Marvel’s anticipated ‘Thunderbolts’ film experiences a casting shift as Steven Yeun withdraws from the project.While Yeun’s casting in the film was never officially announced by Marvel, initial reports from February hinted at his involvement. However, specifics regarding the role he was set to portray remain undisclosed. It remains uncertain whether the character will be reconsidered or if a recasting will take place.
Centered around a group of antiheroes inspired by the Marvel comics, “Thunderbolts” aims to merge the narrative universes of “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Black Widow,” and the upcoming “Captain America” installment titled “New World Order.” The plot intricacies of the film have been intentionally veiled from public disclosure.
Production on the film encountered a halt in May due to the WGA strike. Despite the conclusion of last year’s simultaneous writers and actors strikes, filming has yet to commence.
Director Jake Schreier, known for “Paper Towns,” leads the film’s direction. The script, initially penned by “Black Widow” writer Eric Pearson, has undergone adaptation by “Beef” creator Lee Sung Jin. Notable actors featured in the ‘Thunderbolts’ cast include Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker. Ayo Edebiri, breakout star of “The Bear,” joins the ensemble in a role yet to be disclosed. Originally slated for a July 26, 2024 release, the film’s premiere has been rescheduled to July 2025.
Outside of the Marvel universe, Steven Yeun recently co-starred with Ali Wong in Netflix’s “Beef,” earning him a Golden Globe nomination for best male actor in a limited series. He is also set to appear in Bong Joon Ho’s upcoming sci-fi thriller “Mickey 17,” alongside Robert Pattinson.
