Millions of fans tuned in for Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday (2026), but the reveal may have inadvertently spoiled a major plot point in the yet-to-be-released Thunderbolts* (2025).
The Thunderbolts* Trailer’s Big Reveals
Directed by Jake Schreier (Paper Towns), Thunderbolts* is set to conclude Phase Five of the MCU when it hits theaters on May 2, 2025. This Phase, which kicked off in 2023 with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, has been met with scrutiny, especially after the underperformance of The Marvels (2023). However, the record-breaking success of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), now the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, has reignited enthusiasm for Marvel’s future.
The trailer highlights the return of familiar faces, including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost, Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster, and Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier. Notably, Stan—who only appeared in a cameo capacity in Captain America: Brave New World (2025)—takes center stage here. The footage also teases a long-standing MCU mystery: the true owner of Avengers Tower. But the biggest talking point? The introduction of Sentry.
Has Marvel Already Confirmed a Major Death in Thunderbolts*?
Following the trailer’s release, eagle-eyed fans noticed a curious detail: Kurylenko’s Taskmaster is barely present in key group shots, fueling speculation that the character may not survive the film. This theory gained even more traction after Marvel’s March 26 live-streamed announcement of the 25-strong Avengers: Doomsday cast.
Among the returning Thunderbolts* team members set to appear in the Phase Six epic are Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, and David Harbour. However, Kurylenko’s name was noticeably absent.
Adding to the intrigue, Doomsday’s roster includes Lewis Pullman—who plays Sentry in Thunderbolts*—which many interpret as further evidence that the upcoming film will see major casualties. If Taskmaster doesn’t make it out alive, Marvel may have unintentionally confirmed her fate months in advance.
A Closer Look at the Avengers: Doomsday Cast
Beyond the Thunderbolts* stars, the cast of Avengers: Doomsday boasts an impressive lineup. Robert Downey Jr. is set to return as Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom, joined by Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, James Marsden’s Cyclops, and Chris Hemsworth’s Thor.
Other notable additions include Channing Tatum as Gambit, Danny Ramirez as Falcon, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Letitia Wright as Shuri/Black Panther, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, Tenoch Huerta as Namor, Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
Who Is Sentry, and Why Is He So Important?
One of the biggest shakeups in Thunderbolts* is the introduction of Lewis Pullman’s Sentry, a character with immense power and a dark, unpredictable nature. First appearing in “The Sentry #1” (2000), Robert “Bob” Reynolds is both a hero and a potential threat, as his alter ego, The Void, represents one of Marvel’s most destructive forces.
The film’s trailer teases this duality, featuring a moment where Pugh’s Black Widow questions Bob’s presence, only for him to respond with confusion—hinting at the character’s struggles with memory loss. His hospital-like attire further suggests that his arc will stay true to the comics, where his own mind erases his existence from those around him.
The Road to Casting Lewis Pullman
Pullman wasn’t Marvel’s first choice for Sentry. Initially, the role was set to be played by Steven Yeun, who departed in early 2024 due to scheduling conflicts caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. “I think for me, time passing and things shifting kind of pulled me out of it,” Yeun told Variety in 2024. “But Jake [Schreier], I know, is going to do an incredible job.”
Despite leaving the project, Yeun expressed interest in a future MCU role, saying, “I wanna do a Marvel movie.” His exit led to Pullman’s official casting announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, following earlier reports from Deadline in January. Additionally, Geraldine Viswanathan was cast as Mel, stepping in for Ayo Edebiri after The Bear actress exited the film.
What’s the Meaning of the Thunderbolts* Asterisk?
One lingering mystery surrounding Thunderbolts* is the asterisk in its title. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige first addressed the change at CinemaCon 2024, cryptically suggesting that audiences would understand its significance after seeing the movie.
Theories abound—some speculate that the Thunderbolts* team will evolve into the MCU’s New Avengers, while others believe the asterisk hints at the formation of the Dark Avengers instead. Beyond the core ensemble, the film is rumored to feature appearances by Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (possibly as Red Hulk), Rachel Weisz’s Melina Vostokoff, and Laurence Fishburne’s Bill Foster.
How Sentry Could Reshape the MCU
Sentry’s arrival may have major ramifications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the comics, he has been pivotal in storylines like “New Avengers” (2005) and “World War Hulk” (2007), where his immense power put him on a collision course with the Hulk. His most infamous arc, “Siege” (2010), sees him lose control of The Void, leading to a devastating showdown in Asgard.
With no official plans for Thor 5, some speculate that Sentry’s introduction could set up future conflicts involving Asgard and beyond. Given his unpredictable nature and sheer power, his presence alone could significantly alter the trajectory of the MCU’s next phase.
The Road Ahead for Marvel Studios
As Marvel Studios works to regain momentum following a turbulent period, Thunderbolts* may be the project that bridges the franchise’s past and future. Meanwhile, the Russo Brothers have confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday—and by extension, Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)—will serve as a “new beginning” for the MCU, potentially setting up Phase Seven and beyond.
Did Marvel just give away Taskmaster’s fate? What do you think of the Avengers: Doomsday lineup? Let us know in the comments!
