Since the release of “Avengers Endgame” Marvel Studios’ track record of fan satisfaction has been inconsistent to say the least. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had its share of extreme highs, but also notable lows following the conclusion of phase three.
In 2025 the MCU is still stuck in this rut as far as its theatrical releases are concerned. “Captain America: Brave New World,” released in February, and didn’t quite bring much to the MCU. The movie felt bland and uninspired at times, and while still enjoyable, the majority of the film still managed to come up short.
Despite this, it seems Marvel Studios has learned from its mistakes and has once again achieved that classic Marvel feeling. The studio’s newest release “Thunderbolts*” truly did live up to expectations and even surpassed them.
The project was originally announced at San Diego Comic-Con back in 2022. The film follows many of the MCU’s “loser/reject” characters who were only side characters in previous releases.
The new film gave justice and brought much needed appreciation to these anti-heroes. Characters such as Yelena Belova from “Black Widow” and John Walker from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” are given more screen time, allowing audiences to learn more about them and relate their character arcs.
Other side characters like Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian and Ghost are great additions to the film, who help enhance the dynamic of the cast and team by providing good comedic relief or incredible action sequences.
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova and Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds, who is also the superhero Sentry, and the villain alter ego The Void, were the stand outs from “Thunderbolts*.” Florence Pugh gives an incredible acting performance as her character deals with the loss of her sister and the weight of all her past actions.
Lewis Pullman’s introduction into the MCU was outstanding as his character puts the movies’ main themes of mental health and moving forward from a dark past on display. The introduction of Sentry and The Void was executed exceptionally and gave fans a new menacing villain.
What’s great about “Thunderbolts*” is that while having great action scenes, quippy banter and amazing characters, the conflict of the film is one characters must resolve internally. Each of them trying to find their place in the world after feeling like there isn’t anything else left in life for them, and some members of the team coming to terms with their past and looking toward the now and their future.
The movie takes its time with its characters, giving each of them time to shine to tell their full stories, and is absolutely no doubt worth the watch. “Thunderbolts*” does set up future projects to come to the MCU so make sure to stay seated for some post-credit sneak peaks.
Joseph Montero is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected].
