The upcomingThunderboltsfilm in the MCU marksGeraldine Viswanathan’s fateful entry into the superhero franchise, a role she was once favored for as Ms. Marvel. The announcement, made in January 2024, marks a significant turn in Viswanathan’s career, as she steps into a role initially intended for Emmy Award-winning actress Ayo Edebiri, who had to depart due to scheduling conflicts.
In an interview withComicBook, Viswanathan expressed her excitement about joining the MCU. She stated:
“I don’t know. Who knows what goes on behind the scenes, but I’ve always wanted to join the universe in whatever capacity, and this just came up. There’s a lot of … It was destiny. Destiny called me on the phone and I picked up and I said, ‘I’ll be there.’ Very excited.”
The industry has been rife with changes due to the 2023 Hollywood writers and actors strikes, which have impacted various film and television productions.Thunderboltswas no exception, with the strikes leading to delays and casting adjustments. The casting of Viswanathan in the film brings a fortuitous turn, given her past strong candidacy for the role of Kamala Khan, or Ms. Marvel, which Iman Vellani eventually secured.
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Viswanathan’s rise to prominence began with her standout performance in the comedy filmBlockers, which garnered her critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. Her talent and versatility have since led her to various roles, including her upcoming appearance in theEthan Coen-directed comedyDrive Away Dolls, alongside Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon, and Margaret Qualley.
Geraldine Viswanathan Joins the Star-Studded Cast of Thunderbolts for a New Superhero Saga
Thunderbolts, directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Lee Sung Jin, is a highly anticipated addition to Phase Five of the MCU. The film’s plot centers around agroup of supervillains recruited for government missions, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster.
The film’s production, initially planned to commence in June 2023, was pushed back due to the Writers Guild of America strike. The anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Thunderboltsis scheduled for a new release date of July 08, 2025.
Viswanathan’s casting inThunderboltsis a testament to her talent and the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. While she may have missed out on the role of Ms. Marvel, her destiny in the MCU has taken a different, yet equally thrilling, path. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, Viswanathan’s journey from a fan favorite for Ms. Marvel to a key player inThunderboltsserves as a reminder that in the world of superheroes, anything is possible.
