'INVINCIBLE' STAR STILL WANTS TO JOIN THE MCU 2 YEARS AFTER EXITING 'THUNDERBOLTS'

Steven Yeun’s comic-book future has looked a little unfinished ever since he exited Thunderbolts before cameras rolled. At the time, it felt like one of those frustrating near-misses that happens all the time in franchise filmmaking — a great actor, a big role, and timing that just would not cooperate. Now, though, there is finally a more encouraging update.

In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Yeun confirmed he is not ruling out a future Marvel role, even after his Thunderbolts departure. Asked whether seeing the film had sparked any fresh MCU conversations, Yeun said, “I did. I love Jake, Jake Schreier, incredible human director. I did [see it] and I never say never. I’m around.”

That is obviously not a casting announcement, but it is the clearest sign yet that Yeun’s split from Marvel was more timing issue than burned bridge. Reporting around Thunderbolts has long held that Yeun exited because the 2023 strike delays pushed production out of alignment with his schedule, and Marvel ultimately replaced him with Lewis Pullman, who went on to play Sentry/Bob in the finished film and, in fairness, was an utter delight.

How Good Is 'Thunderbolts'?

Collider’s review stated thatThunderbolts is one of the most refreshing entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in years, delivering a character-driven story that prioritizes emotional depth and team dynamics over the sprawling multiverse spectacle that has defined many recent MCU projects. Ross Bonaime noted that ultimately, Thunderbolts succeeds by returning the MCU to one of its most effective storytelling strategies: focusing on characters first and spectacle second. While the stakes remain large, the story feels more intimate and emotionally grounded than many recent Marvel films.

Thunderbolts* might not be the mightiest hero that the MCU needs, but it feels like this cinematic universe is taking a step forward in an already convoluted world. This isn’t necessarily a huge sea change, but it shows that even this deep in, Marvel can tell smarter, more emotional stories without forsaking fun, action, and big explosions. It’s the sort of level that more superhero films should be at, and shows exciting promise for where these movies could go (especially with Fantastic Four coming in just a few months). Thunderbolts* is a pleasant surprise in the MCU; it only took a team-up of Marvel’s unlikeliest superheroes to bring it out in them.

Thunderbolts is streaming now on Disney+.

2026-03-07T08:05:49Z