The upcoming Thunderbolts film in the MCU marks Geraldine 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 with ComicBook, Viswanathan expressed her excitement about joining the MCU. She stated: 'I've always wanted to join the universe in whatever capacity, and this just came up. 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. Thunderbolts was 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.
Viswanathan's rise to prominence began with her standout performance in the comedy film Blockers, 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 the Ethan Coen-directed comedy Drive Away Dolls, alongside Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon, and Margaret Qualley.
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 a group 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. Thunderbolts is now scheduled for a new release date of May 2, 2025.
Viswanathan's casting in Thunderbolts is 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 in Thunderbolts serves as a reminder that in the world of superheroes, anything is possible.
