Inside the Thunderbolts* Premiere and After Party

Cast and Crew of Thunderbolts* Movie

I had the chance to attend the world premiere of Thunderbolts** at the iconic Dolby Theatre, and let me tell you, Disney knows how to put on a show.

Hollywood Blvd. was completely shut down for the event, creating a dramatic entrance just steps away from where we'd watch the film alongside the cast and crew. That in itself was an unforgettable experience.

As I walked the red carpet, fans in full costume lined the barricades some dressed as their favorite Marvel characters, and they looked incredible! One of the standout touches was a Mike and Ike station, rebranded with Thunderbolts** packaging and handed out for free. A sweet and clever nod to the film.

Further down the carpet, I came face-to-face with the actual cast costumes on display. Seeing them up close was surreal, and fun fact: Florence Pugh, who plays Yelena Belova, must be close to my size because her costume looked like it could have fit me perfectly.

Cast Costumes on Red Carpet

Once inside the Dolby Theatre, guests were handed unique popcorn boxes, not just your average containers, but full-on cereal boxes filled with popcorn, paying homage to a quirky moment in the film. It was a smart marketing touch, and yes, I kept mine.

Cereal Box Popcorn

As we took our seats, the lights dimmed and fog swept across the stage. The screen lifted to reveal the Thunderbolts** cast, director Jake Schreier, and Marvel Studios executives. It was a dramatic moment, capped by a warm introduction from Schreier himself.

Cast and Crew Entrance On Stage

Without spoiling anything, my biggest takeaway from Thunderbolts** was the film’s emotional core: Keep your friends close—they can be the family you choose, and sometimes the light in your darkest moments. It’s a must-see, especially if you're drawn to stories about loyalty, redemption, and found family.

If the premiere was memorable, the after party was a full-on spectacle. They carried the cereal theme into the event with an actual cereal station where guests could pour themselves a bowl. Music filled the room, and I spotted Xochitl Gomez dancing all night.

The guest list didn’t disappoint either. Internet heartthrob Benny Blanco was there with Lil Dicky, and TV legend Julia Louis-Dreyfus stunned in a shimmering gold sequin dress. I even snagged a photo with her she was so sweet and genuine in person.

My table was next to director Jake Schreier, and it was great to see him engaging with kids, excitedly answering their questions about the film and his enthusiasm for the project.

And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, the cherry on top: I saw Sebastian Stan arriving at the party. He stopped to chat with two young fans, taking time to talk with them about the film. It was such a genuine moment and a perfect way to end the night.

From red carpet glam to cereal bars and heartfelt moments, the Thunderbolts** premiere was an experience. It reminded me why I love this industry—the creativity, the community, and the stories that bring us all together.