Marvel fans, get ready for a new super-team that’s more “Suicide Squad” than “Avengers.” Julia Louis-Dreyfus has confirmed that the much-anticipated film “Thunderbolts*” has officially wrapped filming. This news comes as a thrilling update for those eagerly awaiting the movie’s release on July 25, 2025.
In an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Louis-Dreyfus revealed that filming for “Thunderbolts*” concluded last week. The actress, known for her roles in “Seinfeld” and “Veep,” spoke about her experiences on set and her meetings with Marvel executives Kevin Feige and Louis D’Esposito, who happen to be big fans of her past work.
A New Super-Team
Unlike the iconic Avengers lineup featuring heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk, “Thunderbolts*” introduces a team primarily made up of super-soldiers. This ensemble includes Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova/Black Widow, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster. Leading the team is Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Known for her mysterious and morally ambiguous nature, Valentina is Marvel’s puppet master, a character whose true intentions remain shrouded in secrecy.
Behind the Scenes
“Thunderbolts*” is directed by Jake Schreier, whose previous works include “Paper Towns” and “Beef.” The script is penned by Eric Pearson, known for “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Black Widow,” along with Lee Sung Jin (“Beef”) and Joanna Calo (“Bojack Horseman”). The film’s production has been under tight wraps, with Louis-Dreyfus mentioning Marvel’s rigorous secrecy policies, including signing several Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Interestingly, “Thunderbolts*” filmed under the code name “Oops All Berries” and used the code word “OAB,” which appeared on signs at filming locations. This covert approach is typical for Marvel, ensuring that details about the film remain a mystery until its release.
The Asterisk Mystery
One intriguing aspect of the film is its title: “Thunderbolts*.” Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed this official title at CinemaCon, sparking much speculation about the asterisk’s significance. During her podcast interview, when asked about the asterisk, Louis-Dreyfus played coy and refused to provide any additional insight, highlighting Marvel’s well-known commitment to secrecy.
What to Expect
“Thunderbolts*” is set to feature the most screen time for Louis-Dreyfus’s character, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, that fans have seen yet. Her character has previously appeared in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and the post-credit scene of “Black Widow.” Valentina’s larger role in “Thunderbolts*” promises to delve deeper into her enigmatic persona and her influence over the new super-team.
Marvel’s upcoming film is shaping up to be one of its most villainous projects to date, with fans eagerly awaiting more details. As the release date approaches, the mystery surrounding “Thunderbolts*” and its unique title will only add to the anticipation.
Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, as “Thunderbolts*” storms into theaters, introducing a new era of Marvel’s cinematic universe. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to unveiling the secrets behind this exciting new team.
