Thunderbolts* MCU Connections: Every Movie & Show to Watch Before the Team Assembles

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The upcoming film titled Thunderbolts is set to hit theaters soon, assembling a group of established characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for the first time on screen. It’s interesting to note that each member of this new team has previously appeared in different Marvel productions, and some of them have even shared scenes together in the same movie or MCU series.

Titled “Thunderbolts“, this upcoming movie brings together Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters who may not initially appear heroic. These include Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, U.S. Agent, Red Guardian, Ghost, and Taskmaster. Despite their questionable pasts and errors, they unite to embrace their heroic roles. The film also introduces the CIA’s Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, along with newcomers like Bob (known as Sentry), who serves as the movie’s primary antagonist, and Mel, Val’s assistant. To better understand each character’s backstory and their significance in Thunderbolts*, here is a summary of the MCU projects they have previously appeared in, along with essential movies and shows to watch before watching Thunderbolts*.

Project Yelena Belova Red Guardian Taskmaster Bucky Barnes Ghost U.S. Agent Valentina Bob Mel
Thunderbolts* (2025) X X X X X X X X X
Captain America: Brave New World (2025) X
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) X
Hawkeye (2021) X
Falcon & The Winter Soldier (2021) X X X
Black Widow (2020) X X X X
Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame X
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) X
Black Panther (2018) X
Captain America Trilogy X

Which MCU Movies & Shows Had The Most Thunderbolts* Characters

Black Widow and Falcon & The Winter Soldier

Among Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects, both 2020’s “Black Widow” and 2021’s “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” have the largest number of characters from the Thunderbolts team. Specifically, “Black Widow” showcases four Thunderbolts members: Yelena, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, and Val. Similarly, Val can also be found in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” alongside Bucky Barnes and John Walker’s U.S. Agent.

To put it simply, Bucky Barnes, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, has been a consistent presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since his debut in “Captain America: The First Avenger” in 2011. In total, he’s starred in eight MCU live-action projects, and “Thunderbolts*” will mark his ninth. On the other hand, Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost has had a much more limited run in the MCU. Her only appearance so far was in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” in 2018, and “Thunderbolts*” will be her first appearance since then.

Which MCU Movies & Shows You Should Watch Before Thunderbolts*

At Most, Four Movies and One Show

It’s quite clear that there’s a connection between Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects with significant Thunderbolts presence and their importance as precursors to the upcoming film. Consequently, Black Widow and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier undeniably take the lead. These films serve as introductions for several future Thunderbolt characters and set up many of the relationships that will be prominent in the upcoming movie.

In the movie Black Widow, Yelena and Alexei Shoktakov (Red Guardian) are portrayed as family members. The film also explores their shared sorrow over the loss of Natasha Romanov, who was both Yelena’s sister and Alexei’s other daughter. This grief will be a significant theme in the upcoming MCU movie for both characters. Furthermore, Black Widow introduces Taskmaster, another Red Room assassin and former captive like herself, who plays a role in the film’s events.

Similarly, “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” portrays Bucky’s efforts to atone for his past actions as the Winter Soldier. It also depicts John Walker’s journey, who was given the shield to become the new Captain America. However, he lost the right after a controversial public execution of an unarmed eco-terrorist (using the shield). Consequently, Walker transitions into the role of U.S. Agent by the end of “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” having accepted a position under Val, who debuts in the series for the first time.

Apart from those two projects, you might find “Ant-Man and the Wasp” interesting given Ghost’s unique MCU appearance. It’s also recommended to watch “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” as it provides a clear depiction of Valentina’s character, her intentions, and actions she may take for the benefit of the American people. Similarly, “Captain America: Brave New World” offers glimpses into the current state of the MCU and Bucky Barnes’ new role as a congressman, which will be further explored in “Thunderbolts”.

*Note that the correct title for the upcoming Marvel film featuring Bucky Barnes is “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier”, not “Thunderbolts”. “Thunderbolts” is a different team in the Marvel comics.

Thunderbolts* releases in theaters on May 2nd from Marvel Studios.

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2025-05-01 04:43