Phase five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to conclude with the all-star team-up, Thunderbolts.
Directed by Jake Schreier (Beef), the superhero film sees a group of antiheroes caught in a deadly trap and forced to work together on a dangerous mission.
The ensemble cast includes Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegre de Fontaine.
Thunderbolts is set to be released in cinemas worldwide on May 2, 2025.
What Marvel films do you need to watch before Thunderbolts?
Black Widow
If you’re looking to watch one movie before Thunderbolts, make it Black Widow. This saw the introduction of Natasha Romanoff’s sister, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian and Taskmaster, who all play a crucial role in Marvel’s antihero film.
Captain America: Brave New World
While the main narrative isn’t important to Thunderbolts, Captain America: Brave New World features a cameo appearance from Bucky Barnes as he campaigns to become a congressman, setting up his upcoming storyline. If you want to catch-up on Bucky’s history, dive into Captain America: Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War too.
Ant-Man And The Wasp
If you don’t mind slogging through one of Marvel’s worst movies, Ant-Man And The Wasp marks the first appearance of Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost, who has waited a long seven years to reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What Marvel TV shows should you watch beforehand?
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
The backstory behind Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, who was annointed as the new Captain America by the US government before being discharged, is told in this Disney+ series. His dynamic with Bucky Barnes will also carry over into Thunderbolts.
Hawkeye
While not essential, Yelena Belova makes an appearance in several episodes of Hawkeye. It is her last appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe prior to Thunderbolts, and sees her hunting Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) over her sister’s death.
All these films and TV shows are available to watch on Disney+.