In a surprising turn for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the latest film, "Thunderbolts", has captured both critical and audience acclaim, suggesting a potential revival for the franchise. Released on May 2, 2025, the film has already grossed $11.5 million during its Thursday previews, indicating a strong start at the box office. With an impressive 88% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 95% Verified Hot label from audience reviews, it appears that Marvel may be finding its footing again.
"Thunderbolts" is the 36th installment in the MCU and features a rag-tag crew of demoralized assassins and former heroes. The film's action centers on Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the CIA director portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Critics have noted her performance as reminiscent of a villain from "Rocky and Bullwinkle," portraying Valentina with a self-assured and unapologetic demeanor.
Florence Pugh leads the cast as Yelena Belova, the Black Widow spy who is grappling with the loss of her sister, Natasha Romanoff, who met her end in the 2021 film "Black Widow." Pugh's portrayal has been described as "disarming," with The New York Times highlighting how her performance deepens the film's material. David Harbour returns as Yelena's father, the Red Guardian, while Hannah John-Kamen reprises her role as Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, marking her first appearance since 2018's "Ant-Man and the Wasp."
Wyatt Russell plays John Walker, Captain America's successor, and Lewis Pullman portrays Robert Reynolds, who transforms into The Sentry and later becomes The Void. Sebastian Stan rounds out the cast as Bucky Barnes, the former Winter Soldier who has now taken on the role of a rookie congressman. This diverse ensemble brings a mix of humor and emotional depth to the film, which has been characterized as a departure from typical superhero fare.
The film’s plot unfolds as Yelena, seeking to escape her depression, accepts a mercenary mission from Valentina. Unbeknownst to her, others have been assigned the same task, leading to a chaotic and emotionally charged adventure. Critics have drawn parallels between the film and Pixar's "Inside Out 2," noting the emotional nuance that permeates the story. Yelena, while serving as the leader of the Thunderbolts, faces her own demons as she battles The Void, a character who embodies despair and darkness.
As the crew navigates their mission, they must escape a high-security laboratory while avoiding Valentina's army and confronting Robert, who is being manipulated into becoming a weapon of mass destruction. The film cleverly weaves themes of redemption and emotional struggle into its narrative, providing a richer experience than typical action-packed superhero films.
Critics have responded positively to the film's thematic depth. The Washington Post remarked that amid the expected fight sequences and witty banter, the film's emotional elements are surprisingly effective, even profound. The Chicago Tribune praised the film for its "relatively new and vivid" elements, while Newsday highlighted the strong cast and a story that feels fresher than usual, awarding the film three out of four stars.
However, not all reviews have been favorable. The Austin Chronicle rated the film 3.5 out of 5, acknowledging that while the Thunderbolts may not be the Avengers, they are the heroes needed at this moment. Tribune News Service offered a more tempered response, giving the film 2.5 out of 4, citing an imbalance between the cheeky banter and the film's inherent earnestness. Vanity Fair criticized the film as "thin and insufficient," suggesting that Marvel's glory days cannot be restored through smaller, downbeat adventures.
Despite mixed reviews, the film's reception signals a potential shift in the MCU's trajectory. The Los Angeles Times described "Thunderbolts" as feeling like an asterisk, implying that it may not reach the heights of previous Marvel films. Similarly, Mashable criticized the film's finale, suggesting it felt like a collection of disjointed ideas rather than a cohesive narrative.
As audiences flock to theaters, the combination of a strong cast, emotional storytelling, and action-packed sequences has made "Thunderbolts" a noteworthy entry in the MCU. Viewers are treated to a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the nature of heroism and the complexities of human emotion. In a landscape where superhero films often prioritize spectacle over substance, "Thunderbolts" manages to balance both, offering a glimpse of what could be a new era for Marvel.
With its emotional depth and character-driven narrative, "Thunderbolts" stands out as a film that might just redefine the superhero genre, reminding audiences that even the most flawed characters can embody heroism in their own unique ways. As it continues to draw in viewers and critics alike, the film has set the stage for future Marvel projects, potentially signaling a return to form for the franchise.
