Marvel’s Thunderbolts (May 2, 2025) assembles a morally complex team of antiheroes trapped in a deadly mission that forces them to confront their pasts. With a star-studded cast blending MCU veterans and rising talents, the film promises high stakes and deeper character exploration. Let’s break down the powerhouse ensemble:
Cast Details
1. Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Born in Oxford, England, in 1996, Florence Pugh skyrocketed to fame with her raw performance in Lady Macbeth (2016). She became a critical darling with roles in Midsommar (2019) and Little Women (2019), earning an Oscar nomination for the latter. Her MCU debut as Yelena in Black Widow (2021) cemented her as a fan favorite, blending wit and vulnerability.
Recently, Pugh dominated screens in Hawkeye (2021), Dune: Part Two (2024), and Oppenheimer (2023). A BAFTA Rising Star winner, she’s set to lead Thunderbolts while balancing indie projects like The Wonder. Her Yelena remains a cornerstone of Marvel’s Phase 5.
2. Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
Sebastian Stan, born in Romania in 1982, gained traction with roles in Gossip Girl and Political Animals. His MCU journey began as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), evolving into the tormented Winter Soldier. Films like The Winter Soldier (2014) and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) deepened his arc.
Stan’s versatility shines in indie hits like Fresh (2022) and Monday (2021). His Emmy-nominated turn in Pam & Tommy (2022) proved his range. Upcoming projects include A Different Man and Thunderbolts, where Bucky’s redemption takes center stage.
3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, born in New York in 1961, is a comedy legend with 11 Emmys. From Seinfeld’s Elaine to Veep’s Selina Meyer, she redefined TV humor. Her MCU debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) introduced the enigmatic Valentina, a role expanded in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Beyond Marvel, Louis-Dreyfus starred in A Secret Love (2020) and You Hurt My Feelings (2023). Her upcoming projects, including Thunderbolts and Tuesday, showcase her shift into darker, strategic roles.
4. Lewis Pullman as Robert Reynolds
Son of actor Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman (born 1993) broke out with The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018). His role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as Lt. Robert “Bob” Floyd earned widespread acclaim, while Lessons in Chemistry (2023) highlighted his dramatic chops.
Pullman’s casting as the superpowered Robert Reynolds (aka Sentry) marks his MCU debut. He’ll next star in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) and Poolman alongside Chris Pine.
5. David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov
David Harbour, born in 1975, gained fame as Hopper in Stranger Things (2016–present). His MCU role as Red Guardian in Black Widow (2021) blended humor and heart. Earlier credits include Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Revolutionary Road (2008).
Harbour’s recent work includes Violent Night (2022) and Gran Turismo (2023). He’ll reprise Red Guardian in Thunderbolts and star in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
6. Wyatt Russell as John Walker
Wyatt Russell, born in 1986, transitioned from hockey to acting with roles in 22 Jump Street (2014). His MCU debut as the controversial John Walker/U.S. Agent in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) sparked debates about heroism.
Russell recently starred in Under the Banner of Heaven (2022) and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023). Upcoming films like Nightbitch and Thunderbolts will explore his character’s fractured morality.
7. Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost
British actress Hannah John-Kamen (born 1989) gained notice in Game of Thrones and Killjoys. Her MCU debut as Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) showcased her physicality and emotional depth.
John-Kamen starred in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) and Apple TV+’s Foundation. Thunderbolts will delve into Ghost’s tragic backstory, with John-Kamen also set for The Electric State (2024).
8. Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov
Ukrainian-French actress Olga Kurylenko (born 1979) rose to fame as Bond girl Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace (2008). Her MCU role as Taskmaster in Black Widow (2021) revealed a tragic figure controlled by her father.
Kurylenko recently starred in The Courier (2023) and Treason (2022). She’ll return as Antonia in Thunderbolts and appears in Chief of Station (2024).
9. Geraldine Viswanathan as Mel
Australian actress Geraldine Viswanathan (born 1995) broke out in Blockers (2018) and Miracle Workers (2019–2023). Her sharp comedic timing earned roles in The Beanie Bubble (2023) and Drive-Away Dolls (2024).
Viswanathan joins the MCU as Mel, a tech-savvy ally. She’s also set for Cat Person (2024) and Snack Shack (2024).
10. Wendell Pierce as Congressman Gary
Wendell Pierce (born 1963) is renowned for The Wire’s Bunk Moreland and Suits’ Robert Zane. His stage work includes Death of a Salesman and Clybourne Park.
Pierce’s recent credits include Elsbeth (2024) and Jack Ryan (2018–2023). As Congressman Gary, he’ll navigate the Thunderbolts’ political fallout.
11. Chris Bauer as Holt
Chris Bauer (born 1966) is known for True Blood’s Andy Bellefleur and The Wire’s Frank Sobotka. His film work includes 8MM (1999) and Face/Off (1997).
Bauer recently starred in For All Mankind (2019–present) and The Deuce (2017–2019). As Holt, he’ll bring gritty intensity to Thunderbolts.
12. Violet McGraw as Young Yelena
Violet McGraw (born 2011) terrified audiences as Doris in The Haunting of Hill House (2018) and starred in M3GAN (2023). Her role as young Yelena will explore the character’s traumatic origins.
13. Alexa Swinton as Anya
Alexa Swinton (born 2010) gained attention in Emergence (2019) and And Just Like That… (2023). As Anya, she’ll add youthful intrigue to the Thunderbolts’ dynamic.
14. Eric Lange as Houston
Eric Lange (born 1972) is known for Lost’s Stuart Radzinsky and Narcos’ Steve Murphy. Recent roles in The Patient (2022) and The Unicorn (2019–2021) highlight his versatility.
15. Chiara Stella as Young Valentina
Young actress Chiara Stella makes her debut as a younger version of Valentina, hinting at the character’s mysterious past.
