Is Red Guardian in the Thunderbolts movie? Everything You Should Know

Marvel’s new movie, Thunderbolts, was released on 2nd May 2025, and fans across India, especially in Surat, are super excited. One big question many people are asking is, “Is Red Guardian in Thunderbolts?”
The short and happy answer is: Yes! Red Guardian is back in action.

Who Is Red Guardian?

Red Guardian’s real name is Alexei Shostakov. In the Marvel comics, he is known as the Russian version of Captain America. He is strong, fast, and trained like a soldier.

In the movies, we first saw him in Black Widow (2021). Actor David Harbour played the role, and fans loved his mix of serious fighting and funny behavior. He was like a father figure to Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) and Yelena Belova. Even though he made mistakes in the past, Alexei truly cared about his family and wanted to be a hero again. That’s why he was so relatable to many people, especially in India, where family and emotions are a big part of life.

Red Guardian’s Story in Marvel

In the comics, Red Guardian was a Soviet pilot and one of the best in Russia. He was chosen for a secret mission, where he was given a super-soldier serum similar to what Captain America took. This made him very strong and powerful. He didn’t have a fancy shield like Captain America, but he had top-level combat skills. He was loyal to his country and ready to fight for what he believed in. In the movie Black Widow, we saw a different side of him—funny, emotional, and broken in some ways. He spent many years in jail and came out still wanting to prove that he was a true superhero.

Is he in Thunderbolts? What’s His Role?

Yes, Red Guardian is very much part of the Thunderbolts team. In this movie, a group of anti-heroes and former villains are brought together for a dangerous government mission. Think of them like Marvel’s version of the Suicide Squad.

The Thunderbolts team includes:

• Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
• Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)
• John Walker/U.S. Agent
• Ghost
• Taskmaster
• Red Guardian
• New characters like Sentry and Mel

This team is formed by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who works for the U.S. government and picks these characters for a risky mission. Red Guardian’s presence adds strength, experience, and humor to the team. He’s no longer the loud, careless man we saw in Black Widow. In Thunderbolts, he’s more serious, more focused, and wants to be a real hero again, especially to make his daughter Yelena proud.

David Harbour’s Return

David Harbour is back as Red Guardian, and he has shared in many interviews how excited he was to return. He said this time, the story is deeper. There are still jokes, but there is also emotion and pain. His relationship with Yelena grows stronger. He wants to protect her and prove himself worthy. David also shared that he likes playing this role because Red Guardian is not perfect. He makes mistakes; he talks too much, but he also cares a lot. Fans in India love such characters—people who are flawed but emotional, strong but still human.

Red Guardian’s New Look

In this movie, Red Guardian gets a brand new costume. At Comic-Con 2024, Marvel showed off the updated look, and fans loved it.

• The new suit has tan and white armor pieces, making him look more professional and ready for battle.
• It’s a big change from the old red-and-black stretchy uniform we saw in Black Widow.
• Now, he looks like a true elite fighter, not just an ex-hero trying to be funny.

This upgrade also shows how Marvel wants to show him in a more serious, action-heavy role.

How Important Is Red Guardian in Thunderbolts?

Red Guardian is not just a side character. He has an important emotional role in the movie.

• His father-daughter bond with Yelena is one of the best parts of the story.
• He brings maturity and strength to the team.
• He is one of the few members who truly wants to do the right thing, not just complete the mission.

Also Read:

• The Pitt Review: A Groundbreaking Medical Drama That Redefines the Genre
• The Electric State (2025)—Reviews, Release Date, Cast, and BTS

And don’t worry, his funny side is still there. His one-liners and awkward honesty give the movie a lot of charm.

What Fans Are Saying

Fans in Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, and even in smaller towns are saying that Red Guardian is one of the best parts of Thunderbolts. People on social media are posting:

“David Harbour is perfect as Red Guardian, funny and emotional.”
“Loved seeing the father-daughter moments with Yelena.”
“Red Guardian stole the show for me!”

Many Indian fans also feel that Red Guardian is someone they can relate to; he tries hard, makes mistakes, but never gives up.

So, yes, Red Guardian is 100% in Thunderbolts, and he plays a major role in the story.

For Marvel fans in India, especially in Surat, this is exciting news. Red Guardian brings action, humor, and emotion all in one package. His scenes with Yelena are beautiful, his fight scenes are thrilling, and his journey of trying to be a better man is something many people understand.