‘Thunderbolts*’ Sequel Could Assemble an All-New Team of Antiheroes, According to a New Report
When ‘Thunderbolts*’ arrived in theaters on May 2, 2025, it quickly became one of Marvel’s best-reviewed films in years. Directed by Jake Schreier, the movie brought together a misfit crew of antiheroes, including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, John Walker, and Bob, who ended the film rebranded as the New Avengers.
Despite the critical acclaim, the film didn’t make the biggest impact at the box office. Still, Marvel appears to see a future for the franchise. Earlier this year, insider Alex Perez reported that a ‘Thunderbolts*’ sequel was among the studio’s priorities after ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, alongside ‘Black Panther 3’, ‘Shang-Chi 2’, ‘Spider-Man 5’, the ‘X-Men’ reboot, ‘Blade’, ‘Midnight Sons’ and the next Avengers title.
Now Perez has offered a cryptic but intriguing update. In his latest Q&A with The Cosmic Circus, a fan asked whether the sequel would feature the same team from the first film or a new Thunderbolts roster with characters like Bullseye and Abomination.
“…Yes,” Perez told The Cosmic Circus, suggesting the answer could involve both. Cosmic Marvel has since highlighted the report, noting that the sequel will reportedly introduce a new Thunderbolts team.
Perez also addressed Bullseye directly. He said it was too early to share specifics, but that he has heard rumors of the ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ villain being brought to the big screen and interacting with the Thunderbolts.
This isn’t the first time a new lineup has been floated. In August, The Cosmic Circus reported that Marvel was considering a new version of the Thunderbolts, with a possible roster including a new Taskmaster, Abomination, Melissa Gold, also known as Songbird, and Bullseye.
The new trailer for ‘THUNDERBOLTS*’ has been released. In theaters on May 2. https://t.co/gVqRvwoZ1k
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 9, 2025
That team could reportedly be led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the scheming politician who assembled the original group before they escaped her control and became the New Avengers. At the time, the report stressed that the idea was still just a plan.
The pieces for Bullseye’s involvement may already be in place. ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ season 2 ended with the assassin finding a new purpose through Mr. Charles, played by Matthew Lillard, an enforcer working for Valentina.
Set photos from season 3 have also shown Bullseye receiving a new suit from his new handlers, complete with a helmet featuring an integrated camera. Wilson Bethel, who plays the character, has said he would love to join a new version of the Thunderbolts.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ season 3 is expected in 2027, which could set up any future crossover. The original team isn’t going anywhere just yet. Several members, including Yelena, Bucky, Red Guardian, Ghost, John Walker, and Bob, are set to appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, which arrives in theaters on December 18.
A sequel that introduces a new Thunderbolts squad could allow the New Avengers to continue their own journey while Valentina builds another team of morally gray operatives. That dynamic could set up a compelling clash between the 2 groups.
As with any insider report, fans should treat the details with caution. Marvel Studios has not officially announced a ‘Thunderbolts*’ sequel or confirmed any new team members. Still, the idea of a fresh lineup featuring Bullseye, Abomination, and Songbird has already sparked excitement online. If the reports prove accurate, the franchise could become one of Marvel’s most interesting post-‘Secret Wars’ projects.
What would you most like to see in a potential Thunderbolts* sequel?
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