The first audience reactions to Marvel’s «Thunderbolts» have already appeared, and most of the reviews are positive.
Critics praise the dark and emotional tone of the film, highlighting the acting of Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan. In general, they called the film one of the strongest in the new phase of the MCU. «Thunderbolts» tells the story of a group of anti-heroes who are gathered for a dangerous mission. It will be something like a replacement for the Avengers, which this time has to save the world — version «Suicide Squad» DC in Marvel’s vision.
The cast includes Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Elena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and Strange (Lewis Pullman). Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays the role of the customer of the mission — Valentina.
The film by Jake Schreier, known for «Paper Towns», has already been shown to the press and selected fans. Reviews describe Thunderbolts as something atypical for Marvel:
- Emily Marry, editor of Games Radar: «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».
- Critic Brandon Norwood: «Shocked how good THUNDERBOLTS* is. Putting emphasis on the character work and practical action makes this feel like the old Marvel that has us for a decade plus. Wish we’d gotten this sooner. Helps that this dysfunctional team has chemistry too».
- Journalist HipHopWired: «Thunderbolts was awesome. Tons of implications on how the MCU is moving forward. The team works well together, plenty of emotion. Yelena is my most valuable player. Definitely a super fun movie. Definitely stick around after the credits».
- Critic Mia Pfluger: «Thunderbolts introduces a new era for Marvel, the most humane film filled with allowing their anti hero being flawed, broken and regretful. Sebastian Stan has an absolute scene stealing moment, yet Florence Pugh shows she is the true lead of the new generation and team».
- Owner and editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture Matt Neglia: «THUNDERBOLTS* is, in many ways, different from other MCU films that have come before it, and that freshness couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune time, when the franchise is in need of new blood and direction. It’s 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».
- Editor and columnist at EmpireMagazine Amon Worman: «That was pretty great! A visually daring, emotionally resonant superhero film that pushes mental health to the forefront. Florence Pugh brings the heart, David Harbour is consistently funny, & Lewis Pullman might be the stealth MVP. Best MCU film in a long while».
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Journalists Big Gold Belt Media: «Thunderbirds — is raw, hilarious, and deeply human. It’s a bold dive into trauma, healing, and redemption. Proof that even the so-called defective losers and disposable delinquents can rise above their past and become the heroes no one expected. 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».
To summarize, Marvel has high hopes for «Thunderbolts» after movie failures «Captain America: Brave New World». The release of a new project is an attempt to restart interest in the franchise before the next big releases, such as «Fantastic Four», «Avengers: Judgment Day» і «Avengers: Secret Wars».
The film is directed by Jake Schreyer («Robot and Frank») and produced by Kevin Feige and Scarlett Johansson. The Ukrainian premiere of «Thunderbirds» is scheduled for May 1, 2025.
Source: Games Radar