The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is hurtling toward a bold new chapter with Thunderbolts* arriving on May 2, 2025, and Avengers: Doomsday looming in 2026. Fans are abuzz after Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier dropped a cryptic hint about how his film links to the next Avengers blockbuster. In a recent interview, Schreier teased a powerful character tying the two films together, sparking wild speculation about who it might be and what it means for the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. Let’s dive into the clue, its implications, and how Thunderbolts* sets the stage for Doctor Doom’s rise.
Jake Schreier’s Tantalizing Tease
In an interview with SFX Magazine (via CinemaBlend), Schreier was pressed on how Thunderbolts* connects to Avengers: Doomsday. His response was coy yet loaded with intrigue:
“There might be some stones, or pebbles [smiles]. I don’t know how you want to rate your rocks. Look, you know the character that we’re talking about, and you know that there’s a level of power involved there that could have an impact going forward. I’m not making Doomsday so I’m not privy to that.”
This quote is a masterclass in saying just enough to ignite fan theories. Schreier’s reference to a powerful character strongly suggests that someone from Thunderbolts* will play a pivotal role in Avengers: Doomsday’s Doctor Doom-driven narrative. With Thunderbolts* being one of only two films (The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the other) releasing before Doomsday, it’s clearly a key piece of the MCU’s Phase 6 puzzle.
Why This Connection Matters
The MCU has been in flux since Avengers: Endgame (2019), striving to top the Infinity Saga while introducing new heroes and villains. The pivot from Kang the Conqueror to Doctor Doom as the Multiverse Saga’s central threat has left fans eager for clues about how Marvel will tie its sprawling story together. Thunderbolts*, with its gritty antihero ensemble, seems poised to bridge this gap. Here’s why Schreier’s hint is such a big deal:
- Narrative Shift: After Jonathan Majors’ exit as Kang, Marvel reoriented Phase 6 around Avengers: Doomsday. Thunderbolts* likely plants seeds for Doctor Doom’s emergence, setting up the stakes.
- Antihero Dynamics: The Thunderbolts—featuring Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and others—are a dysfunctional crew, unlike the classic Avengers. Their story could redefine heroism, paving the way for Doomsday’s epic team-up.
- Fan Excitement: Early test screenings, shared on Reddit, describe Thunderbolts* as a fresh, grounded take on the MCU. A strong link to Doomsday could amplify anticipation for both films.
Who’s the Powerful Character?
Schreier’s mention of a character with “a level of power” that could impact Doomsday points to a single Thunderbolts* figure being central to the Avengers’ next chapter. Let’s break down the top contenders:
| Character | Actor | Why They Could Be the Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sentry (Bob Reynolds) | Lewis Pullman | Sentry’s godlike power makes him a prime target for Doctor Doom. His confirmed Doomsday role suggests he survives Thunderbolts* and could be a major player. |
| Yelena Belova | Florence Pugh | Yelena’s skills are formidable, but a comic-inspired power-up (like her Super-Adaptoid abilities) could make her a cosmic force, drawing Doom’s attention. |
| Bucky Barnes | Sebastian Stan | Bucky’s arc as a reformed Winter Soldier and congressman positions him as a leader. His ties to Sam Wilson’s Captain America could see him rally the Thunderbolts against Doom. |
- Sentry’s Unmatched Strength: ScreenRant and fans on X heavily favor Sentry as Schreier’s hinted character. His comic-book power rivals Thor’s, and if Doom manipulates his dark “Void” side, it could spell disaster for the Avengers.
- Yelena’s Potential Upgrade: ComicBook.com notes Yelena’s comic history of gaining Sentry’s powers. If Thunderbolts* gives her a similar boost, she could emerge as a hero—or threat—in Doomsday.
- Bucky’s Leadership: Bucky’s new political role and guilt over not joining Sam Wilson’s Avengers (seen in Captain America: Brave New World) make him a wildcard. He might unite the Thunderbolts to face Doom’s schemes.
How Thunderbolts* Sets the Stage
Thunderbolts* isn’t just a standalone caper—it’s a critical setup for the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. Here are three ways it likely ties to Avengers: Doomsday:
- Hinting at Doom’s Plans: While Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom may not appear in Thunderbolts*, the film could tease his multiversal influence—perhaps through Sentry’s mysterious origins or a shadowy organization pulling strings.
- Filling the Avengers’ Gap: The Thunderbolts* trailer shows Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) saying, “The Avengers are not coming.” This implies Sam Wilson’s new Avengers are absent, possibly off-world, leaving the Thunderbolts to face a threat tied to Doomsday.
- Moral Grayness: With antiheroes like John Walker and Taskmaster, Thunderbolts* embraces moral complexity. The team’s actions—heroic or selfish—could trigger events that shape Doomsday’s conflict.
Test screening buzz on Reddit praises Thunderbolts* for its bold, almost indie-like vibe. One viewer called it “a step up for the MCU,” predicting critical and commercial success. If it delivers, it could solidify Marvel’s path to Doomsday.
Fans overwhelmingly point to Sentry as the key character, but the asterisk in Thunderbolts*’ title keeps theories swirling. Is it a clue about the team’s fate or a nod to a comic-book twist?
Looking Ahead
With Thunderbolts*’ May 2 release on the horizon, the MCU is at a turning point. Schreier’s tease about a powerful character with “a level of power” that could impact Doomsday has fans dissecting every trailer moment, from Yelena’s sharp humor to Sentry’s eerie aura. Whether through one character’s arc or a broader setup for Doctor Doom’s reign, Thunderbolts* is more than an antihero romp—it’s the foundation for the MCU’s next saga.
Will Sentry become Doom’s ultimate weapon? Can Yelena or Bucky rise to the challenge? As Thunderbolts*’ “stones” and “pebbles” lead to Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU’s misfits are ready to shake things up. Buckle up for a thrilling ride.
