Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* brings together some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most complex characters for a team-up that promises to push emotional and narrative boundaries while packing a punch. With stars like Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell returning to reprise their roles, Thunderbolts* isn’t just a continuation of their stories — it’s a chance to see the already intricate characters evolve in more unexpected ways.
Director Jake Schreier has quietly built a reputation for delivering visually inventive and emotionally grounded storytelling. Known for his work on projects like Paper Towns and the acclaimed Netflix series Beef, Shreier has also directed emotionally impactful episodes of series like Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Brand New Cherry Flavor, and more. Now, Schreier is bringing his signature blend of intimacy and scale to Thunderbolts*, as well as introducing a few new key players, including Lewis Pullman and Geraldine Viswanathan.
In a conversation with Collider's Perri Nemiroff, Schreier dives deep into the creative philosophy behind Thunderbolts*, from balancing franchise continuity with fresh storytelling to designing jaw-dropping practical effects. He reveals how he and the team approached building new arcs for familiar characters, how a commitment to in-camera effects enhanced the film's surreal moments, and why simplicity often leads to the most powerful visual results. It’s a revealing look at how Thunderbolts* aims to push the boundaries of what an MCU film can be.