The new superhero team formed by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the Thunderbolts, may rebuild and eliminate one of their most important members.
The world of superhero cinema is full of surprises, unexpected turns, and sometimes disappointment. One of the unknowns floating in the air like a bat at night is the possibility of seeing Daniel Brühl, best known for his portrayal of Baron Zemo, in the next Marvel movie, Thunderbolt. The answer, although not obvious, tips the scales towards probably not.
Talking about Marvel is talking about an ever-expanding universe, where every piece seems to fit perfectly into the massive puzzle. However, some pieces may be left on the board. This seems to be the case for Brühl, who in an interview with Screen Rant, shared his thoughts on his future involvement in the MCU. “What you can and can’t say is always a delicate matter,” says the actor, explaining the complexity and mystery surrounding these products.
Baron Zemo rejected?
Although the door isn’t completely closed for a Zemo comeback, the odds are that we won’t see this charismatic villain improve in Thunderbird. Bruhl doesn’t hide his confusion about the MCU’s intertwining arcs, and although he refuses to turn down the role, the current circumstances seem to be working against him. “It’s a big if and a question mark,” he said of his potential return.
While Zemo’s absence has generated comments, the confirmation promises a high-quality show for the Thunderbolts cast. David Harbor (Red Ranger), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier) and Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost) are just a few of the names. Stories and often controversial.
Confirmed Thunderbolts cast: Check out the characters
The absence of Baron Zemo in Thunderbolts does not overshadow the brilliance of the stellar cast guaranteed for the film. David Harbour, as the role of the Red Guard, promises to bring the characteristics, brute force and subtle humor that have already left their mark on MCU fans. His portrayal of the Soviet hero is a high point in recent Marvel episodes.
Another interesting addition to the cast is Florence Pugh, reprising the role of Yelena Belova. Her rendition of Black Widow’s sister won acclaim from both critics and the public, notable for her emotional complexity and fighting skills. Sebastian Stan, as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier, has a long history in the MCU. His evolution from a brainwashed soldier to a redeemed hero is very interesting and well developed in Sega. Hannah John-Kamen, as Ava Starr/Ghost, brings a unique perspective to the team. Introduced as an antagonist in Ant-Man and The Wasp, the character is known for his moral ambiguity and incredible abilities. Wyatt Russell, as John Walker/US Agent, promises to add tension and conflict to the team. His portrayal of Captain America’s controversial successor has sparked debate among fans about justice and the limits of heroism.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Olga Kurylenko, as Antonia Draykov/practicing teacher, round out this diverse group. The characters, riddles and mysteries, definitely add a layer of intrigue and mystery to the plot of Thunderbolt.
Thunder promises to be an explosion of action and adventure, but also an in-depth study of complex characters, each with their own story and motivation. This collection of talent is guaranteed to keep MCU fans on the edge of their seats.
Directed by Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Lee Sung Jin, Thunderbolts will hit theaters on July 25, 2025. The film is shaping up to be a new jewel in Marvel’s crown, action, drama and how not, that touch. A mystery that always accompanies great superhero productions.