Get That Pizza Fix Minus the Carbs With This Chicken Pepperoni Casserole

Is it possible to overload on pizza? Our hearts say no but our bellies say yes. Sometimes we just need to walk away from the dough (so definitely don't look at these 16 frozen dough recipes). Let's make that walk a little easier with this pepperoni chicken casserole made with creamy homemade pizza sauce and bubbling melty cheese.

You can keep it light with a dressed green salad, add more toppings (we love bell peppers and chili flakes) or just bring those carbs right back in again and serve with garlic bread and fries. It's the most versatile dinner you'll have had in a long time. Even the leftovers make a great lunchtime salad — serve it up in one of these fab adult lunchboxes!

Ingredients:

Serves 4

— 3 Tablespoons olive oil

— 1 medium brown onion, peeled and chopped

— 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

— 1/2 teaspoon salt

— 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

— (2) 14-ounce cans chopped tomatoes

— 1 teaspoon dried oregano

— 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

— 1 heaped Tablespoon tomato puree or paste

— 3 Tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature

— 4 large boneless chicken breasts

— 1 1/4 packed cups strong cheddar cheese

— 1 cup shredded mozzarella

— 10-12 pepperoni slices

— small bunch fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a skillet. Add the onion and fry for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and fry for a further minute. Add the cans of chopped tomatoes, oregano, sugar and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring every so often until reduced by half. Turn off the heat. Leave to cool for five minutes, then stir in the cream cheese.

2. Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts in half width-ways (so you have eight thin chicken “steaks”). Place in a large baking dish in a single layer, then drizzle on the remaining oil and and season with salt and pepper. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Take the chicken out of the oven. Spread the sauce all over the chicken with a spoon. Sprinkle on the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni on top. Place back in the oven for another 15-18 minutes until the cheese is lightly golden and melted and the whole dish is bubbling. Take out of the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Serve with a green salad and some garlic bread if you’d like. Let’s take a closer look at that perfectly cooked pepperoni…

Would you go healthier and serve with salad? Or bring on the fries and garlic bread? We'd love to hear. Tweet us @BritandCoand check out our camping foods recipe roundup for more inspo!

Kickstart your mornings with minimal effort and maximum flavor by making these easy breakfast meal prep recipes! Imagine waking up to a fridge stocked with grab-and-go options like overnight oats layered with fresh fruit, or perfectly-portioned egg cups. These breakfast meal prep recipes not only save you precious time during the morning rush, but also ensure that you never have to sacrifice a nutritious, delicious breakfast to work toward your health goals. Say 'goodbye' to skipping the most important meal of the day and 'hello' to a week of stress-free, tasty mornings with these 18 ideas!

Brit + Co

Parfait Breakfast Popsicles

This breakfast-dessert hybrid is nutritious as can be. It's made with a protein-rich Greek yogurt base, and from there, you can customize the flavor with any medley of diced fruits. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cinnamon Pear Baked Oatmeal

This big dish of baked oatmeal will last you the whole week. It's filled with delicious notes of pear and cinnamon to usher in the fall season seamlessly. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes

Shoutout to the genius that came up with sheet pan pancakes! Prepping your pancakes on a sheet pan and baking them in the oven not only saves you time in the long run, but saves you from doing an endless pile of dishes. Top these with your favorite inclusions then dig in. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vikalinka

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

For a savory breakfast meal prep option, make sure to bookmark this hearty casserole. It'll fill you up well, too, since it's packed with protein from eggs and meat. (via Vikalinka)

The Girl on Bloor

High Protein Oatmeal

Your typical bowl o' oatmeal gets a nice boost from protein powder to keep you fuller for longer, and supply you with enough energy to make it to lunchtime. The best part about this recipe is you can section it out into individual meal prep containers to keep in the fridge until you're ready to chow down. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Completely Delicious

Whole Wheat Cheddar Biscuits

Nothing is better than a warm biscuit in the morning. With this dish, you can bake them, then store them in either the fridge or freezer for safe keeping. When breakfast rolls around, simply heat one or two up in the toaster oven. (via Completely Delicious)

Hello Little Home

Vegetarian Breakfast Enchiladas

Breakfast enchiladas sound so good right about now. As opposed to your traditional enchilada build, these are stuffed with eggs and black beans for a vegetarian protein fix. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Mmm, chocolate. Start your day off with this equally nutritious and delicious baked oatmeal! After you make it, you'll be left with plenty of leftovers to devour all week long. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Vegan Breakfast Banana Nut Muffins

Banana nut muffins make the perfect pairing with your morning coffee. Bake 'em once, then you'll have an entire dozen to stow away in the fridge. (via Vanilla and Bean)

The First Mess

Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate

These chocolatey oatmeal cups have some hidden nutrients in them, thanks to the addition of zucchini. You'd never guess it, though – each component blends together super seamlessly. (via The First Mess)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos

Meal prep these veggie-filled breakfast burritos, wrap them in foil, then keep them in the freezer so they'll last. You can easily heat them up before you leave the house in the microwave or air fryer for just a few minutes! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Feel Good Foodie

Broccoli and Cheese Quiche

Quiches rock. This one is prepped with pieces of broccoli and cheese, and will always taste fresh the entire week long. For a longer-lasting dish, store the leftovers in your freezer. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pumpkin season is upon us! Usher in fall time with these pumpkin-y overnight oats for a nice breakfast meal prep sesh. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

The Fast Recipe

Spinach & Feta Muffins

These egg muffins taste similar to Starbucks' famous Spinach Feta Wrap, but you won't have to hit the drive-thru to indulge. (via The Fast Recipe)

Bowl of Delicious

Make-Ahead Breakfast Tacos

Like breakfast burritos, breakfast tacos are equally easy to meal prep. Pack some tortillas full of your favorite toppings like eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausage, and boom, breakfast for a week is ready! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Half Baked Harvest

Blueberry Yogurt Granola Bars

If you've never made your own granola bars, now's the time. These delicious grab-and-go bites are ideal for busy school mornings as well as afternoon snacking! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Earthly Provisions

Banana Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Banana and chocolate make the most heavenly flavor combo. Mix the two into a cup of overnight oats, and it'll feel like you're literally eating dessert for breakfast. (via Earthly Provisions)

Cozy Cravings

Green Goddess Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich

This is one stacked breakfast sandwich. Egg, bacon, and cheese are layered in between a tasty bun with some green goddess spread. Prep a dozen sammies to keep in the freezer to feed you and your fam all week. (via Cozy Cravings)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more easy recipe ideas!

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

No summer weekend is complete without a backyard BBQ. But sometimes running around trying to get everything prepared and decorated can quickly turn into a hassle, and by the time dinner's ready, you'd rather go to bed. Well, not anymore! These 31 delicious make-ahead BBQ recipes are exhaustion-proof and will ensure that you *actually* get to enjoy the seasonal festivities, all while looking like a total badass in the kitchen.

Spicy Sriracha Dip

Brit + Co

Whip up this spicy-hot dip for a snack that guests (and you!) won't be able to get enough of. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Southern Biscuits

Brit + Co

Sink your teeth into the flaky goodness of these Southern-inspired biscuits. They're easy to prep ahead of time, and they can be enjoyed with layers of fried chicken and honey *just* as good as on their own. (via Brit + Co)

Rosemary Watermelonade

Brit + Co

Whether you like your lemonade spiked or prefer to go the traditional route, a big batch of this refreshing sipper will be delish either way. (via Brit + Co)

California Black Bean Burgers

Brit + Co

These veggie patties beg for just 15 minutes of prep time. From there, you can keep them locked-and-loaded in the fridge to be cooked at a later time for your barbecue party! (via Brit + Co)

Bacon Chive Dip

Brit + Co

Any reason to indulge in a big batch of creamy bacon dip is a good one, and when it's this easy, there is never an excuse not to. File this under your go-to make-ahead barbecue recipes for big crowds. (via Brit + Co)

Gooey Banana Boat S'mores

Brit + Co

With this easy dessert, just bundle up your fave s'mores accessories with a banana into some foil. These are an exceptional choice to make if you're already grilling, because all they need to be done is a few minutes over the coals! Prep them and keep them safe in the fridge until your sweet tooth calls. (via Brit + Co)

Taco Dip

Brit + Co

Once you've got an abundance of veggies on-hand, build your taco dip within 10 minutes to be devoured the next day! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Cheezy Soft Pretzel Bites

Half Baked Harvest

Top these pretzel bites with the cheese of your choice – we promise anything will go well with this pick. Serve alongside some burgers and hot dogs, and your barbecue function is all set! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Asian Meatballs

My Foodbook

Serve up an unexpected twist on the typical BBQ fare with these Asian-inspired meatballs served in crispy lettuce cups and drizzled with a sweet chili soy sauce. (via My Foodbook)

Vegan Grilled Peaches and Pimento Pizza

The Edgy Veg

This vegan pie is so full of freshness. Top your crust with summer peaches, arugula, onion, vegan cheese, and more, and toss it on the grill for a BBQ-worthy bite. (via The Edgy Veg)

Slow Cooker Mini BBQ Pork Sliders

Table For Two

The slow cooker is *the* holy grail appliance when it comes to make-ahead barbecue meals. Throw all your ingredients in, and you can forget about your barbecue dish for the next six hours. From there, just shred and serve! (via Table For Two)

Caprese Sticks

Wholefully

There's a reason why some flavor combinations just keep coming back, and mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are one of them. Keep it nice and simple with this easy skewered appetizer. (via Wholefully)

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

The Girl On Bloor

Wings are *so* much easier to make with an air fryer. These easy bites get tossed in a thick, spicy sauce that'll get cooled down by a creamy blue cheese dip! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Love & Lemons

Grab that can of garbanzo beans hiding in the back of your cabinet and make them the star of the show. These are so good, that you might just want to save them all for yourself. (via Love & Lemons)

These Make-Ahead BBQ Recipes Are Too Good To Pass Up

Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites

Well Plated

Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this appetizer a cinch to put together. Their grab-and-go size also ensures that your guests will be able to socialize instead of waiting forever in line. (via Well Plated)

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

This Wife Cooks

This colorful pasta pick will stay good in the fridge for a few days, so you can totally make it ahead of time! Crunchy veg meets a creamy coleslaw flavor that'll help you beat the summer heat. (via This Wife Cooks)

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

No. 2 Pencil

Make these mashed potatoes up to two days in advance and pop them in the oven the day of the BBQ. Your guests will think you spent all morning slaving over the hot stove. Don't worry, though — your culinary secret is safe with us. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Pesto Turkey Meatball Sliders

The Yummy Life

Make some meatball patties in advance and store them in your fridge for three days – or the freezer for up to two weeks. Then, you can just top them with cheese and heat everything up 30 minutes before serving. (via The Yummy Life)

Easy Grilled Chicken for a Crowd

Cook The Story

Standing over a hot grill all summer afternoon is no way to enjoy your day. Pre-cook your chicken in the oven the night before, and it'll only need a quick reheat on the grill the day of. (via Cook The Story)

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Pink Owl Kitchen

It's really not a real barbecue feast if you don't have a cheesy mac to go on the side. This one takes notes from traditional soul food methods, adding in three, yes three different types of cheeses for texture and taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Daiquiris

The Yummy Life

Whip up a big batch of frozen daiquiris the day before, and you'll get to enjoy them instead of being tied to the blender all barbecue long. (via The Yummy Life)

Mini Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Home Made Interest

Mini sandwiches FTW! These buffalo beauties are made with pre-cooked deli wings, so they'll be ready before you even know it. (via Home Made Interest)

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

The Fast Recipe

This cheese ball is a big dill to us. Generously coated in pickle pieces, sesame seeds, and cheese, each scoop you take will fulfill the salty cravings. (via The Fast Recipe)

Saucy Sesame Noodles

Tadka Pasta

Another take on traditional pasta salad, this one is covered in a delicious sesame-peanut sauce and topped with peanuts and fresh cucumber right before serving for a fresh crunch. (via Tadka Pasta)

Muffaletta Dip

Southern Spicy Kitchen

This dip might have a lot of ingredients, but it comes together in an instant with just a little choppin' and droppin'. (via Southern Spicy Kitchen)

Make-Ahead BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Sliders

Cozy Cravings

Eliminate the need for a long prep time with this easy BBQ-friendly recipe! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the star of the show here, covering tender slider buns in juicy texture. Take the rest of the toppings as a choose-your-own-adventure job! (via Cozy Cravings)

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

Family Fresh Meals

Trying to cook enough potatoes for everyone in the oven would take all day, not to mention your house would turn into a sauna. Cool off and let your crock pot do the work. Did we convince you to buy one yet? (via Family Fresh Meals)

Green Bean Casserole Cups

Let's Dish

In less than 30 minutes you can have the perfect easy-to-eat appetizer thanks to a package of frozen phyllo shells. You can thank us later. (via Let's Dish)

Summer Panzanella Salad

Chef Bai

Panzanella provides the perfect balance between carbs and veggies. This well-seasoned one is constructed from only *the best* produce. (via Chef Bai)

Mini Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pies

Barley & Sage

Why make a big, heaping batch of chicken pot pie, when you could playfully serve it up personal-sized? These pockets get prepped ahead of time, enveloping a veggie medley in tender puff pastry. After that, just bake them golden brown, according to the recipe! (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Amanda Wilens

BBQ goes super well with fresh watermelon. This recipe pick makes a spicy twist on your regular fruit salad, adding some zing to your outdoor dining game. (via Amanda Wilens)

What tips do you have for planning a backyard BBQ? Will any of these recipes make the cut? Let us know @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.