Breaking Down the First Thunderbolts Trailer: 10 Key Revelations

Marvel Studios has finally dropped the first teaser trailer for Thunderbolts, and it’s packed with exciting details, new character introductions, and hints about the film’s unique direction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Clocking in at an impressive three and a half minutes, the trailer offers fans plenty to unpack as they eagerly await the movie’s release. Initially announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, Thunderbolts has been the subject of much speculation. Now, with this trailer, Marvel makes it clear that the film will be moving in a fresh, distinct direction. Below, we explore 10 major reveals from the Thunderbolts trailer.

1. Avengers Tower’s New Owner: Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

One of the most significant revelations from the Thunderbolts trailer is the confirmation of who bought Avengers Tower. The iconic building, which once served as the Avengers’ headquarters, had been sold off by Tony Stark in Spider-Man: Homecoming. While fans have long speculated about the buyer, the trailer finally reveals that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is now in possession of the tower. Valentina, who has been assembling her own team of anti-heroes, seems to have made the tower her new base of operations. The significance of the Avengers Tower in Thunderbolts suggests it will play a central role in the plot.

2. A New Character: Bob Reynolds

The trailer introduces a mysterious man named Bob, played by Lewis Pullman. Bob, whose ill-fitting clothes and unassuming appearance might fool viewers at first, is actually Robert “Bob” Reynolds, better known in the comics as Sentry. Sentry is an incredibly powerful superhero with abilities similar to Superman. However, Sentry’s powers come with a dark side: a destructive entity known as the Void, which represents the negative counterpart to his heroic persona. The introduction of Bob hints at Sentry’s potential role in the film, teasing significant power struggles and inner conflict within the Thunderbolts team.

3. The Sentry Symbol

Further evidence that Sentry will play a pivotal role in Thunderbolts comes later in the trailer, when a mysterious logo appears on a badge. The symbol, featuring two half circles and a line, bears a striking resemblance to the letter “S,” which may be a subtle nod to Sentry’s comic book logo. While it’s unclear how prominently Sentry will feature in the movie, the inclusion of this symbol suggests that the character will bring substantial power—and potentially chaos—to the Thunderbolts storyline.

4. Bucky Barnes Battles His Own Team

Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, is seen in a tense confrontation with his teammates in the trailer. At one point, Bucky is shown flipping a car in what appears to be an all-out fight against the Thunderbolts. This scene raises questions about Bucky’s loyalty and whether someone has managed to reactivate his brainwashing, reverting him back to his Winter Soldier programming. As one of the few remaining members of the original Avengers, Bucky’s internal struggles could play a key role in the team dynamics, adding complexity to the already volatile group of anti-heroes.

5. John Walker Has a Baby

A surprising moment in the trailer shows John Walker, the former Captain America, reading about his fall from grace while sitting next to a crying baby. This detail suggests that Walker, after losing his role as Captain America, has started a new chapter in his life as a father. The inclusion of a child adds new emotional stakes for Walker, who has previously struggled with aggression and anger. How Walker balances his new responsibilities with his role in the Thunderbolts remains to be seen, but this development adds a humanizing layer to his character.

6. “Careful Who You Assemble”

One of the most intriguing moments in the trailer is the text that flashes on-screen: “Careful,” “Who You,” and “Assemble.” This phrase is an obvious callback to the Avengers’ iconic rallying cry, “Avengers Assemble.” However, the use of this line in Thunderbolts hints that this team is not the Avengers but something else entirely. Combined with the asterisk in the movie’s title, which remains a mystery, this tease suggests that the Thunderbolts may undergo a significant transformation by the film’s end, potentially becoming a darker or alternate version of the Avengers, such as the Dark Avengers.

7. Loki’s Scepter Resurfaces

A key Easter egg in the trailer is the appearance of Loki’s scepter, which is seen in a private collection. Although the Mind Stone is no longer inside, the scepter itself remains a powerful weapon. Loki used it to control the minds of others during the events of The Avengers, and its reappearance in Thunderbolts raises questions about who possesses it and what they plan to do with it. Given its destructive potential, the scepter could play a pivotal role in the Thunderbolts plot.

8. Honoring the Heroes of New York

Another notable moment in the trailer is a scene at an event honoring the heroes of the Battle of New York. Posters reading “Honoring The Heroes” and “The Battle of New York” are visible, serving as a reminder of the Avengers’ legacy. While the Thunderbolts are far from traditional heroes, this scene suggests that the film will explore the contrast between Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and the morally ambiguous members of the Thunderbolts team.

9. Ghost and Taskmaster’s Updated Outfits

Two characters from previous MCU films, Ghost and Taskmaster, return in Thunderbolts with updated costumes. Ghost, last seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp, sports a more muted look, while Taskmaster, who debuted in Black Widow, now has a costume that more closely resembles her comic book appearance. These costume changes symbolize the characters’ evolution as they join the Thunderbolts team, while still maintaining ties to their origins.

10. Yelena and Alexei Reunite

The trailer opens with an emotional reunion between Yelena Belova and her adoptive father, Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian). After the events of Black Widow, it’s clear that Yelena has mixed feelings about her fake family. However, the trailer shows the two characters reconnecting, with Alexei trying to put on a brave face despite his apparent financial struggles. This father-daughter dynamic will likely be a central emotional thread in Thunderbolts, adding depth to Yelena’s character and exploring her relationship with her past.