Thunderbolts* Streaming Debut Announced
Marvel Studios’ latest blockbuster, Thunderbolts* , is set to make its highly anticipated streaming debut on August 27, 2025, on Disney+ and JioHotstar. The film, which hit theaters on May 2, 2025, and grossed $382 million globally.
will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, catering to a wide audience in India and beyond. This release marks a significant moment for Marvel, as the film has been rebranded as The New Avengers , signaling a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
JioHotstar announced the streaming date with the tagline, “Not super. Not heroes. Not giving up. Thunderbolts* The New Avengers streaming 27 August onwards in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, only on JioHotstar.”
The Disney+ release will begin at midnight ET (9 p.m. PT on August 26), giving fans across time zones a chance to dive into the action-packed narrative.
A Stellar Cast of Antiheroes
Thunderbolts boasts an impressive ensemble cast, blending MCU veterans with fresh faces:
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Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, the Black Widow operative at the heart of the story.
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Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier.
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David Harbour as Red Guardian, Alexei Shostakov.
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Wyatt Russell as John Walker, U.S. Agent.
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Lewis Pullman as Robert “Bob” Reynolds, Sentry/Void.
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Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Ava Starr.
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Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Antonia Dreykov.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
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Wendell Pierce as Gary and Chris Bauer as Holt round out the cast.
Directed by Jake Schreier, the film centers on a group of antiheroes manipulated by Valentina into a dangerous mission. The plot explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and forced collaboration, drawing comparisons to films like Ronin and Reservoir Dogs .
Plot and Critical Reception
A Fresh Take on the MCU
Thunderbolts stands out in the MCU for its focus on secondary characters who take center stage. Unlike recent Marvel films that struggled critically, Thunderbolts earned an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a significant improvement over Captain America: Brave New World ’s 48%. Critics praised its blend of dark humor, action, and emotional depth.
Variety’s Peter Debruge noted that the film “balances self-deprecating comedy with mental health concerns,” while USA Today’s Brian Truitt called it “one of the better recent outings for a cinematic universe that’s been dealing with creative wobbles.”
The self-contained narrative and focus on character-driven storytelling have resonated with audiences, making it a standout in Marvel’s recent slate.
Yelena Belova’s Central Role
Director Jake Schreier emphasized Yelena’s importance, stating in an Empire interview, “She’s front and center. Yelena is in a certain place at the beginning of the film, and how she finds her way out of that place is at the heart of the story.”
The film’s exploration of mistrust and teamwork among its characters adds layers to the superhero genre, setting it apart from typical MCU fare.
Box Office Performance and Streaming Expectations
Despite its critical success, Thunderbolts fell short of Disney’s box office expectations, grossing $382 million against a high production and marketing budget. However, its streaming release is expected to give the film a second life.
Industry analysts predict that positive word-of-mouth and the film’s accessibility on Disney+ and JioHotstar will boost its viewership, particularly in markets like India, where multilingual options broaden its appeal.
The film was released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 29, 2025, with bonus features like deleted scenes, a gag reel, and filmmaker commentary. A limited-edition SteelBook was also offered, appealing to collectors.
Digital purchases were available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV since July, setting the stage for the streaming debut.
Thunderbolts in the MCU Timeline
Thunderbolts serves as a pivotal entry in the MCU, following the Disney+ series Ironheart and preceding The Fantastic Four: The First Steps . Its rebranding as The New Avengers hints at Marvel’s plans to restructure its cinematic universe,
focusing on fresh narratives and evolving secondary characters into central figures. The film’s themes of betrayal and redemption lay the groundwork for future crossovers, positioning it as a bridge to upcoming MCU projects.
Why Thunderbolts Stands Out
The film’s ability to balance dark themes with humor has been a key factor in its praise. Schreier’s direction brings nuance to characters often sidelined in the MCU, creating a cohesive ensemble that carries the story.
The exploration of mental health within a superhero framework adds depth, making Thunderbolts a compelling watch for both longtime fans and newcomers.
As Marvel continues to integrate its theatrical releases with its streaming platform, the August 27 release on Disney+ and JioHotstar is poised to reinvigorate interest in the MCU.
With its strong critical reception and diverse cast, Thunderbolts is set to become a fan favorite in the streaming era.
