Latest news with #PhaseFive
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Box Office: Thunderbolts posts USD 2.1M third Tuesday, set to surpass Eternals' US total this week
Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts continues to show steady midweek resilience, grossing USD 2.1 million on its third Tuesday at the US box office. That puts the superhero ensemble film in a tie with Ryan Coogler's Sinners for the day's top spot, despite losing 370 theaters last Friday. The Florence Pugh -led film saw a modest 46.5 percent dip from the previous Tuesday — a commendable hold considering current box office competition from Final Destination 6 and more. The film's Tuesday figure compares favorably to earlier Marvel outings, matching the likes of Iron Man (USD 2.2M, -33.9 percent), Ant-Man (USD 2.2M, -47.6 percent), and Captain America: The First Avenger (USD 2M, -45.1 percent). It easily outpaced titles like Thor (USD 1.3M, -58.4 percent), The Marvels (USD 495K, -68.5 percent), and Quantumania (USD 1.3M, -49.2 percent). It also outpaced Eternals, which earned USD 1.5 million on its third Tuesday with a lighter 13.5 percent drop. With a domestic cume of USD 159.5 million, Thunderbolts is now just days away from overtaking Eternals' total US haul of USD 164.9 million. That milestone is expected to be crossed by Friday — a promising sign for the last entry in the MCU's Phase Five. However, industry watchers are tempering expectations for the long-term run. While earlier projections saw a possibility of Thunderbolts crossing the USD 200 million stateside, that now seems increasingly challenging. Current estimates suggest the film may end its domestic run between USD 195 million and USD 210 million, depending on its performance over the Memorial Day weekend. Directed by Jake Schrier, Thunderbolts follows a group of antiheroes forced into a high-stakes mission. The film stars Pugh alongside Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, among others. With the conclusion of Phase Five of the MCU, Thunderbolts rebrands itself as the New Avengers — a twist revealed in the film's final moments. Having premiered in London on April 22 and opened in US theaters on May 2, the film has grossed USD 330.2 million globally, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of 2025 so far. With a steady hold, Thunderbolts continues to keep Marvel afloat at the box office, despite its more grounded success than past MCU juggernauts.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Fake or real? Avengers Doomsday ‘set leak' leaves MCU fans scratching their heads; viral video teases return of Captain America character. Watch
With director Jake Schreier's Thunderbolts* opening to positive reviews, Marvel Studios and its fans have finally heaved a sigh of relief, as this has provided the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – which had been on the wane since the beginning of Phase Four with most of its projects backfiring – a much-needed shot in the arm. With the latest Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan-starrer marking the conclusion of Phase Five by rechristening the Thunderbolts team as the New Avengers, the stage is set for the commencement of the next phase, which would begin with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps that hits the screens in July. This has also paved the way for the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, which not only marks the return of the Russo brothers to the helm but also that of MCU legend Robert Downey Jr, this time as the antagonistic Victor von Doom alias Doctor Doom. With the movie featuring some of the biggest names in show business, including Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan and Letitia Wright, among others, expectations are sky high for the under-production venture. Watch | War 2 teaser: NTR Jr declares war on 'India's best soldier' Hrithik Roshan in Ayan Mukerji's globe-trotting actioner Amidst all this, a new video has surfaced online, purportedly showing the movie's sets. It was reportedly filmed by a fan who allegedly snuck onto the premises. The clip — the authenticity of which has yet to be confirmed — first appeared on TikTok, posted from the handle @TheyNeverSawItComing. It shows the 'intruder' walking around the sets, capturing several short videos from various points. The video begins with him meandering through deserted lanes adjacent to the location before he spots an apparent entrance. Asking, 'Where are the Avengers, man?' he proceeds to enter the area and casually strolls around while recording. Wearing a face mask and a hooded jacket, he is seen passing by the cast trailers and even claims to have 'seen some actors.' The clip also includes images of certain sets still under construction. Although the footage doesn't reveal anything particularly groundbreaking, eagle-eyed MCU fans were quick to identify what appears to be the set of the Madripoor bar, which was first introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. A fictional island in Southeast Asia with deep ties to the criminal underworld, Madripoor has connections with various MCU offerings, including Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Moon Knight, and Echo. 'Up the security; too easy,' the fan states as he signs off. Here's the video full video, user name is TheyNeverSawItComing on TikTok — Culture Base (@Culture3ase) May 18, 2025 While the original video was later taken down, it has since found its way to various social media platforms. However, it remains unclear whether the individual actually trespassed onto the set or if the video was part of a carefully planned publicity stunt by the filmmakers. 'Disney is so desperate they're paying people to break into the set for hype,' a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another one pointed out, 'He walked around with a backpack on, phone out like he's recording, and that's how someone looks if they're supposed to be there?' 'I don't believe this. Bros walking around recording and I'm almost positive all crew would be wearing uniforms so they know who's who. I think this was an 'intentional' leak. Not like we got any interesting info out of this anyway,' a Twitterati pointed out, while another one added, 'Yeah, that's definitely not staged.'
Mint
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Ironheart trailer: Dominique Thorne returns as MIT genius Riri Williams after Black Panther Wakanda Forever
The much-awaited trailer for Ironheart, starring Dominique Thorne, dropped on May 14. The series will centre around Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor who builds a suit of armour that rivals the one created by Tony Stark — better known as Iron Man. The two-minute, 47-second trailer offers a glimpse into Riri's life as an MIT student following the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). We're introduced to Parker Robbins, who appears to be interviewing Riri at first — but things soon take a mysterious turn as it becomes clear he may not be who he claims to be. The series will follow Riri as she uncovers secrets that blur the line between technology and magic, setting her on a thrilling path filled with danger and discovery. In the comics, Parker Robbins is also known as The Hood. He wears a hood that allows him to use dark magic and arts. In another universe, Parker is the leader of a criminal organisation that kidnapped and enslaved Chinese immigrants in America before being killed by Xu Xialing (Shang-Chi's sister), who took control of his organisation. In the show, Parker's role will be essayed by Anthony Ramos. Ironheart is set to premiere on Disney+ (JioCinema/Hotstar) on June 24, 2025, with the first three episodes of its six-part series. It will mark the final television release and the conclusion of Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show is created by Chinaka Hodge and will be directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. It is produced by Kevin Feige, Ryan Coogler, Louis D'Esposito, along with various others. Ironheart will not be Riri's first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The character was last seen in Ryan Coogler's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In the film, she teams up with Shuri (Letitia Wright), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Wakandans after her invention draws the attention of powerful forces such as Namor (Tenoch Huerta). As the creator of a vibranium-detecting machine, Riri finds herself at the centre of the conflict between Wakanda and Talokan.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Marvel's messy, funny, thoughtful return
MARVEL fans have been waiting with mixed feelings for Thunderbolts*, the 36th entry in the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which closes out Phase Five. After years of superhero fatigue, scepticism over yet another team-up movie and lingering doubts from some underwhelming recent entries, many were not sure what to expect. But here is the surprise: Thunderbolts* turns out to be a solid, entertaining and surprisingly thoughtful film, not perfect, but a step in the right direction for a studio that has been under heavy scrutiny. This latest Marvel outing brings together a group of antiheroes: Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) and John Walker (Wyatt Russell), all wrangled under the watchful, manipulative eye of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). What follows is a chaotic, action-packed mission forcing these characters, all broken, disillusioned, or jaded, to face their past demons. But the real magic of Thunderbolts* is not just in the fights or explosions (though there are plenty) but in how it tackles the messy, often uncomfortable emotional baggage these characters carry. Darker MCU, but with heart At its core, Thunderbolts* is about trauma. Yes, there are big battles, espionage and lots of snarky banter, but beneath all the Marvel spectacle, the movie quietly explores mental health in a way few superhero films dare to. Characters are scarred, some physically, some emotionally and the script (penned by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo) is not afraid to sit in those dark moments. The film does not turn its back on the characters' morally grey histories, instead, it leans into them. Bucky's lifelong struggle with guilt, Yelena's complicated grief over losing her sister Natasha, Red Guardian's insecure bluster masking deep self-doubt, all these threads are woven through the film with more sincerity than one might expect. And while some of the dialogue can feel a bit on the nose, the earnest attempt to show characters grappling with self-worth, purpose and identity lands more often than it misses. Comedy, chaos and chemistry One of the biggest surprises here is how funny Thunderbolts* is, not in a forced, quippy way, but through the messy, awkward dynamics of a team that probably should not work together but somehow does. The film thrives on its character interactions: Bucky's gruff exasperation, Yelena's dry humour, Red Guardian's over-the-top antics, Ghost's intense awkwardness, all combining into a stew of dysfunction that somehow gels. Director Jake Schreier keeps the pace brisk, but he allows just enough breathing room for the cast's chemistry to shine. Pugh and Harbour are standouts, delivering sharp comedic timing without undercutting their emotional arcs. Louis-Dreyfus, meanwhile, has a blast as the slippery, power-hungry Valentina, adding a layer of political manipulation that keeps things interesting without bogging down the action. Writing choices that might surprise While Thunderbolts* mostly follows familiar superhero beats, some moments genuinely surprise, sometimes in good ways, sometimes in ways that might leave audiences scratching their heads. Certain character arcs unfold in unexpected directions and the movie takes a few bold (if occasionally uneven) swings with its storytelling. Some viewers may find the tonal shifts jarring, but the film balances heavy emotional beats with absurd humour and flashy action and not every transition is smooth. But part of what makes Thunderbolts* work is that it feels like it is trying. It is not just another cookie-cutter Marvel outing, it is a movie that is willing to stumble a bit in its effort to offer something deeper. Give it a chance, be rewarded Thunderbolts* is not flawless, it is messy, occasionally overstuffed and some characters feel a little underdeveloped. But it is also a movie that rewards viewers willing to go in with an open mind. It is not trying to be the next Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy, it is content to tell a smaller, more intimate story about broken people trying (and often failing) to come together. Audiences who show up expecting nonstop spectacle might be surprised by how much of the movie focuses on personal stakes rather than universe-ending threats. And those who have been burned by recent Marvel misfires might be shocked to find themselves emotionally invested here. Yes, there are plenty of cool action sequences, but the heart of Thunderbolts* is its exploration of redemption, forgiveness and the messy path toward healing. Decent comeback for Marvel In the bigger picture, Thunderbolts* feels like a course correction for the MCU, a movie that remembers why fans fell in love with these stories in the first place. It does not try to pretend to have all the answers for Marvel's future. Instead, it focuses on its characters, their relationships and the small, meaningful victories that come from facing one's past. With a strong ensemble cast, surprisingly thoughtful writing and just enough humour to balance the darkness, Thunderbolts* is a reminder that Marvel still has gas in the tank and that sometimes, all a film needs to do is ask audiences to give it a chance. Thunderbolts* would not blow everyone away, but it is a decent, entertaining and sometimes even touching addition to the MCU lineup. It is the kind of film where going in with measured expectations pays off: give it a shot and you might walk out pleasantly surprised. Thunderbolts* dares to believe in the possibility of broken people finding something worth fighting for – and that alone makes it worth watching. CAST: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, Wyatt Russell E-VALUE: 7/10 PLOT: 7/10 ACTING: 8/10
Geek Culture
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Marvel's 'Thunderbolts*' Post-Credits Scene Directed By Russo Brothers
As Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) closes out with Thunderbolts* , now rebranded as The New Avengers , director Jake Schreier has shed light on an interesting tidbit of behind-the-scenes proceedings. Speaking to Variety, the filmmaker, whose portfolio includes Beef and Paper Towns , revealed that Joe and Anthony Russo, collectively known as the Russo Brothers, were in the director's seat for the movie's post-credits scene. 'That was shot maybe four weeks ago, and I did not direct that. That's the Russos on the set of Avengers: Doomsday . I got to be there, which was very fun, to watch your buddies go on to this grander scale,' he said. The news shouldn't be too surprising, considering that the post-credits scene serves as a setup for The Fantastic Four: First Steps , which is set to kick off Phase Six. Set 14 months after the ensemble film, it shows the eclectic team of misfits gathered inside their new headquarters (aka the Avengers Tower), with Bucky explaining that Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, or Captain America, is suing them for using the Avengers name. Shortly after, the sound of an alarm cuts through the air, and a retro-styled spaceship bearing the iconic '4' logo comes into sight, heralding the arrival of The Fantastic Four. With the positive reception and box office success that Thunderbolts* is enjoying, it remains to be seen if the upcoming superhero flick can keep the momentum going. One thing's for certain, though: the New Avengers (and Bob, of course) will be back, and with a big role to play in saving the universe. Thunderbolts* assembles Florence Pugh ( We Live in Time ) as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan's ( The Apprentice ) Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell's ( Night Swim ) John Walker, David Harbour's ( Hellboy ) Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen's ( Black Mirror ) Ghost, Lewis Pullman's ( Lessons in Chemistry ) Sentry, with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep ) leading the orchestration. The big-screen pic is out now, while The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theatres on 25 July. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
