Marvel fans have something new to cheer about—‘Thunderbolts’, one of the most talked-about Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films of 2025, is now available to stream. The film, which was later renamed ‘The New Avengers’ in some promotional materials, can now be digitally purchased or rented.
Streaming starts July 1 on major platforms
Beginning July 1, fans can watch the film on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, as confirmed by USA Today. The digital release comes nearly two months after its theatrical premiere on May 2.
A darker Marvel story with anti-heroes at the center
Breaking away from Marvel’s usual superhero tone, ‘Thunderbolts’ dives into a grittier and emotionally complex storyline. The plot revolves around a group of morally conflicted characters who are forced into a dangerous mission led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
As the team faces deadly challenges and confronts their past mistakes, they must decide if they’re headed toward redemption or total destruction.
An ensemble cast of fan-favorite characters
The film stars some of the MCU’s well-loved but less-explored characters:
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Wyatt Russell as John Walker
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
- Lewis Pullman as Sentry
Supporting roles include Olga Kurylenko, Wendell Pierce, and Chris Bauer.
Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson
The film is directed by Jake Schreier, known for ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Robot & Frank’, and written by Eric Pearson, who also penned ‘Black Widow’. The creative team aimed to bring a mix of psychological depth, emotional tension, and action—a significant shift from Marvel’s earlier upbeat tone.
Mixed reviews but strong performances
While reviews were divided, most praised the cast’s performances, though some critics pointed out issues with the film’s pacing. Despite these mixed reactions, the movie managed to become the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2025, earning $381 million worldwide. However, with a hefty $180 million budget, it was still considered an underperformer at the box office.
Rebranded as ‘The New Avengers’ hints at MCU’s future
In an unexpected twist, Marvel began promoting the film under the new title ‘The New Avengers’ in select markets. This name change reflects what many believe to be a teaser for the next chapter in the MCU. Fans are now speculating that the so-called “asterisk” in the original title was a clue to this shift all along.
Now available on OTT, this unconventional Marvel film has another shot at winning fans over—and possibly reshaping what comes next in the cinematic universe.
