I've been looking forward to Thunderbolts* for a long time, and it did not disappoint. This latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings together an unexpected team of lesser-known heroes-and delivers the humor, heart, and action Marvel fans crave.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The story centers around a group of familiar but underdog characters-Yelena Belova (Black Widow's sister), Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier), Red Guardian, and John Walker-who find themselves reluctantly united. Their boss, Val (played with sharp comedic flair by Louis-Dreyfus), seems to be orchestrating events to get rid of them. That plan backfires when the group discovers one of her secret experiments, a test subject-turned-superhero named Bob. Yes, Bob-and the name became funny.
As the story unfolds, the Thunderbolts are forced to confront not only external threats like Sentry and The Void, but also their own pasts and insecurities. What makes the film work is how it balances emotional depth without becoming too heavy. These characters need each other, and that message comes through clearly. By the end, they've earned their place as a new, unconventional Avengers-like team.
The film shines with its mix of heartfelt moments, sharp humor, and explosive action-everything you'd expect from a solid Marvel outing. It also does a great job of introducing or reintroducing characters in a way that doesn't require extensive Marvel homework. You can jump in without needing to revisit every previous installment.
The writing and performances are strong throughout. Florence Pugh gives a great performance and is the heart or center of the film, while David Harbour brings great comedic energy as Red Guardian. Sebastian Stan delivers powerful hero moments that remind you why Bucky continues to be a fan favorite. The group has great chemistry.
I'm excited to see more of this crew in future installments. Thunderbolts is a worthy addition to the MCU and a great ride for superhero movie fans.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reader Comments(0)