Marvel’s upcoming Thunderbolts movie going deep into the complex character of Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Known for her mysterious appearances across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Louis-Dreyfus hints at an exciting reveal in the new film. According to the actress, Thunderbolts will finally shed light on Val’s entire plan, unveiling her backstory and motivations, which have been shrouded in secrecy until now.
Val’s Secrets
Louis-Dreyfus describes the movie as a “completely different beast” compared to her previous MCU cameos. She explains that the film provides a unique opportunity to explore her character on a deeper level. “You really get to know what she’s made of, and even a lot of her backstory,” the actress reveals. “She’s in it to win it.” Fans can expect to see her entire plan unfold, with several unexpected twists along the way.
Val first appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as she recruited John Walker (Wyatt Russell) to become U.S. Agent, without offering much clarity about her intentions. She continued her mysterious path in Black Widow, where she recruited Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). Her most recent appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showed her assuming the role of CIA director, where she also manipulated her ex-husband, Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), into getting arrested.
Complex Character Traits
Louis-Dreyfus reflects on the complexity of her character. Val doesn’t fit neatly into the hero or villain categories, leading the actress to ask, “Is there such a thing as an anti-villain?” With a chuckle, she suggests this might be the perfect label for Val, acknowledging the morally ambiguous nature of her character. Val’s schemes and questionable alliances will be explored in Thunderbolts, giving viewers a better understanding of why she behaves the way she does.
The actress also hints at a deeper connection between Val and the rest of the Thunderbolts team. Despite being a power-hungry leader, she may share more common ground with the misfits she leads than she realizes. Louis-Dreyfus suggests that Val, who views herself as a “puppet master” orchestrating the actions of her team, may not be as in control as she thinks. “She’s a user of anti-heroes,” she says, acknowledging her role as the manipulative leader of the group.
A More Personal Side to Val
While Thunderbolts won’t explore Val’s complicated relationship with Ross further, the movie will introduce aspects of her history that have previously only been touched upon in the comics. Louis-Dreyfus shares her excitement about this deeper dive into Val’s past. She even displays a vintage Marvel comic, a gift from her husband, featuring the debut of Val’s character. “Some of her earlier schemes are going to be revealed,” she teases, offering fans a chance to learn more about what motivates her character.
Action-Packed Yet Grounded
Louis-Dreyfus promises fans will also see her character in action, although she admits that her role is not focused on physical combat. She jokingly reveals that while Val only throws one punch in the film, it’s “an effective punch.” However, the actress relishes the chance to perform that one moment, calling it “phenomenal” as she wore a “really cool black leather coat” during the scene.
The film will also feature grounded action sequences, with more emphasis on practical stunts than heavy special effects. Louis-Dreyfus praises the rawness of the movie, describing it as a refreshing change from the typical green-screen-heavy MCU productions.
Family Connection
Louis-Dreyfus admits that one of the aspects of Thunderbolts she’s most excited about is sharing the film with her family. Her two sons, avid Marvel fans, have been eager to see the movie. “I can’t wait for them to see the movie. I think they’re going to get a real kick out of it,” she says with a smile. While she’s kept the movie’s secrets well-guarded, she jokes that her sons have tried to pry spoilers from her, but she has managed to keep them under wraps.
When it comes to the film’s title, Louis-Dreyfus remains tight-lipped about the mysterious asterisk in Thunderbolts. “I can’t tell you,” she says with a laugh, reinforcing Val’s secretive nature.
Thunderbolts will be released in theaters on May 2, 2025, and promises to be a thrilling chapter in the MCU that will finally provide answers to the mysteries surrounding Val and her complex schemes.
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Source: EW