In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thunderbolts brings together a team of anti-heroes and reformed villains for a high-stakes mission. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, many super-powered individuals find themselves trying to navigate a world without the Avengers. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a mysterious government official, begins to assemble a team for an operation that might be morally gray but is presented as necessary for global security. The team consists of former foes and dark heroes like Yelena Belova (the new Black Widow), Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), John Walker (U.S. Agent), Taskmaster, Ghost, and others.

The mission of the Thunderbolts is to combat threats that traditional heroes might not take on, but as they work together, they begin to realize there may be hidden motives behind Valentina's agenda. The team members struggle with their dark pasts, facing moral challenges that make them question their loyalties. As they uncover secrets and confront their own inner conflicts, they must decide if they will follow orders blindly or chart their own path.