Marvel Studios' highly anticipated film, Thunderbolts, has received overwhelmingly positive early reactions following its world premiere, with critics and fans alike praising its unique approach to the superhero genre. The film, which is set to release in U.S. theaters on May 2, 2025, features an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Lewis Pullman, among others.
The social media embargo for Thunderbolts was lifted on April 22, 2025, allowing the first wave of reactions to flood in. Many reactions describe the film as a "bold dive into trauma, healing, and redemption," showcasing a different side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that emphasizes character depth and emotional storytelling. One fan noted, "#Thunderbolts is raw, hilarious, and deeply human. It’s gritty, emotional, and unlike anything Marvel has done before — a must-see story that hits where it hurts and heals where it matters."
Florence Pugh's performance has emerged as a standout, with critics labeling her portrayal of Yelena Belova as "superb" and the one that "shines the brightest" among the cast. This sentiment was echoed by multiple commentators, including Emily Murray, who stated, "Well [Thunderbolts] is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time (and maybe one of my new personal faves). Has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed. Florence Pugh in particular superb, just walks away with it."
While some reactions mentioned that the film starts off a bit rough, they quickly highlight the high praise for the cast, particularly Pugh and Lewis Pullman, who plays a complex character battling his inner demons. One critic remarked, "Sebastian Stan has an absolute scene-stealing moment, yet Florence Pugh shows she is the true lead of the new generation and team." Another noted that the film is "some of Marvel’s darkest material to date, dealing with the emotional wreckage of broken individuals grappling with their past choices and finding camaraderie amidst the emptiness of their lives."
The film's runtime is confirmed at 2 hours and 6 minutes, and box office estimates predict that Thunderbolts will earn between $63 million and $77 million domestically during its opening weekend. This would be a solid performance for a film with a budget of $180 million, especially considering the relatively obscure nature of the Thunderbolts property within the MCU.
In addition to Pugh and Stan, the cast includes David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and newcomers Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, and Wendell Edward Pierce. The film is directed by Jake Schreier, with Kevin Feige producing, and features a score by Son Lux, the band known for their work on the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Critics have noted that Thunderbolts introduces a new era for Marvel, with one reviewer stating, "It’s a bold statement to tackle heavy subject matters, dealing with inner demons in particular and, after a wobbly start, comes together as a new team is formed." Another critic emphasized the film's character-driven narrative, saying, "THUNDERBOLTS is incredible. It’s deeply invested in the interpersonal relationships of the characters, making it a compelling character drama as well as a fun blockbuster."
As the final film of the MCU's Phase Five, Thunderbolts is seen as a critical entry for Marvel, especially following the mixed reception of earlier releases like Captain America: Brave New World. The film is expected to pave the way for future projects, including the upcoming Avengers sequels, Doomsday and Secret Wars, scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
With its mix of action, humor, and emotional depth, Thunderbolts aims to capture the hearts of audiences while also providing a fresh take on the superhero genre. As one fan put it, "Thunderbolts takes the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the world of independent cinema. It is unlike any product that came before." The film promises to deliver not just entertainment, but also a meaningful exploration of its characters' struggles and growth.
As anticipation builds for its release, Marvel fans are eager to see how Thunderbolts will perform at the box office and whether it can successfully reinvigorate interest in the MCU amidst concerns of superhero fatigue. The film's unique approach and strong character focus may just be the refreshing change that audiences have been waiting for.
