"A pair of misfits" —Sebastian Stan talks about Thunderbolts and compares it to The Breakfast Club

Sebastian Stan is gearing up for his role in Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated film Thunderbolts, which is slated to release in May 2025. Known for his portrayal of Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Sebastian Stan has been a staple in the franchise since his character’s introduction.

Thunderbolts brings together a group of unlikely antiheroes, each with their own troubled pasts, and explore the dynamics between these characters as they work together on high-stakes missions for the government.

Sebastian Stan, in a January 6, 2025, interview with Entertainment Tonight, discussed his excitement about the film, its unique qualities, and even drew comparisons to a cult classic from the 1980s, John Hughes' The Breakfast Club. He said,

"I’m telling you, I think this movie is very singular and will stand on its own, I know these are bold words, but there’s no other Marvel group that you can kind of compare us to. It’s its own thing. I like The Breakfast Club, that’s the best way of describing it. A pair of misfits that hopefully don’t kill each other."

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Sebastian Stan on Thunderbolts

In his interview with Entertainment Tonight, Sebastian Stan discussed how the ensemble cast of Thunderbolts comes together in a way that he believes mirrors the group dynamics seen in The Breakfast Club.

According to him, the characters in Thunderbolts are a "pair of misfits" who have to learn to work together despite their differences.

He added,

“I think this movie is very singular and will stand on its own... It’s its own thing.”

Drawing a direct comparison to the classic 1985 teen movie, Stan emphasized the importance of these mismatched characters coming together, albeit with a bit of chaos and humor involved.

Stan specifically highlighted the comedic chemistry among the cast, praising his co-stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as some of the funniest people he has worked with.

“I’m excited for people,” he said.

Stan added, teasing fans with the promise of the entertaining interactions that will unfold between the characters.

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What is Thunderbolts about?

Thunderbolts is set to explore a team of antiheroes who are tasked with carrying out dangerous missions for the U.S. government. The film’s premise takes inspiration from the Marvel Comics team of the same name, which has been a part of the comics universe since the late 1990s.

In the film, Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, leads the group, which includes a variety of powerful and morally complex characters.

The team is composed of individuals who have been on the wrong side of the law or have personal demons they are struggling with. Some of the main characters include Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the Black Widow successor; Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), a Russian super-soldier; and John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), a former Captain America.

Additionally, characters like Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) bring their own unique abilities and motivations to the table. Together, they are forced to work together, balancing their personal issues and egos as they face dangerous, government-backed missions.

While Thunderbolts is part of the MCU’s Phase Five, the film promises a fresh take compared to the usual superhero fare. With a group of antiheroes at the center, the film will likely explore themes of redemption, teamwork, and the complexities of being a hero or antihero in a world filled with moral grey areas.

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For the unversed, Thunderbolts starring Sebastian Stan is set to release in 2025.