The social media embargo for Marvel’s Thunderbolts* has just been lifted!
That means that thoughts and opinions on the film from critics and other entertainment journalists are just starting to pour in.
Check out what some of our peers are already saying about the highly-anticipated film below!
“#Thunderbolts 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
1 Mid & 1 Post credit scene.” – @BigGoldBelt
“#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.” – @JustMiasLife
“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. This may be a team-up film, but it very much belongs to Florence Pugh, who carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back, while Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance as a sympathetic character at war with himself. It may not be the flashiest, funniest, or strongest Marvel film, but its rough edges and imperfections somehow all feel fitting for this anti-hero team of misfits.” – @NextBestPicture
“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. There’s a visceral 27 minute therapy scene that left me crying and confused. It’s so fun! Loved this.” – @Danimalish
“#Thunderbolts is A24 meets Superhero character study. Raw. Fresh. Hilarious at times. Sad at others. It has you rooting for this scrappy ensemble on the edge of your seat. Big implications, but still it’s own thing. If this is how the MCU is doing films now, BRAVA.” – @BlerdyMedia
“#Thunderbolts isn’t afraid to change the formula of the superhero film, and in doing so becomes one of the most fascinating MCU projects in recent memory. It makes 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. Florence Pugh is the beating heart of it all and is someone the MCU needs to keep around for years to come. It really grew on me as it went on.” – @bartonreviews
“THUNDERBOLTS* is truly fantastic, the cast has electric chemistry with each other (Florence Pugh & Lewis Pullman are the standouts) and the action sequences are very strong. But most of all, the film’s story hit me like a ton of bricks, it’s bold, important & so well-written.” – @JacobFisherDF
“#Thunderbolts is a home run for Marvel Studios. Pugh is incredible. Harbour is hilarious. Its ensemble cast is solid. An exhilarating mix of action comedy and drama. It revels in the being part of the MCU but carries none of the weight of its continuity.” – @NeilVagg
“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.” – @EmilyVMurray
So far, the official plot synopsis is as follows:
“A group of antiheroes goes on missions for the American government.”
The film also stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Harbour, Olga Kurylenko, as Yelena Bolova, Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier, Ghost, US Agent, Val Fontaine, Red Guardian and Taskmaster respectively.
Lewis Pullman also joins the cast as Sentry. Additionally, Geraldine Viswanathan has been cast as de Fontaine’s assistant, while Laurence Fishburne and Rachel Weisz are expected to reprise their MCU roles as Bill Foster and Melina Vostokoff. In the film, a group of antiheroes goes on missions for the government.
Thunderbolts is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 2, 2025, as the last film of Phase Five of the MCU.
