Thunderbolts* 2 IS Happening, Just Maybe Not How You Thought

by

Is it expected that there will be a second installment of Thunderbolts? This is one of the major questions left unanswered following the movie’s release, and it’s completely understandable given the series’ history. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phases 1-3, only one non-sequel film didn’t get a follow-up – The Incredible Hulk (disregarding its plot thread being revived 17 years later in Captain America: Brave New World). However, things have shifted significantly in Phases 4 through 6. Out of the 14 movies launched so far, nine are sequels, and that includes Black Widow.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to admit, the future of some Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) sequels seems a bit uncertain. The chances of Eternals 2 and Thunderbolts having a confirmed release date are slimmer than a superhero’s utility belt. Shang-Chi 2 might be on the horizon, but it appears to be taking a back seat for now.

The Fantastic Four 2, however, seems like it’ll grace our screens eventually, but we’re probably looking at least 2028 before that happens. So, where does that leave Thunderbolts? After a less-than-stellar box office performance, which earned it a spot among the five lowest-grossing MCU films, a sequel focusing solely on these characters seems unlikely. But here’s some good news – Thunderbolts isn’t completely out of the game! It’s indeed getting a sequel, but not exactly in the traditional sense we’re used to.

Avengers: Doomsday Is Thunderbolts* 2

In the upcoming film “Avengers: Doomsday,” it’s been officially announced that the New Avengers will make a comeback, just as foretold at the end of “Thunderbolts.” The team, including Bob, is set to appear in this movie, so fans can expect to see the following line-up on screen.

  • Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
  • Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
  • Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent
  • David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
  • Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds / Sentry
  • Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr / Ghost

In this upcoming Avengers film, also known as “Doomsday,” an extraordinary gathering of superhero teams is anticipated. Among them are the Fantastic Four from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the original X-Men, and Sam Wilson’s Avengers. However, it’s important to note that this time around, the Thunderbolts are not just any team; they are the New Avengers. This movie is expected to heavily feature these characters, marking their most significant joint appearance under the Thunderbolts banner. The story will build upon their evolution as a group from their previous appearances in “Thunderbolts,” delving deeper into their team dynamics and crucial relationships like Yelena and Bob’s, ultimately transforming them into genuine heroes.

Apart from battles against Doctor Doom and other antagonists in the movie, there’ll also be internal disputes among heroes to address as well. This is a continuation of the drama set up by the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts, where tensions between two distinct Avengers teams escalated, leading to Sam filing a lawsuit over copyright infringement. It’s unlikely that this conflict will be resolved easily, and the film will focus on how these characters handle this situation and still manage to work together, adding another layer of complexity to the plot.

Thunderbolts* Characters May Die In Avengers: Doomsday

In the comic book, Thunderbolts swiftly ended Taskmaster’s life, but surprisingly there were few deaths overall, with most major characters managing to survive, even if they weren’t left unharmed. This can be explained by the fact that the subsequent storyline is “Avengers: Doomsday,” which appears to be gathering as many characters as it can for what promises to be one of their greatest challenges yet. However, whether all the New Avengers members will survive this ordeal and its successor, “Avengers: Secret Wars,” remains uncertain.

The upcoming Avengers movies may signal a fresh start for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which might necessitate making room for some new characters to shine. These films should also have significant and concrete storylines, with deaths being a common method to create tension. However, it’s unlikely that Yelena will die, given that Pugh appears to be becoming one of the key figures in the MCU. Similarly, Pullman’s Sentry has too much promise to possibly perish.

Could we also consider the fates of other characters? Though it would be sad if any of them were to perish, given their character arcs, it seems plausible that some might meet their end. For instance, Red Guardian sacrificing himself for Yelena, John Walker becoming a hero before his demise, Bucky passing away after a long journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, maybe even sharing a final encounter with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) – these scenarios aren’t necessarily likely to occur, but they are possibilities due to the characters’ development.

Will There Ever Be An Actual Thunderbolts* 2?

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve pondered over potential sequels to the thrilling “Thunderbolts” saga, and while “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” could potentially serve as spiritual successors due to their expansive storylines, a true follow-up solely focusing on that team is harder to envision.

Firstly, it seems improbable to title another movie with “Thunderbolts,” given the current roster’s transformation and redefinition of the original name, linked to Yelena’s sports team. This unique connection wouldn’t translate well if someone else were to take over, even if they decided to resurrect characters like Baron Zemo and reform his comic book version of the team.

The Thunderbolts movie didn’t do well at the box office, making it less likely that there will be a more focused sequel. If some characters from this movie die in future Marvel productions like Doomsday or Secret Wars, it means fewer team members to bring back for a potential comeback. However, if these upcoming movies perform as hoped, they could create opportunities for some of the characters to shine. Yelena and Bob/Sentry appear to be the most likely candidates to lead future films, whether they’re part of a team-up event or a solo project. This might allow for further exploration of Thunderbolts themes, but without it being an official sequel.

Currently, you can watch “Thunderbolts” on Disney+. Mark your calendars for December 18th, 2026, as “Avengers: Doomsday” will be making its debut then. And if you’re a fan, don’t miss “Avengers: Secret Wars,” which is scheduled to be released a year later on December 17th, 2027.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/marvel-thunderbolts-characters-who-deserve-mcu-movies/embed/#

Read More

2025-08-28 15:10