‘Thunderbolts' First Reactions: Florence Pugh Is ‘Superb' in ‘Some of Marvel's Darkest Material to Date'
Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' has been revealed to members of the film press, and the first reactions are calling the superhero tentpole a 'bold dive into trauma, healing and redemption.' Cast member Florence Pugh, who made her Marvel debut in 'Black Widow' as Yelena and is now headlining her first MCU movie after popping up in shows like 'Hawkeye,' appears to have the standout performance. The Oscar nominee's performance is being called 'superb' and the one that 'shines the brightest' among the cast.
Next Best Picture editor in chief Matt Neglia writes that 'Thunderbolts' is 'some of Marvel's darkest material to date' and '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.'
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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
Film writer Emily Murray called 'Thunderbolts' easily 'one of the best MCU movies in a long time,' adding: '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.'
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
'Putting emphasis on the character work and practical action makes this feel like the old Marvel,' critic Brandon Norwood adds. 'Wish we'd gotten this sooner. Helps that this dysfunctional team has chemistry, too.'
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.#Thunderbolts* #ThunderboltsMovie pic.twitter.com/LmXtiivKKV
— Brandon Norwood (@bjntweets) April 22, 2025
Following a group of mouthy anti-heroes teaming up against a common threat, the film stars Pugh (Yelena Belova), Pullman (Sentry), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barns), David Harbour (Red Gaurdian) and Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster). Jake Schreier serves as director while Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo penned the script.
Marvel is hoping for a win with 'Thunderbolts' after February's 'Captain America: Brave New World' failed to achieve commercial and critical success. However, if 'Thunderbolts' fizzles, MCU fans have 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' to look forward to in July. The studio also has the highly anticipated 'Avengers' sequels, 'Doomsday' and 'Secret Wars,' set to release on May 1, 2026, and May 7, 2027, respectively.
In the lead up to the premiere, Marvel promised a different kind of superhero movie with 'Thunderbolts.' Back in March, a trailer ran in theaters boasting the film's lineup of cast and crew who have worked on A24 films. Even before the trailer debuted, director Schreier touted the film as distinct from Marvel's usual fare.
'The goal that Kevin [Feige, head of Marvel Studios] set at the beginning was to go in and try to make this different,' Schreier said at Comic-Con 2024. 'If you can imagine a Marvel movie from people who make that kind of work, and imagine where those tones could meet, then I feel like that's what we hope we've made.'
'Thunderbolts' opens in theaters May 2 from Disney and Marvel Studios.
#Thunderbolts is one of Marvel's most enjoyable films in a while. It feels different than most of the studio's projects. Its bold, funny, filled with great action and an unexpected emotional punch.Florence Pugh is the star that shines the brightest. There's a lot to love here.… pic.twitter.com/8wjgx9caIS
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 22, 2025
#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… pic.twitter.com/HYq55TSqWC
— Big Gold Belt Media (@BigGoldBelt) April 22, 2025
Taps mic: #Thunderbolts was awesome. Tons of implications on how the MCU is moving forward. The team works well together, plenty of emotion. Yelena is my MVP. Definitely a super fun movie. Definitely stick around after the credits 😉. pic.twitter.com/2vPfvCfEAz
— B E A N Z The Gamer Dad(beanzgotgamez.bsky.social) (@BeanzGotGamez) 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
#Thunderbolts*: 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! pic.twitter.com/wIGfi5LGH6
— Amon Warmann (@AmonWarmann) April 22, 2025
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