Marvel's highly anticipated film, Thunderbolts, held its world premiere in London on April 22, 2025, and the excitement surrounding the movie is palpable. As expected, spoilers have begun to emerge online, revealing tantalizing details about the film's content, including its unique post-credits scenes.
In a departure from the usual formula, Thunderbolts reportedly features two post-credits scenes, a rarity since the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. These scenes are expected to tie directly into the upcoming events of Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026. The post-credits sequence reportedly depicts the New Avengers in their new tower discussing Sam Wilson's recruitment of his own team when they are interrupted by the arrival of a ship from space, which is speculated to be the Fantastic Four's vessel. Although it's unclear if the Fantastic Four themselves will make an appearance, Pedro Pascal, who portrays Reed Richards, was present at the premiere, fueling speculation.
Social media reactions to Thunderbolts have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics describe it as "raw, hilarious, and deeply human," with @BigGoldBelt stating that the film dives into themes of trauma, healing, and redemption. This perspective resonates with many fans who appreciate a more emotional narrative within the superhero genre. Others, like @NextBestPicture, note the film's darker tone, emphasizing its focus on flawed characters grappling with their pasts.
Florence Pugh's portrayal of Yelena Belova has been highlighted as a standout performance, with many critics asserting that she carries much of the film's dramatic weight. @EmilyVMurray describes Thunderbolts as one of the best MCU movies in a long time, praising its emotional depth and character development. Alongside Pugh, Lewis Pullman’s character Bob, who is also known as Sentry, has garnered attention for his complex duality, embodying both a hero and a villain.
The film brings together a diverse cast of antiheroes, including Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). Together, this ragtag group must navigate a dangerous mission orchestrated by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The synopsis hints at a death trap that will force these disillusioned characters to confront their darkest secrets and seek redemption.
Director Jake Schreier has crafted a film that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level. The focus on practical action sequences and character-driven storytelling has been praised by critics, with @Danimalish noting a particularly impactful 27-minute therapy scene that left viewers emotionally stirred.
As for the film's box office prospects, early estimates suggest Thunderbolts could earn between $63 million to $77 million in its opening weekend, a solid performance given its budget of $180 million. The film's unique premise and character-driven narrative may attract a broad audience, especially as it serves as a bridge to the larger MCU storyline leading up to Avengers: Doomsday.
With Son Lux scoring the film, expectations are high for a memorable auditory experience that complements the emotional and action-packed visuals. The band, known for their Oscar-nominated work on Everything Everywhere All at Once, is expected to bring a fresh sound to the MCU.
As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the film's debut in U.S. theaters on May 2, 2025. Thunderbolts promises to be a significant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a blend of humor, action, and emotional depth that has the potential to redefine expectations for superhero films.
In summary, Thunderbolts is shaping up to be a captivating exploration of flawed heroes in a world that demands redemption. With its rich character dynamics and engaging storytelling, it could very well become a defining film for the franchise.
