Marvel Studios Reportedly Begins Early Work on Thunderbolts 2

Following the first film's positive reception from critics and audiences, Marvel Studios is reportedly moving forward with a sequel, although its release could still be several years away.

Marvel Studios doesn’t seem done with its Thunderbolts team yet, as new reports suggest the studio has officially begun early development on Thunderbolts 2. Fans of the first movie, which defied typical box-office projections for a Marvel Cinematic Universe film and earned favorable reviews from critics and moviegoers, will be thrilled by the announcement.

Thunderbolts, released in 2025, was one of the more character-driven ventures Marvel had done in recent years. Rather than relying too heavily on traditional superhero spectacle, the film focused on its characters, relationships, script, and direction. This helped it connect more strongly with audiences, with many fans calling it one of Marvel's better releases in the last five years.

The strong feedback seems to have given Marvel Studios yet more reason to dig further into the property.

The studio hasn’t announced an official release date or offered any hints about the sequel’s plot, but claims that Thunderbolts 2 is in early development suggest the project is moving forward. But one big question mark hanging over the sequel is who will direct it. Jake Schreier, the director of the first film, is likely to be heavily involved with Marvel’s upcoming X-Men movie, depending on how the studio lines up its next films, which could make his return for the sequel a little problematic.

According to the claims, Thunderbolts 2 is in the early phases of development. That is to say, fans shouldn’t expect to see the sequel in theaters anytime soon, as Marvel films normally take years to move from early development to full production and then to theaters. Looking at Marvel Studios' history, you will see that the route from early development to release can be long and varied.

Some productions move quickly, while others have long development phases that can last several years. But a good guess for the sequel is three to five years from now. Assuming the original Thunderbolts was released in 2025, a 2029 or 2030 release window is achievable, as long as work isn't delayed too much. It’s speculation, naturally, not a definite timeline, and Marvel hasn't released any official information about when the sequel could appear.

Another question is whether Jake Schreier will return to direct the sequel.

He's also attached to Marvel's future X-Men film, which might keep him from jumping right back into the Thunderbolts property. But it doesn't mean Schreier won't be in the sequel. Maybe Marvel can keep him on as a producer  or give him creative input while someone else takes over directing 

And there’s always the prospect of Schreier coming back after he’s done with X-Men. Handling two major Marvel series would be a big task, but not impossible if the studio feels his creative input is crucial to the sequel's path. The release timetable for Marvel's future slate could affect when Thunderbolts 2 eventually hits cinemas. The studio might also work on a sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps before reuniting the Thunderbolts team.

Maybe it’s not the best move for Marvel to have both sequels out in the same year. By spacing out major franchise editions further apart, each picture would have a better chance of drawing crowds without competing against another similar movie from the same studio.

The alleged development of Thunderbolts 2 ultimately implies Marvel still believes in the series. "It gives the studio a chance to explore different characters, different storytelling, different creative directions without necessarily following the traditional formula of its larger superhero productions. The sequel could be another exciting addition to the MCU if it keeps the traits that made the original picture so enticing.