As reported by several trades Geraldine Viswanathan replaces Ayo Edibiri in Thunderbolts due to scheduling conflicts. This is the second time a role for Thunderbolts has had to be recast at short notice. Recently Steven Yeun dropped out for similar reasons and has been replaced by Lewis Pullman. The main reason for these conflicts is of course the delays to filming because of last years strikes. Thunderbolts is due begin filming this March.

As reported by Deadline;

‘Geraldine Viswanathan is set to join Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts as she replaces Ayo Edebiri, who is departing the project due to scheduling after production was delayed due to the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year.’

As for how big the role was? Rumors vary, but one insider claims the role was cut substantially and not a good use of Edibiri’s talents.

For what it’s worth I heard at one point Ayo’s role was rather small and would’ve been as Val’s assistant.

Would have been a massive waste of her talent (and growing star power) https://t.co/Dknn51MQGD

— Jacob (@JacobFisherDF) January 29, 2024

RELATED: The Role Of Sentry In Thunderbolts Has Been Offered To Lewis Pullman

So, the role may have been as an assistant to Val. Val played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the movie is set to be both the recruiter and possibly primary antagonist of Thunderbolts. It is therefore a possibility that some touch ups to the script during the delay have reduced this role to the point where it’s not attractive to Edibiri. However, I stress this is just rumor, and the facts are only that Edibiri dropped due to scheduling conflicts.

Whatever else we say, I think we can say this is not as big a deal as Steven Yeun dropping out. Though not official, we all know Yeun was playing Sentry, another possible primary antagonist of the movie. However there has been no change to our core group of protagonists, i.e. the Thunderbolts.

What do you think of this story as Geraldine Viswanathan replaces Ayo Edibiri in Thunderbolts? Scheduling conflicts or a reduced and no longer big enough role? Share any thoughts below.

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