LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts welcomed Indo-Australian actress Geraldine Viswanathan to its ensemble as she steps into an undisclosed role, replacing Ayo Edebiri who bowed out due to scheduling conflicts.
The casting shakeup comes as the MCU gears up for its Phase Five lineup, with Thunderbolts poised to be a cornerstone feature. The film, akin to DC’s Suicide Squad, gathers a group of anti-heroes tasked with government missions, interweaving narratives from previous MCU installments such as Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and the upcoming Captain America: New World Order.
Viswanathan, known for her breakout role in the comedy Blockers (2018), is set to join a star-studded cast including Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
This casting coup underscores Viswanathan’s rising prominence in Hollywood since her debut. Following Blockers, she ventured into various projects, showcasing her versatility in both comedy and drama. Notable credits include Miracle Workers, Cat Person, and The Beanie Bubble, solidifying her status as a sought-after talent.
While specifics about Thunderbolts’ plot remain under wraps, anticipation brews among fans eager to witness this assembly of formidable characters navigating the morally ambiguous landscape of superheroism.
Jake Schreier, known for his directorial prowess in Paper Towns and Beef, takes the helm of Thunderbolts, with Eric Pearson, the scribe behind Black Widow, penning the script.
The departure of Edebiri, who gained acclaim for her role in The Bear, marks the second casting adjustment for Thunderbolts, following Steven Yeun’s exit earlier. However, the addition of Viswanathan alongside Lewis Pullman, who steps in for Yeun, reaffirms the film’s momentum as it marches toward its slated release in July 2025.
