Latest news with #Thunderbolts*
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Iron Man to Thunderbolts*: How Marvel went from genius to 'generic' and how they can fix it
In the chaos of superhero cinema, where mediocrity wears a fluttery cape and calls itself entertainment, Marvel proclaimed its latest release, Thunderbolts*, was a game changer. But you know the Hindi saying: andhe mein kana raja; in the land of the blind, the one-eyed is king. That's what I felt watching it. This latest Marvel offering feels less a crown jewel and more a child's scribble of it. Marketed as the 'new Avengers', Thunderbolts* is the cinematic equivalent of a reheated pizza: familiar, slightly stale, and missing that original zing. But hey, even cold pizza tastes good when you're hungry. Are you hungry, though? What I liked best about the film was its first line: 'There is something wrong with me. An emptiness.' Cue the world's slowest clap. Is this honest self-assessment from Marvel, a writer's cocky sneak-in, or simply a Freudian slip for a franchise haemorrhaging creativity while swimming in cash like Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales? Marvel ruled the zeitgeist in the 2010s. But come the 2020s, and they're just a notch better than the fare DC turned out in the 2010s. Sure, Thunderbolts* isn't the worst offender in the superhero genre, but let us also not pretend it is Iron Man reborn. Ah, Iron Man. Remember 2008? When Tony Stark crash-landed into our hearts with his outrageous ego, AI tools before AI was cool, and a geopolitical conscience? That film wasn't just explosions and snark; it pointed a finger at American hubris, wrapped in a full metal jacket (pun intended). Fast-forward to Thunderbolts*, where the stakes are… uh… something something world-ending macguffin? Yawn!!! The magic of early Marvel was its microscopic focus: Tony saving himself, Cap punching Nazis (and nationalism), and Civil War turning heroes into squabbling siblings over a Sokovia-sized guilt trip. Those films had texture; they were political thrillers with a coating of spandex. But post-Endgame, most Marvel's scripts seem penned by aliens who've only heard of Earth via garbled intergalactic podcasts. Eternals? A snooze-fest of celestial taxidermy. Multiverse of Madness? More like Multiverse of Meh-ness. And Quantumania? Let's just say it made the quantum realm feel as exciting as a spreadsheet. These films float in a narrative tesseract, untethered from reality, emotions, or basic logic. Remember when Marvel villains had motives deeper than 'muahaha, destruction'? Thunderbolts* tries. It really really does. There's a Tulsi Gabbard-esque politician, and a half-baked metaphor about talking to evil to quell it and a desperate attempt to reheat the old trope of washed-out, has-been, or could-have-been superheroes redeeming themselves. Yet, somehow the results don't match the desperation, and we get a film that's all sizzle, no steak; a fireworks display where the fireworks are CGI and the fuse is a damp matchstick. Writing action movies is tough. I know, cause I've failed a few times. You've got to have six or seven set action pieces. They take up 30 to 40 per cent of your time. So, in a 100-minute feature, you're left with just an hour to tell your actual story and even parts of that are build-ups to the action. To somehow make the audience feel for a protagonist in such a short time, that's a tough ask. Yet, to use all the 100 minutes for nothing but build-up, action, and slapstick gags like Deadpool & Wolverine ( read my previous rant here ) make it seem less a movie, more TikTok montage (shoutout to the fugly dog, though; true MVP). And Thor: Love and Thunder? It turned Marvel's god into a punchline with repeated gags, inconsistent tone and forced humour. So, what's the issue? All these films made money, didn't they? Yeah! But so did Pablo Escobar and Adolf Hitler. Do we sing paeans for them? In cinema, when you prioritise spectacle over soul, when a green screen outshines your hero's journey, sorry, but you've lost the plot. Now, here's the thing. It's fun to simply critique, but can I offer Marvel any solutions? As a screenwriter and film geek, I think I can. In 2008, Marvel was the scrappy underdog, not the behemoth ordering audiences to 'assemble' like a corporate retreat. Iron Man wasn't just a film; it was a dare. A dare to care about a narcissistic weapons dealer with a heart condition. The genius? It didn't ask us to love Tony Stark; it asked us to root for his redemption. His villain wasn't some alien warlord; it was his own weapons, his greed, his America. The film's climax wasn't a city-levelling laser fight (okay, fine, there was a big fight and a few buildings were indeed damaged), but Tony Stark admitting, 'I am Iron Man,' mind-blown because it was a confession that felt like a middle finger to secret identities and a handshake with accountability. Compare that to Thunderbolts*, where the team's 'redemption' arc is about as deep as a puddle after a drizzle. These characters aren't flawed: they're conveniently damaged. Their backstories are tossed out like food packets in a refugee camp: here's a tragic childhood, there's a dead sidekick. Oops, did we forget to make you care? And let's not forget Captain America, the boy scout. His first film's heart didn't come from a super-soldier serum; it came from a scrawny kid who kept getting punched but stood up anyway. The First Avenger was a love letter to integrity in the face of fascism; a theme that has aged finer than the best wine. But Thunderbolts*? Its political commentary is about as sharp as a spoon. That Tulsi Gabbard knockoff and congressional hearing? Seems as forced as the back stories. So, what's the fix? First of all, give writers time to write. Make 20 films a year, fine. But give writers the time to dig into the want versus the need, the internal conflicts, the personal rebellions, the hubris! The idea is to shape the soul so the outside VFX acts like a nice little jacket. And remember to go micro, not macro. Iron Man worked because Tony's biggest enemy was his own ego. He wasn't trying to save the world, he was just trying to save himself. Civil War ripped the Avengers apart over ideology, not aliens. Even Infinity War made us care about a purple guy with a gardening fetish. Thunderbolts*? The catastrophe is smaller, yes, a city-ending event that could gobble the world. And yes, it does give intimacy an intimate shot! Yet, it just doesn't come together. And the golden rule? Inside out. Start with a character's heart, then build the explosions around it. Iron Man did this. So did Black Panther. Even Guardians of the Galaxy – a film about a talking raccoon – made us cry over a tree saying, 'I am Groot.' But Thunderbolts*? It's outside in. Its action set-pieces seem to have come first; the rest of the story feels like it was reverse-engineered to get there. The result? A film that feels like a trailer for itself – all highlight reel, little soul. Marvel, darling, we're rooting for you. Truly. But recycling the same 'save the universe' schtick is like serving ketchup as soup. Just make movies because you love to make them, not because you feel beholden to shareholders. Stop chasing the spectre of Endgame. Stop trying to be the 'new Avengers.' Just be the old Marvel; the one that took risks, loved its characters, and remembered that even superheroes need to breathe. Yeah, that's it. Be the old Marvel and you'll find your new Avengers.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Thunderbolts* OTT release: When and where to watch this MCU film online?
Marvel's Thunderbolts* has been released across multiple OTT platforms today, on July 1. The film, starring some of the biggest MCU's anti-heroes, and later it was renamed as 'The New Avengers' Sonika Nitin Nimje New Delhi With "Thunderbolts," the newest addition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), finally making its way to the OTT platform, Marvel fans have a new reason to celebrate. The release, which follows Marvel Studios' recent practice of diving into grittier storytelling and intricate character arcs, occurs about two months after the movie's May 2 theatrical opening. This offers fans a darker, more complex team-up plot, which is a significant departure from the conventional superhero formula. Thunderbolts* OTT release: When and where to watch online? • Release date- July 1, 2025 • Availability- Digital purchase and rental (both). Thunderbolts* 2025: About the film The official synopsis of Thunderbolts* says, 'the film follows a group of anti-heroes who find themselves caught in a perilous mission orchestrated by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The team must navigate treacherous personal histories while attempting to survive a deadly trap and determine whether redemption or ruin lies ahead.' The Thunderbolts squad is featured in the Marvel Comics-based superhero movie. With its combination of psychological tension, emotional drama, and morally ambiguous missions, Thunderbolts* marks a change in tone for Marvel. Thunderbolts*cast and crew Known for his work on Robot & Frank and Paper Towns, Jake Schreier is the director of the latest Marvel movie, which is produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Eric Pearson, a writer for Black Widow, wrote the movie. The cast feature: • Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, • Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, • David Harbour as Red Guardian, • Wyatt Russell as John Walker, • Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and • Lewis Pullman as the formidable Sentry. Supporting roles include: • Olga Kurylenko, • Wendell Pierce and
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
EXCLUSIVE CLIP: Thunderbolts* Star Reveals Secret Character Details in Behind the Scenes Footage
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The summer box office is heating up at the movie theaters, but Thunderbolts* is heading for your living room this July as it makes its way to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. Pre-orders are live now across digital retailers, and if bonus features are your thing, you're going to want to opt for the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray format. Disney revealed there'll be a multitude of additional features available for fans to get stuck into, including deleted scenes, a gag reel, and director's commentary. Also available on the bonus features is "Assembling a Team to Remember", a behind-the-scenes look at how the group was brought together. (L-R): Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) in Marvel Studios' THUNDERBOLTS*. (L-R): Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) in Marvel Studios' THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios READ: Thunderbolts* Gets New Digital Release Date – How To Watch We have an exclusive look at this available to watch above, where Hannah John-Kamen gets into the nitty gritty of her character (Ava/Ghost) and the loneliness she feels. Thunderbolts* hits physical formats on July 29, and more details about the release are available below. Thunderbolts* Physical Release Date Thunderbolts* is coming to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 29 Copies are now available to pre-order across digital retailers. Thunderbolts* Bonus Features The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases come with hours of bonus features, including: Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn't make the final cut. Door is Unliftable Gary Announcement – Check out the scenes that didn't make the final cut. Assembling a Team to Remember – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film's fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled. – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film's fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled. Around the World and Back Again – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth's tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets. – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth's tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets. All About Bob, Sentry & The Void – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void – all performed by Lewis Pullman. – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void – all performed by Lewis Pullman. Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*. – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*. Director's Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jake Schreier. (Bonus features may vary depending on format and retailer) Where To Watch Thunderbolts* If you don't want to purchase Thunderbolts* on physical media, you still have options to watch the film from home. Thunderbolts* is now available to rent and buy on Video on Demand platforms such as Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV. While Thunderbolts* is not yet available on streaming, it should arrive on Disney+ in the coming weeks.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Thunderbolts* release date announced: Here is how and where to watch, cast, and more
Thunderbolts* will be available to watch digitally from July 1, 2025. | Credit: Marvel Studio Thunderbolts* release date: Thunderbolts' digital release date is officially confirmed, and it is bringing Marvel's latest anti‑hero ensemble directly to viewers' homes just two months after its theatrical premiere. As the 36th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts delivered a unique twist on the superhero formula, following Yelena Belova's rag‑tag team on a high‑stakes mission. Following its digital debut, the film will arrive on Blu‑ray and 4K UHD before streaming on Disney+, likely in late August—consistent with Marvel's recent release schedule. Whether you're a fan of action‑driven narratives or anti‑hero complexities, this release offers the perfect window to catch up—and prepare for what comes next in Phase Six. About Thunderbolts* Thunderbolts began in Marvel Comics in January 1997 as a shocking twist: introduced as heroes filling the vacuum left by the Avengers and Fantastic Four, they revealed themselves on the final page to be the Masters of Evil in disguise—villains masquerading as heroes under Baron Zemo's command. The team was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley. Thunderbolts* physical and digital release date Thunderbolts* officially has a digital release date, and it's fast approaching | Credit: YouTube Pre-orders for Thunderbolts* in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats are now open. The product will go on sale on July 29, 2025 . Bonus features included with copies include: View the sequences not included in the final cut by visiting Deleted sequences. The door cannot be lifted. Gary's Announcement Putting Together a Memorable Team Enjoy some time with the Thunderbolts* actors and crew as they share the story behind the creation of the movie's fictitious group of superpowered misfits, antiheroes, and mavericks. Explore the diverse locales and incredible production design contributing to Thunderbolts* becoming a thrilling reality. This includes a tour of the expansive sets in Kuala Lumpur, where we watch Florence Pugh perform stunts atop one of the tallest buildings on Earth and demolish buildings in the streets. All About Bob, Sentry, and The Void: This film delves deeply into the creation of three distinct characters, played by Lewis Pullman: Bob, Sentry, and The Void. Gag Reel: Take in entertaining behind-the-scenes photos of the Thunderbolts* cast and crew. Director's Audio Commentary: Watch the movie with Jake Schreier's audio commentary. Thunderbolts* will be available to watch digitally from July 1, 2025. Thunderbolts* trailer Thunderbolts* 4K Blu-Ray Features For those who intend to purchase a copy of Thunderbolts on Blu-ray, Marvel is providing a packed experience. The extra content included in Thunderbolts 4K Blu-Ray is as follows: Scenes from Thunderbolts were removed. In the interview Assembling a Team to Remember, the actors discuss putting together the ideal cast for the film. Around the World and Back Again is a tour of Thunderbolts' stunning filming locales. All About Bob, Sentry, and The Void: This film delves deeply into the creation of three distinct characters, played by Lewis Pullman: Bob, Sentry, and The Void. Gag Reel: Take in entertaining behind-the-scenes photos of the Thunderbolts cast and crew. How to watch Thunderbolts*? Beginning July 1, 2025, Thunderbolts* will be accessible on Video on Demand platforms. The title is available for $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to purchase on sites like Fandango at Home, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video. Where to watch Thunderbolts*? On July 1, Thunderbolts* will be rented and purchased on Video on Demand services. On July 1, 2025, the movie will be accessible on services including Google Play, Fandango at Home, Apple TV+, and Prime Video. Will Thunderbolts* stream in the US? As of right now, Thunderbolts* is not officially available for streaming. But like other Marvel movies, it will probably be available on Disney+. When does 'Thunderbolts*' come out on Disney+? A few weeks after their Blu-ray/DVD release and over a month after their digital release, Marvel movies usually make their Disney+ debut. Accordingly, "Thunderbolts*" might be released on Disney+ in late August or early September. Thunderbolts* cast Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes | Credit: Marvels In "Thunderbolts*," Marvel Studios lists the following actors: Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan Ghost/Ava Starr, played by Hannah John-Kamen Lewis Pullman as Robert "Bob" Reynolds / Sentry / Void Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent Alexei Shostakov as Red Guardian, played by David Harbour Wendy Pierce as Gary and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine Chris Bauer as Holt; Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. First Published: Jun 25, 2025, 13:18 IST I am a versatile content writer who enjoys creating interesting, educational, and SEO-friendly content. I've spent over 4 years honing my talents in generating interesting articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and social media content. My writing style is adaptable, allowing me to cover a wide range of topics, from technology and trends to travel and lifestyle. I have a great command of language and a keen eye for detail, so my content is error-free and polished. I enjoy researching and providing well-researched, factually accurate material. Read More 25/6/2025 13:31:49
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Thunderbolts* Gets New Digital Release Date
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Marvel fans, assemble. Thunderbolts* officially has a digital release date, and it's fast approaching. Marvel Studios announced that its most recent film, starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Wendell Pierce will be hitting the digital shelves on July 1. It'll also hit physical shelves on July 29, when the film comes to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. Copies will come with an array of bonus features, including deleted scenes, featurettes, and a director's audio commentary. (L-R) Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) in Marvel Studios' THUNDERBOLTS*. (L-R) Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) in Marvel Studios' THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios READ: Final Destination Bloodlines Gets New Digital Release Date – How To Watch We've put together a guide that includes details on where to watch Thunderbolts*, as well as the Thunderbolts* digital release date and Thunderbolts* streaming information. Thunderbolts* – How to Watch Thunderbolts* will be available on Video on Demand platforms from July 1, 2025. You can rent and buy the title on places like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home for $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy. Where Can I Watch Thunderbolts*? Thunderbolts* will be available to rent and buy on Video on Demand platforms from July 1. The film will be available on places like Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, and Google Play on July 1, 2025. Thunderbolts* Physical Release Date Thunderbolts* is now available for pre-order in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats. It will be available for purchase from July 29, 2025. Copies also contain bonus features, which include: Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn't make the final cut. Door is Unliftable Gary Announcement – Check out the scenes that didn't make the final cut. Assembling a Team to Remember – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film's fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled. – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film's fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled. Around the World and Back Again – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth's tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets. – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth's tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets. All About Bob, Sentry & The Void – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void – all performed by Lewis Pullman. – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void – all performed by Lewis Pullman. Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*. – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*. Director's Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jake Schreier. (Bonus features may vary depending on format and retailer) Thunderbolts* Digital Release Date Thunderbolts* will be available to watch digitally from July 1, 2025. Is Thunderbolts* Available to Stream in the US? Thunderbolts* does not yet have an official streaming release. However, as most Marvel films do, it will likely end up on Disney+ in the future. What Is Thunderbolts* About? The official synopsis for Thunderbolts*, as per Disney, reads:
