Marvel Reveals Key Plot Insights for Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four at CinemaCon 2025
At CinemaCon 2025, Marvel Studios captivated fans and industry professionals with exclusive footage from two of its highly awaited films: Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While trailers are not yet available to the public, comprehensive descriptions of the clips have emerged online, showcasing important storyline advancements and character interactions that set the foundation for the upcoming chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Here’s an in-depth, spoiler-laden recap of the reveals at CinemaCon and their implications for the MCU’s future.
Thunderbolts*: A Fresh Team, Recognizable Tower
The Thunderbolts* trailer presented at CinemaCon confirms various long-speculated plot elements and provides viewers with a better understanding of the film’s vibe and trajectory.
The trailer begins with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), and US Agent (Wyatt Russell) navigating a van to an enigmatic location. In an unexpected turn, the team crashes the vehicle straight into a building recognized as the former Avengers Tower.
A tumultuous fight breaks out, highlighting the gritty, street-level action that fans anticipate from this collection of anti-heroes. The clash concludes when Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) informs the group that they could have simply taken the elevator. She then suggests that they formally form a team, a proposal initially dismissed by the group.
This moment indicates that the Thunderbolts are still hesitant to fully accept their roles as heroes, a theme likely to be examined throughout the movie. The inclusion of the Avengers Tower suggests a deeper link to the legacy of the original Avengers and possibly sets up a new operational base for this unconventional crew.
One of the most shocking moments occurs when Bob Reynolds, aka the Sentry (played by Lewis Pullman), appears and forcefully slams one of the Thunderbolts against a window. While it remains unclear whether he is inside or outside, this scene confirms that Sentry—and perhaps his dark counterpart, The Void—will significantly impact the film’s conflict.
The trailer strengthens theories that the Thunderbolts may eventually rebrand themselves as the New Avengers, particularly as they gear up to tackle larger threats such as Doctor Doom in forthcoming MCU entries.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps – A Cosmic Menace Unfolds
The trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps also premiered at CinemaCon, providing glimpses of Marvel’s first family as they integrate into the MCU. The footage indicates that the team is already firmly established in their universe and viewed as global defenders.
One of the most crucial reveals is that Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is expecting a child, confirming that Franklin Richards—a powerful mutant in the comics—might soon make his debut in the MCU. This development could have enormous consequences for the multiverse and future narratives.
The clip also features Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, who arrives on Earth with a grave warning: the planet has been marked for destruction. This foreshadows the impending arrival of Galactus, the cosmic being known for consuming worlds. The Silver Surfer’s inclusion indicates that the film will delve deeply into cosmic storytelling, a direction Marvel has been steadily cultivating.
Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) is depicted struggling with the burdens of leadership and the looming threat posed by Galactus. While the team aims to defend Earth, Reed conveys uncertainty about their likelihood of success—adding emotional layers to the narrative.
The trailer hints that the Fantastic Four will ultimately transition into the primary MCU timeline, potentially after their universe is decimated by Galactus. This scenario would clarify their absence from earlier MCU events and set the stage for their participation in future crossover films like Avengers: Doomsday.
What It All Means for the MCU
Both trailers suggest a larger narrative arc that will connect to Marvel’s imminent multiverse saga. With the Thunderbolts possibly evolving into the New Avengers and the Fantastic Four preparing for battle against Galactus, these films are establishing the groundwork for epic crossover events.
The introduction of the Sentry and Silver Surfer brings formidable new characters into the MCU, while the reference to iconic settings like Avengers Tower links these new narratives to the franchise’s extensive history.
As Marvel continues to broaden its cinematic universe, these two films are poised to be crucial installments that blend relatable storytelling with cosmic stakes.
Release Dates
– Thunderbolts* is slated for release on May 2, 2025.
– The Fantastic Four: First Steps will follow on July 25, 2025.
While the trailers currently remain exclusive to CinemaCon attendees, fans can anticipate official releases in the upcoming weeks as Marvel intensifies its marketing strategies. Until then, these plot insights provide an exhilarating preview of what lies ahead in the continuously evolving cinematic landscape.
