Thunderbolts* with Marvel's ‘darkest material yet' debuts to giddy early reviews
Marvel's newest release Thunderbolts* has been praised in first reactions for its dark material and 'independent cinema' feel, as well as a movie-stealing turn from Florence Pugh.
Described as 'easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time', it's Thunderbolts* that will wrap up Phase 5 cinematically with Pugh in her first lead role for the franchise after debuting in 2021's Black Widow.
'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,' posted film critic Brandon Norwood following the film's European premiere.
Matt Neglia, Editor of Next Best Picture, noted that it feels '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'.
He also noted it contains 'some of Marvel's darkest material to date', adding: '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.'
Thunderbolts* was deemed 'easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time' thanks to its 'spark and charisma', with film writer Emily Murray sharing: 'A tear was shed. Florence Pugh in particular superb, [she] just walks away with [the movie].'
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FilmSpeak's Griffin Schiller enthused: 'I haven't felt this giddy leaving an MCU movie in YEARS! #Thunderbolts is FANTASTIC. A Phase One style character piece about finding fulfilment, embracing our demons and the support system needed to save us from the pull of the void.
'A witty, mature, singular vision from Jake Schreier. Top shelf Marvel!'
Film writer Mia Pflüger also noted that 'Sebastian Stan has an absolute scene stealing moment, yet Florence Pugh shows she is the true lead of the new generation and team'.
Thunderbolts* comes at a tricky time for Marvel Studios after Captain America: Brave New World fell short of the major success hoped for, although it managed $414.7m and is the fourth highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, worldwide.
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… pic.twitter.com/CxxejPPx77 — Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) April 22, 2025
I haven't felt this giddy leaving an MCU movie in YEARS! #Thunderbolts is FANTASTIC. A Phase One style character piece about finding fulfillment, embracing our demons and the support system needed to save us from the pull of the void. A witty, mature, singular vision from Jake… pic.twitter.com/zty4hD2sfj — Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) April 23, 2025
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 pic.twitter.com/U7AzBgGZMl — Emily Murray (@EmilyVMurray) April 22, 2025
However, it followed in the footsteps of a very lacklustre 2023 when Marvel reached an all-time low with the release of The Marvels in 2023, which managed just $206.1m and drove suggestions of superhero fatigue – although Deadpool & Wolverine was a big boost last summer as Marvel reigned back its release schedule.
The official team of antiheroes in Thunderbolts* is Pugh's Yelena Belova, Stan's Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster and Wyatt Russell as John Walker.
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), these disillusioned cast-offs are forced to embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts as they grapple with the possibility of redemption.
Talking to Metro at the European premiere, director Schreier addressed the change of tone and style for Thunderbolts*, explaining: 'From the moment I came onto the film, the first thing Kevin [Feige] said is, 'Make it different' – and I wasn't expecting that. But Kevin knows what he's doing, and if he's telling you to do something, just try to do it.
For me #Thunderbolts worked because it peeled back layers on a subject I have long fought with. Florence Pugh continues to be a stand out. I laughed but I also cried at a story I think people will relate to. Weird in places, in the best way. I can't wait to see it again. pic.twitter.com/N2oH25vNIK — Paul Klein 👾 (@paulkleinyoo) April 22, 2025
#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. pic.twitter.com/laTDyRVCkr — Mia Pflüger (@justmiaslife) April 22, 2025
He added: 'More than anything, we just wanted to make something that felt human, and really came from a character, and had stunts that were tactile, that you could see that we really went out and did.
'I don't know that that makes it indie – or just, hopefully, it's good filmmaking, and that's what we tried to do.'
Executive producer Brian Chapek added: 'In a world where you're telling a story about these underdogs, who're all dealing with this inner darkness – but still needs to have the fun of a Marvel movie – [Schrerier] was the perfect partner to create this kind of A24 tone that everyone's been talking about.'
In terms of what fans can expect from Thunderbolts*, the producer teased: 'This is a movie that's very internal and it feels relatable to a lot of people. So I think it's just the sum of the experience that you take away at the end of it, something that can feel like a Marvel movie but also be entirely different.'
As always for a new MCU release, fans want to know how long they should stay put in their seats.
Reports have now confirmed that there are two additional scenes during the credits. More Trending
One of these is also said to reveal the importance of the asterisk in the film's title, which has generated multiple theories among fans..
Thunderbolts* is released in cinemas on Friday, May 2.
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