The Marvel Cinematic Universe entered 2025 in a uniquely different landscape as it has in previous years. Gone are the days where every MCU entry was a guaranteed box office juggernauts and the reality of the current climate sees the franchise struggling to redefine its identity. Ever since the credits rolled on Avengers Endgame, Marvel seemed more focus on replicating past successes than rejuvenating itself with fresh ideas.
While there’s no denying that when they hit, Marvel really hits with entries like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Deadpool V Wolverine and GOTG Vol 3, the days of a small scale entries felt like a thing of the past. With Fantastic Four: First Steps on the horizon and the success of Daredevil: Born Again, there was a a bit of momentum building to the release of Thunderbolts*.
Thunderbolts* evokes a different energy than the last few years of MCU entries. A film that isn’t just saving the world, but about surviving yourself. By prioritizing practicality and character work over an overload of VFX and easter eggs, the film carves out one of the most grounded and effective entries the MCU has delivered in quite some time.
Set after the events of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* follows Yelena Belova, John Walker, Ava Starr and Taskmaster as they carry out covert missions for Valentina Allegra De Fontaine. But when tasked on a mission that turns into a trap, , the dysfunctional team must come together — with Bucky Barnes joining their ranks — to battle a giant Void that threatens New York City.
Penned by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, Thunderbolts* screenplay explores some of Marvel’s darkest material yet, as the duo’s script tackles the aftermath and emotional weight of these antiheroes’ past traumas. In their search of finding purpose, Calo and Pearson craft raw, emotionally grounded storytelling that sets their script apart from recent Marvel entries. Their work weaves unexpected vulnerability and character depth, creating an resonance that feels both refreshing and impactful.
Working hand in hand with Pearson and Calo’s script is Jake Schreier’s direction. With a sharp focus on character and story, Schreier’s attention to detail and practicality elevate Thunderbolts* above the Marvel norm. From the opening moments as Florence Pugh’s Yelena pulls off an immaculate stunt jumping off the second-tallest building in the world, Schreier immediately signals that the film will lean less on green screen spectacle and more on real-world locations.
Comparisons to the lovable losers from Marvel past, the Guardians of the Galaxy, may be inevitable, yet each of these characters brings a unique and complex energy to their performances. Lewis Pullman continues the compelling arc of John Walker, while Hannah John-Kaman revitalizes her character, turning a once-forgettable Phase 3 villain into one of the film’s biggest badasses.
Thunderbolts* mostly stays away from the tiresome forced humor of the MCU, however, David Harbour seamlessly blends his unique comedic timing while still adding an emotionally impactful take. Meanwhile, the always reliable Sebastian Stan once again shows that Bucky Barnes remains one of the cornerstones of the MCU since Phase 1 – offering gravitas that the film uses to full effect.
Among a strong array of performances, It’s Lewis Pullman and Florence Pugh that stand out the most. Pugh anchors Thunderbolts* with a vulnerability and emotional weight that’s been on sorely missed within the MCU, while Pullman adds a complexity that elevates Sentry/Void into one of Marvel’s most sympathetic villains.
Cinematographer Andrew Droz Palermo, best known for his work on The Green Knight, A Ghost Story and Moon Knight brings an aesthetic that emphasizes natural lightning, creating a more intimate world that aligns beautifully with the film’s themes. His lens makes Thunderbolts* one of the best-looking Marvel films in quite sometime.
Ultimately, Thunderbolts* is a story of redemption and second chances – a fitting reflection of the MCU itself. In a cinematic landscape that has seen Marvel struggle in reclaiming its magic, Thunderbolts* may not reinvent the wheel, but it serves as a cinematic olive branch to cinephiles holding out hope that better days for Marvel are on the horizon.
