Exclusive: Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen call Thunderbolts 'indie' Marvel film
Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts' is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally raw and grounded entries in the MCU's expansive slate for Phase 6. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film dives deep into the psychological terrain of characters often relegated to the shadows, with anti-heroes, misfits, and villains now stepping into the spotlight. The cast of 'Thunderbolts'- Lewis Pullman and Hannah John-Kamen, spoke exclusively to India Today Digital, about the film's unique tone, the emotional core behind the action, and why it might resonate more deeply with audiences than ever before.advertisement'I love that you said Marvel's back,' Hannah, who plays Ghost in the movie, grinned when told the common consensus seems to be positive as per early reviews. 'That's been a common reaction. People are identifying with Marvel again, but in a different way. Jake's (Jake Schreier, director) lens—his optics—it's like an indie movie within Marvel. The soundtrack's amazing, the characters' psyche is explored so deeply. They're all misfits, and that gives the audience a journey that feels authentic and raw.'Echoing that sentiment, Lewis, who plays The Void and Sentry, added, 'It's spectacular to watch grounded human issues unfold in such a gargantuan universe. That's the real spectacle—you see yourself up there. That's what Jake captured so beautifully. That's what we were all trying to bring to it.'
Lewis, who takes on the role of the film's main antagonist, spoke candidly about portraying the duality of his character—a man torn between light and shadow. 'You have to approach it with the utmost empathy,' he said. 'We all have different shades within ourselves. Some people have the tools to manage them, some don't. This character doesn't. He lacks the resources, the support, to handle the darker parts of himself. I hope that, through him, we offer compassion to those battling demons they don't fully understand.'advertisementHe added, 'So, it was a good challenge, and it was an honour to get to take a whack at it.'Meanwhile, Hannah reflected on the evolution of her character since 'Ant-Man and the Wasp'. 'Back then, she was volatile and immature, not in control of her pain. In 'Thunderbolts', she's the opposite—fully in control, numbed out, emotionally closed off. She starts off prickly, like a pineapple,' she joked. 'But I wanted to explore her softness too. That moment where she learns to trust, to feel part of a community. She's stubborn, but there's a deep need to be seen and to be valued.'As the Marvel fandom braces for what could be its most unconventional film yet, 'Thunderbolts' appears set to redefine what it means to be a superhero—not by how you fight, but by how you heal.'Thunderbolts' releases in India on May 1, 2025. Must Watch
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