a woman with mental issues who relocates to Los Angeles to stalk her favorite social media celebrity. In addition to fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) actors Elizabeth Olsen, Aubrey Plaza, and Pom Klementieff, Russell takes on the character of Ezra, the husband of the celebrity that Plaza’s Ingrid Thorburn becomes obsessed with. “Ingrid Goes West” is an exhilarating movie experience, showcasing remarkable acting performances. It combines humor with intelligent observations about fame and fan culture, seamlessly integrating a sense of tragedy within its comedic elements. Fans of Russell and the other MCU stars in “Ingrid Goes West” will appreciate this sharp satire.
Ingrid Goes West is currently available to stream on Tubi.
Olga Kurylenko
Following her debut as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster in Black Widow, Olga Kurylenko will reappear in Thunderbolts. Among her notable roles, Kurylenko played the wife of Tom Cruise’s character in the 2013 sci-fi hit Oblivion. Additionally, she starred in the 2017 political satire The Death of Stalin and the Netflix miniseries Treason, sharing screen time with Marvel actor Charlie Cox.
In essence, the most notable role for Kurylenko is that of Camille Montes in “Quantum of Solace.” This 2008 film, featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond, presents the classic MI6 agent partnering with Camille, a covert agent from Bolivia, to thwart Quantum’s plan to control the nation’s water resources. Just like other James Bond films, both old and new, “Quantum of Solace” is brimming with action and thrilling combat sequences. Craig and Kurylenko make an excellent pair in their roles, displaying remarkable chemistry when they share screen time. Before the release of “Thunderbolts,” a movie in the MCU, “Quantum of Solace” serves as an entertaining prelude to appreciate Kurylenko’s action-packed prowess on screen.
Quantum of Solace is available to rent or purchase across various VOD platforms.
Lewis Pullman
Lewis Pullman will make his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Robert Reynolds/Sentry within the movie “Thunderbolts”. Before 2025, he had gained recognition for his role as hotel manager Miles Miller in the 2018 crime thriller “Bad Times at the El Royale”. Later on, he starred as Lt. Bob Floyd in the successful 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick”. On television, Pullman has become well-known for his portrayal of Rhett Abbott, the son of Josh Brolin’s character Royal Abbott from Prime Video’s western series “Outer Range”.
In a notable career milestone for Pullman, his latest venture is also a television series. The 2023 Apple TV+ limited series “Lessons in Chemistry,” based on Bonnie Garmus’s 2022 novel of the same name, showcases Pullman in a significant role. This series follows the life of chemist Elizabeth Zott, brilliantly portrayed by Brie Larson from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the 1960s, after losing her job as a lab technician, Elizabeth finds herself unexpectedly hosting a cooking TV show that emphasizes the science behind cooking. Pullman stars as Calvin Evans, a fellow chemist who Elizabeth encounters and falls in love with.
The television series, titled “Lessons in Chemistry,” offers a captivating blend of humor, emotion, and warmth throughout its eight episodes. Notably, this show features outstanding performances from both Larson and Pullman, which are undoubtedly their career highlights. Beyond being just a whimsical culinary tale, the series delves deeply into the characters’ past struggles and victories, while skillfully portraying the rampant sexism and racism prevalent during that era. If you’re eager to get acquainted with Pullman before his role in “Thunderbolts*,” I strongly recommend watching “Lessons in Chemistry ” first.
Lessons in Chemistry is available to stream on Apple TV+.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
In the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Thunderbolts,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus will make her third appearance as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Known for her comedic prowess, Louis-Dreyfus previously shone in HBO’s political satire series “Veep,” where she portrayed a U.S. vice president whose tenure as the nation’s second-in-command was nothing like she anticipated. Outside of this, she led the sitcom “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and starred in the 2013 romantic comedy “Enough Said.
For nearly a decade from 1990 to 1998, Julia Louis-Dreyfus was famously known for her role as Elaine Benes in the sitcom Seinfeld, which also starred Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards. This popular TV show centered around the lives of these friends living in New York City, often filled with unusual events. Seinfeld is widely recognized as one of the greatest shows ever made due to its clever mix of witty and absurd humor. The endearing characters portrayed by the cast played a significant role in earning Seinfeld the title of a timeless classic. Louis-Dreyfus’ exceptional performance on the show launched her into future roles in comedy and other genres, and even today, Seinfeld remains the most distinguished credit in her career.
All seasons of Seinfeld are available to stream on Netflix.
Thunderbolts* opens in theaters on May 2nd.
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2025-04-24 01:42