The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to return to its roots with the upcoming film “Thunderbolts,” according to star Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The actress, who plays Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, shared that the final movie of Phase 5 will focus on a “human story” and minimize the use of CGI, aiming to bring back the essence of earlier MCU films.
Louis-Dreyfus revealed these insights during an interview with The New York Times, where she discussed the production’s approach. “They’re trying to sort of go back to their roots,” she said. “It’s very well organized. Very methodical. And I don’t mean that in a negative way. Particularly on this film, they’re very much focused on, frankly, the human story, believe it or not.”
The actress emphasized that the film will feature fewer CGI elements, with a greater emphasis on practical stunts. “They’re trying to stay away from as much CGI or whatever as possible, so that the stunts are, like, everywhere. And in fact, I had to do a couple,” she added. Louis-Dreyfus clarified that her stunts were brief, but the focus on practical effects is a significant shift from recent MCU entries.
In “Thunderbolts,” Louis-Dreyfus will reprise her role as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, managing a team of antiheroes. The ensemble cast includes David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Wyatt Russell as US Agent, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier.
The film has been described as Marvel’s answer to DC’s “Suicide Squad,” but with its own unique twist. The stars have hinted that “Thunderbolts” will “drop a bomb” on the MCU, offering something different from previous releases. Fans are eagerly speculating about the film’s plot and the significance of the asterisk in its title.
“Thunderbolts” is set to be the second MCU film to hit theaters in 2025, following “Captain America: Brave New World” in February. The film is currently slated for release on May 2, 2025, and will cap off Phase 5 of the MCU.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has been instrumental in shaping the future of the MCU. At San Diego Comic-Con, he laid out plans for Phases 5 and 6, introducing new heroes and teams. The Multiverse Saga, as it is known, will culminate in two Avengers movies in 2025.
With “Thunderbolts” aiming to bring the MCU back to its roots, fans can expect a film that emphasizes character-driven storytelling and practical effects. This approach harks back to the early days of the MCU, where the focus was on human stories and relatable characters.
The anticipation for “Thunderbolts” is high, especially given the star-studded cast and the promise of a fresh take on the superhero genre. As the MCU continues to evolve, “Thunderbolts” represents a return to the elements that made the franchise a global phenomenon.
As we look forward to the release of “Thunderbolts,” it’s clear that Marvel is committed to delivering a film that honors its roots while pushing the boundaries of what a superhero movie can be. With a focus on human stories and practical stunts, “Thunderbolts” is poised to be a standout entry in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.
