The Trendiest US Spring Break Destinations for 2018

Remember the days when you got a full week off of school for your spring break vacay? Yeah, we miss that too. So let’s relive the glory days by booking some (much-needed) time away from our #adulting day-to-day. Since spring break timing is just around the corner, we spoke with KAYAK on where the trendiest (based on increased searches relative to last year) US spots are going to be in 2018. (Good news: They don’t involve any MTV college-esque getaways.) Scroll down to see which ones are on the list, then gather your BFFs to starting booking your trip.

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado: If you’re looking for an outdoor spot that doesn’t include beach time, head to this city just over an hour away from Denver. Colorado Springs is up 21 percent in travel popularity this year alone for its plethora of nature activities. Bring out your inner adventurer by exploring natural wonders like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, or, if putting on the hiking boots isn’t really your thing, keep the Olympic mentality in full swing by touring the Hall of Fame at the US Olympic Training Center. Any way you play it, you’re sure to walk away with a winning mentality.

2. Kahului, Hawaii: You don’t have to convince us twice to go to Hawaii. So it’s no surprise that this tropical hot spot, located on the island of Maui, is up 19 percent with its visitors this year. Options here range from scenic helicopter rides to driving the gorgeous Road to Hana. Whatever activity you choose, there’s one thing we’re certain of: You’re bound to walk away with some pretty epic photos to take home. (Sunsets for days? We’re in love with it!)

3. Flagstaff, Arizona: Stray from the typical Scottsdale or Phoenix scene to visit this mountainous desert city that’s up 14 percent in popularity. While the area offers a refreshing taste of humid air (bye, winter!), we’ll be honest — we’re primarily here to see the Grand Canyon. You simply can’t beat the hiking or views among gorgeous red rock canyon layers for miles on end. Just be sure to keep that water bottle handy!

4. Destin, Florida: Calling all beach babes! Squeeze in some sun in this area boasting white beaches everywhere. Up 12 percent in searches in 2018, this southern spot amply encourages relaxation with a wide range of state parks, golf courses, shopping spots, and, of course, an entire Gulf Coast to enjoy.

5. San Jose, California: California dreaming? Consider San Jose, which rose in popularity 11 percent this year. This destination is surrounded by the biggest US tech scene — Silicon Valley — and offers ample opportunities to learn about its primary industry, like The Tech Museum of Innovation. If getting some fresh west coast air is more your thing, make your way through the Municipal Rose Garden, or check out some new Cali fashion by shopping on Santana Row.

6. Asheville, North Carolina: Maybe you’ve already heard the word about this lively, artistic city that’s surging in popularity by 11 percent this year. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, it was once a place trodden by economic hardships, but it’s since rebounded to become a progressive, spirited, historical city hosting visitors from across the US. Whether you’re embarking on a ghost tour (it’s a thing) or taking advantage of one of the area’s many breweries, you’re bound to walk away with a whole new perspective on North Carolinan culture.

7. Punta Gorda, Florida: If spending 70-degree days by the waterside sounds like a dream, Punta Gorda (up nine percent in searches since 2017) should be on your radar. The area offers opportunities to explore “Old Florida” with shops, walkways, museums, and authentic tin-roof homes paying homage to past decades. Since it’s just a short drive from Fort Myers, it makes for a refreshing — and quick — escape from your usual beach-y trip.

8. Saint Petersburg, Florida: With a title like “Sunshine City,” this is a spot after our own hearts. Factor in some top-of-the-line cuisine and award-winning beaches, and we’re sold for a stay in this area that’s increased in popularity by nine percent since last year alone.

Which places are you eyeing for spring travel? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

While most Utah-bound visitors might make a beeline toward Zion or Arches, Bryce Canyon National Park evokes a very rare and mystical spirit I’d argue you can’t find anywhere else.

That’s not to denounce the absolutely breathtaking beauty of the other four parks under The Mighty 5, but I experienced some truly unexplainable magic on my recent adventure to Bryce Canyon. Every twist and turn left me at a loss for words.

If you happen to stumble upon it in your travels, you’ll also be caught by surprise. Between the blue, hoodoo-dotted skyline, rocks with a sprawling spectrum of colors, and the smooth canyon walls, you really can’t help but be in awe.

Aside from hitting the trails and snapping hundreds of photos in Bryce Canyon National Park’s vastness, there’s a lot more to explore in the surrounding area. Keep reading to discover everything you can get up to in this incredibly impressive region of Utah!

Meredith Holser

Hiking Queen's Garden trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

1. There are endless outdoor opportunities.

Bryce Canyon country offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventure: hiking, camping, canyoneering, ATV touring, horseback riding, and more.

Meredith Holser

Inside a slot canyon near Escalante, Utah

Hit some stunning viewpoints and experience the wild rock formations through a hike in Bryce Canyon (Queen’s Garden and Mossy Cave are two great beginner-friendly options), go off the beaten path and catch some serious scenery with with Grand Staircase ATV Tours, or dare to go deep into the region’s slot canyons, guided by the playful experts at Excursions of Escalante.

Meredith Holser

Vista near Escalante, Utah

If you’re not one for hiking, nearby Scenic Byway 12 offers a 122-mile stretch worth of views to soak up without ever having to get out of your car (though, if you ask me, being immersed in it is so much better).

No matter your appetite for adventure, there’s always something to get up to!

Meredith Holser

Looking up from Queen's Garden trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

2. The natural beauty will leave you stunned.

Being in Bryce Canyon literally feels like you’re on another planet. As a native Texan-turned-Colorado girl, I was constantly gawking at the towering hoodoos, striated sandstone surfaces, and intense blue skies that I simply don’t see at home.

Meredith Holser

Rock formations surrounding Kiva Koffeehouse in Escalante, Utah

Every feature there is so vast, reminding you just how small of a piece you are in the world’s grand puzzle. I felt humbled in the most satisfying way possible.

Meredith Holser

Rainbow sighting at Ofland Escalante

My late August visit landed in the middle of southern Utah’s monsoon season, so I also got to witness rich bands of fog and torrential mid-day downpours – both equally as beautiful as the clear weather. Rainbows almost always rolled in after each rainfall, capturing every onlooker’s attention and encouraging an undeniable sense of calm.

Meredith Holser

Looking down into the Bryce Amphitheater

3. The area has a really rich history.

Bryce Canyon has seen many indigenous cultures throughout history, from Fremont, Anasazi, Pueblo, and Paiute. Tribes relied heavily on the region’s bounties as early as 1200 A.D., using native plants and animals to survive and thrive. It’s important to acknowledge that Bryce Canyon country’s indigenous roots are still undeniably present today.

The area’s founding is most commonly accredited to Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer for whom Bryce Canyon was nicknamed around 1874. It officially became a national park in 1928.

Zooming out by 75 million years or so, dinosaurs roamed the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Sixteen new species of dinosaurs have been discovered in the area since 1999 in addition to hundreds of animal and plant fossils mapped in Bryce Canyon itself.

Whether you seek out the canyon’s history for yourself or gather fun facts from the locals, you’ll surely learn a lot on your travels here!

Meredith Holser

Lil Dipper dome at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

4. There are plenty of places to stay, whatever your vibe is.

From glamping to camping, there’s a nice range of options when it comes to finding accommodations in Bryce Canyon country. My top recommendations?

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon sits about 15 miles southeast (~20 minute drive) from Bryce Canyon in Cannonville, Utah. Nestled in a mellow canyon, Clear Sky’s unique windowed domes (suitable for couples or groups up to 8 people) offer unparalleled views of the stars while supplying modern comforts like air conditioning, showers, and wifi.

Meredith Holser

Looking out from a Lil Dipper dome at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

There’s even an on-site restaurant and bar with such friendly staff members that really make the stay memorable. Coming back to your fully outfitted dome after a day-long adventure will be extremely satisfying!

Meredith Holser

Fire pit and accessible cabins at Ofland Escalante

Ofland Escalante is located in Escalante, Utah, about 46.5 miles (~1 hour drive) from Bryce Canyon. This polished accommodation surely taps into the heart of glamping, but still feels quite grounded in the surrounding nature. Ofland is fitted with a pool, a hot tub, a food truck, a lobby stocked with grab-and-go snacks and drinks, and a playful drive-in movie theater.

Meredith Holser

Inside a Deluxe Cabin at Ofland Escalante

There’s also an epic outdoor lodge to enjoy – sit around the fire pit while you sip a local brew, play a few hands of Uno, or cozy up with a book. You can book a deluxe or tiny cabin, a decked-out Airstream trailer, or set up at your very own campsite here. There are also custom-designed accessible cabins that boast extra floor space and ADA compliant details for a super cozy stay!

Meredith Holser

Overlooking formations near Escalante, Utah

If you’re looking to camp in Bryce Canyon National Park, you can certainly pitch your tent inside the park’s North and Sunset campgrounds. The Sunset campground is closed in the winter, and both locations are first come, first served, so it can be a little chaotic to land even a single-night stay.

To avoid the frantic search for a campground inside the park, you can opt for locations outside of it, like Red Canyon Campground in Dixie National Forest (about 6 miles from Bryce Canyon) or campgrounds in Kodakchrome State Park (about 15 miles from Bryce Canyon), which still provide wonderful scenery and a comfortable place to lay your head.

Meredith Holser

Brisket sandwich with mac n' cheese at i.d.k. Barbecue

5. The food is scrumptious.

Fear not, outdoorsy foodies. Bryce Canyon country has quite a few spots to get your grub on between adventures! Sink your teeth into a hefty BBQ sandwich at i.d.k. Barbecue (Tropic, UT) or grab an insanely tasty slice at family-owned The Pizza Place (Tropic).

Meredith Holser

The exterior of Kiva Koffeehouse

Down a local beer alongside your very American dinner at 4th West Pub (Escalante, UT) or sip on some ethically-sourced caffeine with your choice of Southwestern fare from Kiva Koffeehouse’s rotating menu (Escalante).

Meredith Holser

Sipping Kiitos' Blackberry Sour at Ofland Escalante

The food is grand, but the drinks are worth mentioning, too. Despite Utah’s unusual liquor laws, there are numerous breweries and distilleries creating delectable beers, IPAs, ciders, gins, whiskies, and more. Uinta, Kiitos, and Wasatch are the big names when it comes to breweries, but Utah’s distilleries are more concentrated near Salt Lake City, so you’ll find the source of stronger spirits there.

Meredith Holser

Striated rock formations near Bryce Canyon National Park

More Must-Knows

  • Best time to visit: For the best (and warmest) weather, the summer months of June through August are ideal to visit Bryce Canyon, though the park tends to see more crowds during that time. Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) may be chillier in terms of temperature, but you’ll likely catch spring blooms or fall foliage, depending on when you decide to visit. Plus, the crowds die down in these shoulder seasons. The winter months are colder than cold and bring on unpredictable weather, though the show lays out good grounds for skiing and snowshoeing, if that’s your jam.
  • How to get there: If you’re aiming to fly to get to Bryce Canyon country, your best bet is to route to either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. From either location, the drive to Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours, offering exceptional sights as you go.
  • Cost for the park: You can enter Bryce Canyon with a standard pass, annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. A standard park pass costs $20-$35, an annual park pass costs $70, and an America the Beautiful pass costs $80. You can learn more about what pass is right for your visit here!
  • Trip essentials: Having sturdy hiking boots, high-quality socks (I love my Smartwoolpairs), SPF, warm layers for chilly nights, and a hydration pack (this insulated one from Brümate is so worth it) on-hand proved to be the most helpful items I packed for my adventure to Bryce Canyon. Prepare to pack comfy clothes and toiletries, plus snacks and camping items if you plan to pitch a tent.

For more information about Bryce Canyon Country, visit brycecanyoncountry.com.

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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.

Picture this: You're heading out on an exciting road trip to a fun destination, cuddled up like the passenger princess you are with a kindle, some tasty snacks for the road, and a very adorable matching set. Matching sets are perfect travel outfits, because they're comfortable loungewear that still feels stylish and put together. And when I'm on a road trip, whether driving or being said passenger princess, I definitely wanna prioritize comfort over everything else — and it just happens to help when I look cute, too. ;) I rounded up some of my fave matching set finds from Amazon that will help you achieve that comfy, yet cute vibe for your next road trip adventure!

Amazon

Knit 2 Piece Set

This set looks Sofia Richie chic. It actually went viral on TikTok for being such an affordable, great find — and I happen to agree! It's comfy with minimal design, so it will pair with any pair of shoes you choose. This one's going with me on my next roadtrip, 100%!

Amazon

Gingham Set

It's not often I find an outfit that would be perfect for lunch in the South of France or for hours on end in the car, but that's what we call versatility! It really is such a cute set that you can wear almost anywhere. Pair this with strappy sandals and a raffia bag, and you're good to go!

Amazon

Sweatpants 2 Piece Set

Everyone needs a good sweatsuit in their wardrobe, and what better one to get than an affordable matching set from Amazon? This heather grey set will be ideal for your fall road trip to keep you warm and cozy! The best news? It's 25% off (with a coupon) at the moment, so make sure to grab it quickly!

Amazon

Beige Ribbed Sweater Set

I love the simplicity of this oatmeal-nude two-piece set, because you can wear it casually, to a movie night, or just on a road trip with your besties. I like how it's styled above for a more elevated look with gold jewelry, and a fun handbag. But you can't go wrong with some tinted moisturizer, a messy bun, and sneakers.

Amazon

Pink Two Piece Linen Set

This set is ideal for my girls who like to feel more cutesy, but still stay true to that comfortable vibe we're going for. This is usually the style I sport for roadtrips, just in case we take a fun detour to grab lunch at a nice cafe. I can be prepared for any scenario, yet still feel totally cozy in the breathable linen.

Amazon

Waffle Lounge Set

You truly can't get more comfortable loungewear than a good old waffle-knit set! And you can't beat this price either, TBH! For less than $20, you can get your newest two-piece that's sure to become your go-to. The good thing about this fabric is:

  • It's light
  • It's breathable
  • And it still looks good!

Amazon

Green Striped 2 Piece Set

A good striped set will carry you through multiple seasons, and you're guaranteed to get a lot of wear out of it. I like to pair mine with sandalsand a crossbody bag whenever I'm on a roadtrip! Just add a classic white tank, and you're good to go!

Amazon

3 Piece Knit Lounge Set

This Amazon find is one of the best deals! It comes with a long, duster cardigan, a tank, and matching pants — all three for less than $40! Sometimes I'll even wear the duster with other outfits to optimize wear! Snag this deal for your upcoming road trip plans.

Amazon

Knit Pullover Set With Shorts

The balloon sleeves are the first thing that struck me with this chic outfit. It makes you look put together, but also fools everyone so they don't know you're actually wearing clothes that feel like pajamas. The ultimate win!

Amazon

Floral Ruffle Set

Who says you can't wear PJ's in the car? I definitely didn't. I'm an avid pajamas-in-public gal myself, but they have to be chic and cute like this pair here! The floral pattern is positively adorable, and I will be purchasing it immediately.

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All images via Amazon.

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.