Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts has arrived as the first major summer release of 2025, carrying the dual responsibility of reigniting the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s box office dominance and reshaping its narrative tone. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film introduces a league of reluctant anti-heroes who uncover their shared humanity while navigating a mission designed to destroy them. The early review roundup offers a compelling portrait of a film that is emotional, ambitious, and refreshingly character-driven.
The Hollywood Reporter: “Fresh and Soulful”
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praises Thunderbolts as a “gratifyingly fresh and soulful Marvel adventure,” pointing to the chemistry of its ensemble cast and the emotional resonance at the film’s core. While several characters — including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes — have appeared before, Rooney writes that their first outing as a team brings “disarming freshness” and even “unexpected heart.”
Much of that emotional core is anchored by newcomer Bob (played by Lewis Pullman), a mentally ill character whose arc drives much of the film’s moral and psychological exploration. Rooney credits the “new blood” behind the camera for infusing Marvel’s formula with “a distinctive take on the genre.”
The Guardian: “Florence Pugh Grounds the Film”
The Guardian review highlights Florence Pugh’s performance as the film’s emotional linchpin, applauding her portrayal of Yelena as layered, grounded, and deeply empathetic. The review emphasizes that Thunderbolts takes a darker, more introspective turn than typical Marvel entries, with the ensemble navigating personal trauma and manipulation.
While the piece acknowledges some uneven character development and pacing, it concludes that the film finds its strength in its emotional sincerity and character depth — a notable shift from Marvel’s recent high-concept, low-stakes output.
BBC Culture: “A Character-First Marvel Film”
BBC Culture lauds Thunderbolts for putting character before spectacle. The review highlights the film’s focus on mental health, guilt, and redemption, praising it as a bold pivot for the MCU. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s performance as the manipulative Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is described as “twisted and layered,” while Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent is portrayed with visible inner conflict.
The BBC calls the film “a slow burn,” but one that rewards patience with nuanced storytelling and an ensemble that connects through shared suffering rather than flashy powers.
Rotten Tomatoes: Promising First Impressions
At the time of publishing, Thunderbolts holds an 89% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 98 reviews. That number dipped slightly from an initial 92% when the review embargo lifted, but it still reflects a solidly positive reception.
The Rotten Tomatoes editorial consensus notes that while the film may not be universally loved, it is being widely praised for its grounded tone, ensemble chemistry, and thematic depth. With U.S. previews yet to begin, audience reactions will soon reveal whether the emotional storytelling resonates as strongly with viewers as it has with critics.
Review Roundup: A Distinct Ensemble and Emotional Core
The cast of Thunderbolts includes Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster), Lewis Pullman (Bob), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina), and Geraldine Viswanathan (Mel).
Each character brings baggage, trauma, and a morally ambiguous past. The plot revolves around Valentina orchestrating a plan that pits these broken figures against each other, but their shared experiences and the presence of Bob — a victim of horrific experimentation — prompt a pivot toward unity and self-acceptance.
Box Office Outlook: Tepid or Triumphant?
Thunderbolts is tracking a domestic opening in the $70–73 million range, with global projections between $160–175 million. Against a reported $180 million production budget (excluding marketing), these numbers would have once been concerning. However, given shifting post-pandemic benchmarks and Marvel’s rebranding effort with lesser-known characters, the studio remains optimistic.
Executives at Disney and Marvel have hinted that strong word-of-mouth could be a game-changer, especially in a box office climate that recently saw surprise successes like Sinners reignite communal moviegoing experiences.
About the Film
Thunderbolts released on May 2, 2025, and is directed by Jake Schreier. The screenplay is by Eric Pearson, based on characters created by Marvel Comics. Produced by Kevin Feige, the film is part of the MCU’s Phase 5.
The story follows a group of morally complex characters — Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, John Walker, and newcomer Bob — who are manipulated into a dangerous mission by CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. What begins as a setup for betrayal evolves into a tale of unlikely camaraderie, mental health awareness, and personal redemption.
The film was shot in 2024 and features a moody, grounded visual tone, diverging from Marvel’s traditional bright spectacle.
Marvel Takes a Risk That Just Might Pay Off
Early reviews suggest Thunderbolts may not break records out of the gate, but it is carving a new lane for the MCU. Through introspective themes, complex character arcs, and emotionally resonant performances, the film marks a creative shift that could redefine the franchise’s future.
For audiences craving more than quips and cosmic battles, Thunderbolts offers a grounded, gritty alternative — one that places heart above hype.
Read more Review Roundups