Will Spider-Man or Daredevil make a cameo in MCU’s upcoming Thunderbolts?

One intriguing theory, potentially hinted at in the trailer, revolves around the very nature of The Void's attack. The creeping shadow engulfing Manhattan, seemingly distorting everything it touches, could be the very reason our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and the Devil of Hell's Kitchen are nowhere to be seen. If this shadowy force acts swiftly and without warning, as the trailer suggests, even the heightened senses of Daredevil or the agility of Spider-Man might be insufficient to escape its grasp. Operating from Queens and Hell's Kitchen respectively, they could very well be among the first to fall victim to this strange phenomenon, leaving the unconventional Thunderbolts team, whose members operate outside of New York, as the city's last hope.

Another possibility, one that aligns with a well-established MCU trope, is that Spider-Man and Daredevil are simply occupied elsewhere. The cinematic universe frequently employs the narrative device of heroes being engaged in other, equally pressing matters to avoid every crisis becoming an Avengers-level event. Perhaps Daredevil, still navigating the events of his ongoing "Born Again" series, finds himself in a situation that prevents his involvement. Similarly, Spider-Man, while undoubtedly dedicated to protecting his city, might be dealing with a separate threat that keeps him away from the immediate danger posed by the Void. New York is a sprawling city, and even a hero as vigilant as Spider-Man might not immediately detect every emerging crisis.

While the idea of our heroes being simply busy might feel less satisfying to some, it certainly fits the established pattern within the MCU. However, the lack of any mention or visual cue regarding their whereabouts in the Thunderbolts* trailer does raise eyebrows. It is quite possible that their absence be addressed in future installments, perhaps in Spider-Man 4 or a potential second season of Daredevil: Born Again. Or perhaps Marvel could be holding back a surprise, with both characters potentially making dramatic cameo appearances to aid the Thunderbolts in their fight!

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* opens in theatres on May 1, 2025 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu