May 2025 Movie Releases: Thunderbolts, Mission: Impossible, and Key Blockbusters Launching This Summer

The 2025 summer movie season begins with Marvel’s *Thunderbolts* on May 2, introducing a team of MCU antiheroes tasked with a dangerous mission. This Disney/Marvel release, positioned as their answer to DC’s *Suicide Squad*, features Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Wyatt Russell. May also sees the R-rated thriller *Shadow Force* (May 2) starring Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, followed by Eli Craig’s horror-comedy *Clown in a Cornfield* (May 9), based on Adam Cesare’s novel. The month continues with the *Final Destination* franchise reboot *Bloodlines* (May 16), featuring Tony Todd’s final performance, and *Hurry Up Tomorrow* (May 16), marking The Weeknd’s acting debut alongside Jenna Ortega. Tom Cruise returns for *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning* (May 23), potentially concluding his franchise journey, while Disney’s live-action *Lilo & Stitch* remake aims to draw family audiences. Other notable releases include *Karate Kid: Legends* merging original and *Cobra Kai* storylines, and Wes Anderson’s ensemble comedy *The Phoenician Scheme*. The article contrasts this lineup with 2024’s underwhelming May releases (*The Fall Guy*, *Furiosa*) and subsequent June recovery driven by *Inside Out 2*.