Warning! This article contains major SPOILERS for ThunderboltsNowThunderboltshas hit theaters, it’s worth addressing whether the MCU will releaseThunderbolts* 2, and which cast members might return. Given thatThunderbolts*has struck a chordwith MCU fans, it makes sense that a swath will be clamoring for a sequel. The overall tone ofThunderbolts*felt decidedly unique among MCU installments, and positive reactions suggest that Marvel Studios should continue pursuing this brand of team-up.
Thunderbolts*at least proved that the titular team is compelling enough to carry a second movie. The team is now the foremost example ofan MCU underdog story, with members whose stories are primed to be explored further as they have proved themselves to be among the mostrelatable characters in the MCU. Here’s whether Marvel Studios intends to capitalize on this hype with a second solo movie.
Thunderbolts* Needs Time To Settle
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic
At the time of writing,Thunderbolts* 2has not been confirmed,nor have any of the main figures behind the making of the movie revealed a sequel to be in the works. This tends to be the case for most modern MCU movies upon their release, with sequels instead being announced some time after the initial hype subsides. This differs for Avengers movies, which, in the case of MCU Phases 3 and 6, are expected to be paired up as the dual grand finale of that period.
Still, the widely positive response to Thunderbolts* could translate to a new franchise in a similar way to the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team that was largely unknown when it debuted in the MCU.
The announcement of a sequel will likely hinge onthe financial success ofThunderbolts*. With Spider-Man and the Avengers beingthe MCU’s most successful franchises, it stands to reason that their sequels would be announced in short order. WhetherThunderbolts*will rake in as much as these highly profitable franchises remains to be seen, especially asthe characters inThunderbolts*aren’t as popular as Spider-Man. Still,the widely positive response toThunderbolts*could translate to a new franchisein a similar way to the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team that was largely unknown when it debuted in the MCU.
Thunderbolts* 2 Cast: Who Could Return
Only One Of The Main Cast Won’t Be Returning
Should the Thunderbolts (or the New Avengers) return in a future movie,it would likely comprise a similar set of faces. By the end ofThunderbolts*, only one of the characters on the billing met their (unceremonious) end - namely, Antonia Dreykov’s Taskmaster. The rest of the team not only came out unscathed but arguably in better mental shape than when they embarked on their perilous journey together. With that in mind, the returning cast members forThunderbolts* 2would likely include:
With Valentina being theThunderboltssecondary villain, her return is perhaps the most surprising. Nevertheless, with Yelena asserting in the final scene ofThunderboltsthat they “own” her now,it stands to reason that Louis-Dreyfus would reprise the role as the team’s browbeaten figurehead, especially as the actress and her character are so popular. This all hinges, however, on whether the team survives their confirmed next appearance.
The Thunderbolts* Cast Will Return In Avengers: Doomsday
They Were Confirmed To Be Returning In Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Live Stream
A surprise live stream from Marvel Studios in March confirmed thatall of theThunderboltsmain cast, barring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Olga Kurylenko, will bereturning forAvengers: Doomsday.In fact,the Thunderbolts post-credits sceneseemed to directly set the movie up, as the Fantastic Four’s spaceship was seen entering the MCU’s main universe, Earth-616, presumably as they escape their own after the events ofThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. This also all but confirms that theThunderbolts*stars will be reprising their Earth-616 character roles rather than variants.
Many of the cast from the original X-Men movies were also confirmed to be returning inAvengers: Doomsday.
The specific role that the Thunderbolts/New Avengers will play inAvengers: Doomsdayremains to be seen, thoughMarvel Studios boss Kevin Feige recently confirmed that they’ll be joining up with other super-teams to face off against Doom. Whatever the case,the ending ofThunderboltssuggested friction between the New Avengers and the Avengers that Sam Wilson intends to form, setting up an interesting dynamic ahead ofAvengers: Doomsday’s release in 2026. Should they follow the trend set byThunderbolts, it’s also possible that they will emerge unscathed despite being clear underdogs in the fight.
