The Thunderbolts* teaser trailer is finally out, and it promises a lot more than we initially expected. Despite being labeled a teaser, it runs longer than usual, giving us a detailed glimpse into the movie slated for release in 2025. So, let’s break down everything we’ve learned so far about this highly anticipated Marvel film.
Yelena Belova’s Return
The trailer opens with Yelena Belova, Natasha Romanoff’s sister, arriving at the door of Red Guardian, her father figure. Red Guardian, lost in a life of leisure and perhaps too much alcohol, thinks she’s delivering food. His response, “I told you to leave the food at the door,” perfectly reflects his casual attitude. When Yelena reveals her identity, Red Guardian hurriedly tidies up, clearly wanting to impress her.
The scene quickly reveals that Yelena is struggling. She tells Red Guardian that she feels empty inside, seeking some purpose in life after the events of Black Widow. We learn she’s working as a mercenary, likely under the direction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, known for her shady deals. Yelena is still very much a Black Widow but seems to have lost touch with her humanity, using her deadly skills to take on whatever missions come her way.
John Walker’s Struggles Continue
Next, we catch up with John Walker, formerly U.S. Agent. He’s now a father, reading an article titled “Fall of a Hero.” The article reflects on his downfall after the events in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where he killed a Flag Smasher in cold blood. Although Walker believed he was doing the right thing as a soldier, public perception turned against him, and he was stripped of the Captain America mantle.
While it’s unclear if his current missions as U.S. Agent have restored his sense of purpose, it’s evident from the trailer that Walker is grappling with his identity. His former pride and patriotism have been tainted by the consequences of his actions.
Bucky Barnes’ New Role
We also see Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier, now working as a congressman. However, like Yelena and Walker, Bucky seems to have lost his sense of fulfillment. After years of fighting as part of the Avengers, Bucky’s new political role doesn’t appear to satisfy him.
A Trap Set for the Thunderbolts*
As the trailer progresses, Yelena finds herself entering a mysterious facility. It is here that she encounters John Walker, and the two initially mistake each other for enemies. A fight ensues, followed by the arrival of Taskmaster and Ghost, creating a chaotic battle between the group.
Amid this chaos, we’re introduced to a new character—Bob. Although he appears confused and out of place, Bob’s presence turns out to be far more significant. Fans of the comics will recognize Bob as Robert Reynolds, also known as Sentry, a Marvel character often referred to as the “Superman of Marvel.”
Sentry: Marvel’s Superman
Bob, or Sentry, has one of the most powerful origin stories in the Marvel universe. In the comics, he gains his powers from a serum 100,000 times stronger than the super-soldier serum that gave Captain America his strength. This serum grants him the “power of a million exploding suns,” making him nearly invincible. The trailer shows Bob stumbling into a scene, clearly unaware of his surroundings. When bullets are fired at him, they simply bounce off, showcasing his immense power.
The Team Comes Together
It becomes clear that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has brought these characters together, possibly to capture or eliminate Sentry. The timer that appears, counting down in the facility, suggests they’ve all been set up. Valentina, like Amanda Waller in DC’s Suicide Squad, seems to be pulling the strings, manipulating these characters for her own purposes.
As the trailer unfolds, it’s evident that none of the characters are fulfilled. Yelena, Walker, and Bucky are all searching for something more in their lives, and Valentina may be the one to offer them a new purpose. But, as Valentina says in the trailer, “There are bad guys, and there are worse guys,” implying that even she has her own hidden motives.
Easter Eggs and Connections
The trailer is packed with subtle Easter eggs for keen-eyed fans. For instance, during a scene at what appears to be a fundraising event, we see Loki’s scepter from The Avengers, now encased in a museum-like display. Banners in the background reference the “Battle of New York,” another nod to the events of the first Avengers film. These details suggest that the events of Thunderbolts* will tie closely to earlier Marvel films, creating a deeper connection within the MCU.
We also get a glimpse of Sentry’s possible costume design. In the background of the vault Yelena enters, we see papers with the “S” logo, likely hinting at Sentry’s classic comic book outfit. This logo may also be a nod to the Death Seed Sentry, a particularly dangerous version of the character in the comics.
What Lies Ahead
The Thunderbolts* trailer gives us a solid look at what we can expect from the movie’s first half. It introduces the characters, establishes their motivations, and hints at how they will come together as a team. While Yelena, Walker, Bucky, and the others don’t have the power to match Sentry, the real conflict will likely come from their personal struggles and the moral dilemmas they face.
The trailer ends on a dramatic note, with Bucky washing his Vibranium arm with dish soap, showing a rare moment of humor in the otherwise intense and action-packed teaser. As the team prepares to face their most powerful challenge yet—possibly Sentry or an even greater threat—the stage is set for what could be one of Marvel’s most interesting ensemble films.
As always, it’s important to keep expectations in check. The Thunderbolts* trailer offers a lot of potential, but whether it will live up to the hype remains to be seen. But based on what we’ve seen so far, it looks like we’re in for a thrilling ride.
