Thunderbolts* debuts with high praise, anti-heroes poised to redefine MCU future

The highly anticipated Thunderbolts*, a new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), hit theaters on May 1, 2025, introducing a team of anti-heroes that has already captivated audiences and critics alike. Boasting an initial 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which settled at 88%, the film ranks among the highest-rated in MCU history, surpassing heavyweights like Avengers: Infinity War (87%) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (82%). Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, Thunderbolts* features a complex ensemble led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The story promises intense action, sharp humor, and a darker tone, with Florence Pugh, who plays Yelena Belova, likening it to an “indie A24-style film with superhero flair.” This strong critical reception underscores the film’s fresh approach, marking the end of MCU’s Phase 5 and setting the stage for major upcoming events, including Avengers: Doomsday.

Thunderbolts* centers on an unlikely squad of morally ambiguous characters, each grappling with a troubled past. Yelena Belova, brought to life by Florence Pugh, returns as a Black Widow haunted by the loss of her adoptive sister, Natasha Romanoff. Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, steps into a reluctant leadership role as the Winter Soldier, while Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian portrayed by David Harbour, inject marked the debut of Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, injects humor and charisma. Rounding out the team are John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and the enigmatic Sentry (Lewis Pullman), whose duality as both hero and potential threat is a standout feature. The film delves into the group’s dynamics as they are forced to unite after falling into a deadly trap orchestrated by Valentina. Critics have praised the cast’s chemistry and Schreier’s confident direction, highlighting the balance of explosive action, internal conflict, and personal redemption.

Anticipation for Thunderbolts* built steadily over months, fueled by trailers emphasizing its unique tone. A September 2024 teaser showcased Yelena’s existential struggle post-Natasha’s death, while a Super Bowl 2025 spot featured the team facing massive challenges with the tagline, “The Avengers aren’t available.” The marketing campaign, including stylized Wheaties cereal box posters and a limousine-shaped popcorn bucket, leaned into the project’s irreverent vibe. The world premiere on April 22, 2025, at London’s Empire Leicester Square drew rave reviews from the cast and director, who promised an experience unlike any other MCU film. Early screenings for fans in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago further amplified buzz ahead of the global release, cementing Thunderbolts* as a must-see event.

• Key highlights of Thunderbolts*’s early success:
  • 88% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, among the MCU’s highest.
  • Star-studded cast featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
  • Darker, indie-inspired tone paired with superhero action.
  • Closes Phase 5 and sets up Phase 6 of the MCU.

A critical milestone for the MCU

Thunderbolts* doesn’t just impress with its Rotten Tomatoes score; it stands out at a pivotal moment for Marvel. With an 88% approval rating, it outshines iconic titles like Avengers: Infinity War and edges closer to top performers like Black Panther (96%), Avengers: Endgame (94%), and Iron Man (94%). This achievement is even more striking compared to Captain America: Brave New World, released in February 2025, which earned a modest 48%. The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend action, humor, and emotional depth, offering a fresh perspective on characters previously relegated to supporting or villainous roles. Its mature approach and focus on anti-heroes resonate with audiences craving less conventional superhero narratives.

Critics have lauded Jake Schreier’s direction, which brings a unique sensibility to the project. Known for Robot & Frank, Schreier delivers a dynamic pace, balancing tense sequences with well-timed comedic relief. The screenplay, refined by Joanna Calo and Lee Sung Jin, earns praise for diving into the psychological layers of characters like Yelena and Bucky, who confront past traumas while seeking purpose. Son Lux’s score, with its moody and chaotic undertones, has also been highlighted for enhancing the film’s emotional and anarchic vibe. Filming in real locations, such as deserts and urban settings, adds a gritty texture, setting Thunderbolts* apart from other MCU blockbusters often criticized for overreliance on visual effects.

The film’s redefinition of the team concept within the MCU is another point of praise. Unlike the idealistic Avengers, the Thunderbolts are bound by necessity and mutual distrust, a premise that echoes DC’s Suicide Squad but with a distinct Marvel flavor. Reviewers note that the film is accessible to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with nods to projects like Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Ant-Man and the Wasp. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a shadowy figure introduced in 2021, adds political intrigue, hinting at a larger role in the MCU’s future. Her leadership, combined with the team’s volatile dynamics, has sparked favorable comparisons to ensemble-driven stories.

The comic book roots of Thunderbolts

In the comics, the Thunderbolts debuted in 1997 in The Incredible Hulk #449, created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley. Initially, the team was a front for the Masters of Evil, led by Baron Zemo, who posed as heroes to gain public trust after the apparent demise of the Avengers. The reveal that the Thunderbolts were villains in disguise stunned readers and cemented their place in Marvel lore. Over time, the team evolved, with Hawkeye taking leadership and turning it into a redemption-focused group for former villains. Various iterations featured characters like Atlas, Goliath, Moonstone, and Songbird, many of whom have yet to appear in the MCU but could emerge in future projects.

While inspired by the comics, the cinematic adaptation takes creative liberties. The absence of Zemo in the film’s initial lineup surprised some fans, but Valentina’s role as leader aligns with her gradual buildup in the MCU. Since her debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, she has recruited troubled figures like John Walker and Yelena, suggesting a broader agenda possibly tied to governmental interests or even Wakanda’s vibranium, as speculated by fans. Sentry’s inclusion, a powerful and unstable character from the comics, adds unpredictability, with trailers hinting he may shift from ally to threat. These changes preserve the comic’s essence of moral ambiguity while tailoring it for modern audiences.

Understanding the comic origins enhances appreciation for Thunderbolts*’s significance. The team has always been a counterpoint to the Avengers, tackling missions requiring questionable methods. The film retains this spirit but adapts it with a diverse, established cast, allowing it to dive straight into action without lengthy introductions. Sentry’s prominence offers a chance to explore a new power archetype in the MCU, setting the stage for larger conflicts in Phase 6.

• Key differences between comic and film Thunderbolts:
  • Comics feature Baron Zemo as the initial leader; the film has Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
  • Original comic roster includes Atlas and Moonstone, absent from the MCU so far.
  • The film focuses on established anti-heroes like Yelena and Bucky, not new villains.
  • Sentry, a minor comic figure, takes a central role as a potential antagonist.

Shaping the MCU’s future

Thunderbolts* serves as both the capstone of Phase 5 and a bridge to Phase 6, which kicks off with Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. Confirmation that characters like Yelena, Bucky, John Walker, and Red Guardian will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, set for May 2026, underscores the film’s importance. Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom, the central villain of Doomsday, suggests Thunderbolts* may plant narrative seeds tied to this iconic antagonist. Phase 6 will culminate in Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, promising a grand finale for the Multiverse Saga, and Thunderbolts* lays critical groundwork for these events.

The film also raises questions about the role of anti-heroes in the MCU’s evolving landscape. With the Avengers fragmented post-Endgame, Valentina’s team could fill the void left by traditional heroes, albeit with less orthodox methods. The trailers’ emphasis on distrust among members hints at themes of loyalty and betrayal, potentially foreshadowing larger conflicts. References to the Void, Sentry’s darker alter ego, suggest the film will tackle issues of unchecked power, a recurring motif in the Multiverse Saga seen in projects like Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Culturally, Thunderbolts* arrives as the superhero genre faces scrutiny for oversaturation. Its raw, emotional approach could reinvigorate interest, with Florence Pugh’s A24 comparison signaling a departure from typical blockbuster spectacle. The diverse cast, including Geraldine Viswanathan and Wendell Pierce in undisclosed roles, reflects Marvel’s commitment to inclusivity. Veteran actors like Laurence Fishburne and Rachel Weisz, reprising Bill Foster and Melina Vostokoff, add dramatic weight, enhancing the film’s appeal across demographics.

Building the Thunderbolts in the MCU

The Thunderbolts’ formation in the MCU was meticulously crafted across multiple projects. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s introduction in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in 2021 laid the foundation, as she recruited John Walker after his fall as Captain America. In Black Widow’s post-credits scene, she sent Yelena on a mission against Hawkeye, further weaving her web. These moments, alongside appearances of Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp and Taskmaster in Black Widow, created a narrative thread that converges in Thunderbolts*. Bucky’s leadership, following his redemption arc in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, reinforces the team’s focus on second chances.

Production faced hurdles, including delays from the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. Originally slated for July 2024, Thunderbolts* was pushed to May 2025. Creative changes included Steven Yeun’s exit as Sentry due to scheduling conflicts, with Lewis Pullman stepping in. Despite these challenges, Marvel kept fans engaged with a robust marketing push, featuring impactful trailers and events like D23 Brazil, where a new teaser debuted. The asterisk in the title, revealed at CinemaCon 2024, sparked speculation, with some posters suggesting it symbolizes the Avengers’ absence, leaning into the film’s cheeky tone.

The cast’s chemistry is a highlight. Florence Pugh, reuniting with David Harbour and Olga Kurylenko from Black Widow, delivers a fierce yet vulnerable Yelena. Sebastian Stan’s introspective Bucky contrasts with Wyatt Russell’s arrogant John Walker, while Harbour’s Red Guardian brings humor and heart. Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost, underutilized in Ant-Man and the Wasp, gets more depth, and Olga Kurylenko works to humanize Taskmaster, a character previously criticized for lacking personality. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s sharp-witted Valentina ties the group together, her motives remaining tantalizingly unclear.

• Timeline of Thunderbolts’ MCU buildup:
  • 2021: Valentina recruits John Walker in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
  • 2021: Valentina assigns Yelena a mission against Hawkeye in Black Widow’s post-credits.
  • 2022: Marvel announces Thunderbolts* at San Diego Comic-Con, with Jake Schreier directing.
  • 2024: Trailers confirm the team and Sentry’s role as a potential antagonist.
  • 2025: World premiere in April, followed by global release in May.

Initial reception and expectations

Thunderbolts* has garnered overwhelmingly positive early feedback, with its 88% Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting a consensus that it delivers a fresh MCU experience. Critics praise its innovative approach and charismatic cast, noting its success in balancing action with character development—a feat not all recent Marvel projects have achieved. Its edge over Avengers: Infinity War’s 87% is notable, given that 2018 film’s status as a cultural milestone. Thunderbolts*’s ability to stand out in a crowded genre has fueled optimism about its staying power.

Fans at early screenings, hosted by Fandango and IMAX on April 22, 2025, shared glowing reactions online. Standout moments include a desert chase and a New York showdown, praised for their intensity. Son Lux’s alt-rock-infused score, featuring tracks like the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?”, has been lauded for its atmospheric fit. Some fans, however, worry about spoilers, as Marvel’s confirmation of the team’s role in Avengers: Doomsday suggests limited stakes for certain characters. Still, the buzz remains strong, with social media posts highlighting the film’s humor and emotional beats.

Box office expectations are high, despite a competitive 2025 summer slate including Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two and Superman. Marvel is banking on the cast’s draw and curiosity around Sentry to drive turnout. The Void’s inclusion, tied to Sentry, fuels theories about cosmic ties to Phase 6, while potential cameos from Laurence Fishburne or Rachel Weisz keep speculation alive. The film’s ability to deliver surprises could make it a standout in a packed season.

Sentry and the Void’s pivotal role

Sentry, played by Lewis Pullman, is a bold gamble for Thunderbolts*. In the comics, Robert Reynolds is a near-omnipotent hero akin to Superman, but his alter ego, the Void, poses a catastrophic threat. The film appears to lean into this duality, with trailers suggesting Sentry starts as a foe before aligning with the team. Pullman, replacing Steven Yeun due to scheduling issues, has won over skeptics with a performance critics call electrifying. His casting adds a fresh face to the MCU, poised to make a lasting impact.

The Void, described as Sentry’s “dark mirror,” is a narrative wildcard. In the comics, it’s a planet-destroying force tied to Reynolds’s psyche. Marvel has kept its cinematic depiction under wraps, but teasers hint at a visually stunning entity, with effects rivaling Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The Thunderbolts’ clash with the Void—or Sentry himself—may form the film’s climax, testing their fragile unity. The story could explore themes of control and responsibility, echoing dilemmas faced by characters like Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision.

Sentry’s debut carries weight for the MCU’s future. As one of Marvel’s most powerful characters, he could play a key role in Avengers: Doomsday, particularly against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. Potential links to the Fantastic Four, who will face Doom in their own film, further tie Sentry to Phase 6’s broader narrative. Marvel seems to be testing his reception, with the potential to position him as a cornerstone of the universe moving forward.

• Facts about Sentry and the Void:
  • Sentry debuted in 2000, created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, as a Superman parody.
  • The Void draws from destructive forces like DC’s Darkseid, rooted in psychological turmoil.
  • Lewis Pullman underwent rigorous training, including zero-gravity action scenes.
  • The Void’s visual design draws inspiration from H.R. Giger’s surrealist art.

Thunderbolts*’s lasting legacy

Thunderbolts* lands at a turning point for Marvel, which seeks to regain momentum after mixed responses to recent projects. Its 88% Rotten Tomatoes score signals that betting on anti-heroes and bolder storytelling is paying off. The team, built from fan-favorite supporting characters, has franchise potential, with rumors of a sequel or Disney+ series. Its blend of intimate drama and blockbuster scale could set a template for future MCU projects, embracing diverse tones and genres.

The cast, led by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, is a major asset. Pugh’s raw intensity as Yelena balances vulnerability with action-hero grit, while Stan’s restrained Bucky reflects his redemptive arc. David Harbour’s Red Guardian steals scenes with humor but shines in quieter moments. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Valentina, with her biting wit, emerges as a standout, cementing her as a key MCU player. The ensemble’s interplay, especially in sharp-witted exchanges, is a critical darling.

Thunderbolts*’s legacy will also hinge on its role in shaping Phase 6. With Fantastic Four: First Steps launching in July 2025, Marvel is crafting a more interconnected universe, where the Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four complement each other. Ties to Doctor Doom suggest the film may introduce threads that echo for years. Characters like Sentry and Valentina open doors to new stories, from political intrigue to cosmic threats, ensuring Thunderbolts* leaves a lasting mark.

• Projected impact of Thunderbolts* on the MCU:
  • Elevates anti-heroes as leads for future projects.
  • Positions Sentry as a Phase 6 mainstay alongside the Fantastic Four.
  • Sets up potential for a Thunderbolts sequel or Disney+ series.
  • Ties into Avengers: Doomsday, advancing the Multiverse Saga.