Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts | Big Game Trailer | Coming to Theaters May 2

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts | Big Game Trailer | Coming to Theaters May 2

 # 1. Marvel’s *Thunderbolts* Trailer Hints at a Dark Avengers Twist

Following the release of the new *Thunderbolts* trailer, it seems the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is preparing to unveil a **Dark Avengers** twist, aligning with a popular fan theory. One of my main critiques of the **Multiverse Saga** has been the lack of interaction between the many characters introduced in recent years. This is why *Thunderbolts* has me so excited. As Marvel Studios' second 2025 release, the film promises to bring together a mix of fan favorites, underutilized characters, and new additions, potentially making it one of the standout entries in the Multiverse Saga.

With a cast featuring characters like **Bucky Barnes** and **Yelena Belova**, I’m eager to see how their dynamics unfold. The trailers tease a fun and engaging team dynamic, but the story goes much deeper. The latest trailer introduces a major threat that forces the team to unite, while also solidifying their ties to the Avengers. This connection has me convinced that a major MCU theory—possibly involving the **Dark Avengers**—is about to come to fruition.

# 2. The New *Thunderbolts* Trailer Reveals Avengers Tower’s Makeover

The trailer also finally unveils the long-awaited transformation of **Avengers Tower**, one of the MCU’s most iconic locations. Since *Spider-Man: Homecoming* (2017), where Tony Stark sold the tower, and *Spider-Man: Far From Home* (2019), which showed the building under renovation, fans have been curious about its fate. *Thunderbolts* reveals that the tower’s new owner is none other than **Valentina Allegra de Fontaine**, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Valentina, who has been quietly assembling the Thunderbolts over the past few years, now operates from the revamped Avengers Tower. This revelation ties back to her role as the **CIA Director** in *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, explaining why Stark would have sold the tower to her.

# 3. Confirmed *Thunderbolts* Cast Members

The trailer also confirms key members of the *Thunderbolts* cast: - **Sebastian Stan** as James "Bucky" Barnes (The Winter Soldier) - **Florence Pugh** as Yelena Belova (Black Widow) - **Wyatt Russell** as John Walker (US Agent) - **David Harbour** as Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) - **Hannah John-Kamen** as Ava Starr (Ghost) - **Olga Kurylenko** as Antonia Dreykov (Taskmaster) - **Julia Louis-Dreyfus** as Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine - **Harrison Ford** as President Thaddeus Ross - **Lewis Pullman** as Bob (Sentry) - **Geraldine Viswanathan** in an unconfirmed role

# 4. The Thunderbolts’ Mission: Filling the Avengers’ Void

The new *Thunderbolts* trailer is enlightening, not only teasing the major threat the team will face but also explaining why they come together. Marvel seems to be leaning heavily into the **Avengers comparisons** for the Thunderbolts. The trailer opens with Valentina declaring, **“The Avengers are not coming,”** while showing a shadowy, powerful figure (likely **Sentry** as his malevolent alter ego, **the Void**) wreaking havoc. This suggests that the Thunderbolts are stepping in to handle a threat that the Avengers would normally face. Valentina’s words to Congress cement what we already knew: the Avengers have been inactive since *Avengers: Endgame* (2019), with a new roster set to return in *Avengers: Doomsday* (2026). When Valentina asks, **“Who will keep the American people safe?”** the camera focuses on Bucky, making it clear that the Thunderbolts are the replacement for the Avengers in this story. Bucky then tells the team they must help him stop this new threat.

# 5. *Thunderbolts* Brings Back the Avengers’ Setting: New York

It’s no coincidence that there are so many connections between the Thunderbolts and the Avengers. Beyond the team operating from the revamped Avengers Tower and dealing with a villain the Avengers should have handled, *Thunderbolts* will also revisit the setting of the Avengers’ first major battle: **New York**. Just as **Loki** threatened the city in *The Avengers* (2012), **Sentry** (as the Void) will present a major threat to New York in *Thunderbolts*. This parallel further reinforces the idea that the Thunderbolts are stepping into the Avengers’ shoes.

# 6. Conclusion: The Thunderbolts as the New Avengers?

With the Avengers absent, the Thunderbolts seem poised to take on the role of Earth’s new protectors. The trailer’s emphasis on the Avengers’ absence, the team’s connection to Avengers Tower, and the threat to New York all suggest that Marvel is setting the stage for a **Dark Avengers** twist. Whether the Thunderbolts will ultimately become the new Avengers or a darker version of the team remains to be seen, but the groundwork is clearly being laid for a major shift in the MCU.