Thunderbolts Review: Marvel’s Fun 2.0 Supporting Superheroes Launch—A Discount Avengers Startgame?

Marvel Studios has taken a bold step with Thunderbolts, assembling a team of antiheroes from past MCU films to create a new kind of superhero squad. While the film delivers action, humor, and psychological depth, some fans are questioning whether it’s simply a budget-friendly version of the Avengers.

Does Thunderbolts stand on its own, or is it just a filler movie before the next big Marvel event? Let’s dive into the details.

A New Kind of Superhero Team

Unlike the Avengers, who are Earth’s mightiest heroes, the Thunderbolts are a ragtag group of misfits forced to work together. The film introduces:

• Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) – Still grappling with her past as Black Widow’s adoptive sister.
• John Walker (Wyatt Russell) – The disgraced Captain America replacement from Falcon & The Winter Soldier.
• Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) – The unpredictable villain from Ant-Man & The Wasp.
• Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) – Now sporting a new suit and a fresh perspective.
• Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) – A former assassin turned congressman, reluctantly pulled back into action.
• Red Guardian (David Harbour) – Adding comic relief and brute strength to the team.

Their mission? To stop a dangerous adversary while navigating their own personal demons and conflicts.

The Plot: A Chaotic Setup with a Strong Payoff

The film kicks off with Yelena Belova being recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) for a seemingly simple mission. However, things quickly spiral out of control when she realizes she’s been set up—leading to an explosive showdown between the Thunderbolts and a mysterious new villain.

One of the most intriguing additions to the film is Bob aka Robert Reynolds (Lewis Pullman), who undergoes a mysterious medical procedure that turns him into Sentry, a character with immense power and psychological instability.

The second half of the film delivers high-stakes action, including a massive battle in New York City, where the Thunderbolts must prove they are more than just second-rate heroes.

Does Thunderbolts Feel Like a Discount Avengers?

While the film is entertaining, some fans feel it lacks the grand spectacle of an Avengers movie. The humor and character-driven storytelling make it stand out, but the absence of major MCU icons leaves a gap.

However, Marvel cleverly embraces this concept, even adding an asterisk (*) to the title to acknowledge that these heroes are not the Avengers—but they might just be the team the world needs right now.

Fan Reactions and Critic Reviews

Early reviews have been mixed, with some praising the film’s fresh approach, while others feel it’s not quite up to Marvel’s usual standards.

Positive Reactions:

✅ Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena is a standout. ✅ The humor and character dynamics make the film engaging. ✅ Sentry’s introduction adds a compelling new layer to the MCU.

Criticisms:

❌ Lacks the epic scale of an Avengers movie. ❌ Some characters feel underdeveloped compared to past MCU films. ❌ The villain’s motivations could have been explored more deeply.

Final Verdict: Is Thunderbolts Worth Watching?

If you’re looking for a fun, character-driven superhero film, Thunderbolts delivers. While it may not have the blockbuster appeal of an Avengers movie, it offers a fresh take on the MCU formula with strong performances and engaging action.

Marvel fans will appreciate the new dynamics, but casual viewers might find it less impactful than previous MCU entries.

Title: Thunderbolts*
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Release date: May 2, 2025
Director: Jack Schreier
Screenwriters: Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
Cast: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 2 hr 6 mins

Would you watch Thunderbolts again? Share your thoughts in the comments!