Marvel’s post-Endgame era has been filled with hits, misses, and a lot of soul-searching. But among all the chaos, Thunderbolts* breaks through not with universe-shattering stakes, but with raw humanity, dry humor, and a band of broken anti-heroes you can actually root for.
Moving Away from the Marvel Formula
Since Avengers: Endgame marked the end of the “Infinity Saga,” the MCU hasn’t quite regained the same narrative grip. But interestingly, the films that stand out today are the ones that move furthest from that template. Like Deadpool & Wolverine and Spider-Man: No Way Home, Thunderbolts* carves its own path and it works.
Unlike the overly polished superhero epics of the past, this one embraces its chaos. Director Jake Schreier and writers Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo don’t try to replicate Marvel’s former glory they scrap it entirely for something messier, smaller, and more grounded. And that’s the charm.
A Ragtag Crew You Can’t Help But Love
Forget demigods and multiverse battles. Thunderbolts* gives us misfits, ex-spies, and washed-up soldiers. Florence Pugh leads the charge as Yelena, the tough-as-nails assassin burdened by her violent past. Her dry wit and emotional vulnerability carry the film effortlessly.
She’s joined by a band of lovable wrecks:
- Red Guardian (David Harbour): A nostalgic Soviet-era hero who’s more dad bod than demigod.
- Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan): Still haunted by his history, still a little out of time.
- John Walker (Wyatt Russell): The “almost” Captain America, bitter and bruised by failure.
- Bob (Lewis Pullman): A confused, conflicted attempt at heroism.
- Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen): An experiment gone wrong, though underused in the narrative.
Each character is scarred in their own way, and that’s what brings them together. They don’t fit the mold — and they don’t care to. It’s The Suicide Squad meets The Bourne Identity, with a Marvel twist.
Villains in the Shadows: Valentina’s Cold Grip
Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine — and she’s sharper than ever. Her performance is chillingly poised, laced with condescending charm. She’s not just a puppet master — she’s the rot beneath Marvel’s political system. And now, with the walls closing in, she’s cleaning house — starting with the very operatives she once deployed.
The asterisk in Thunderbolts* isn’t just a title quirk. It’s a placeholder, much like the team itself — not quite defined, not yet solidified. They’re figuring themselves out as they stumble from one disaster to the next.
Fewer Explosions, More Emotion
If you’re expecting giant portal battles or flashy cosmic set pieces, Thunderbolts* might surprise you. Its action sequences are tightly executed, but it’s the quiet moments, the biting sarcasm, and the emotional weight that stay with you.
Sure, much of the group’s history is rooted in past films or shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which might confuse newcomers. And yes, some of the trailer moments cover most of the film’s major set pieces. But for once, a Marvel film values character arcs over spectacle.
Why This One Actually Works
While recent entries like Eternals or The Marvels struggled to find heart in all the noise, Thunderbolts* strips it all down. It focuses on trauma, guilt, and redemption and in doing so, finds surprising emotional depth.
The script juggles comedy and tragedy with ease. Brutal truths are delivered between sharp one-liners. And in the middle of it all, Florence Pugh shines with a performance that could be awards-worthy in another genre. Her dynamic with Red Guardian delivers both belly laughs and heartbreak.
A Finale That’s Flawed But Bold
The final act leans a little surreal, drawing comparisons to Charlie Kaufman’s Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. While the climax feels slightly rushed, the emotional payoff is strong. We’re not watching superheroes save the world we’re watching broken people try to fix themselves. And somehow, that’s far more compelling.
Final Verdict
Thunderbolts* isn’t trying to be the next Infinity War. It doesn’t need to be. It’s messy, self-aware, and unexpectedly heartfelt. It’s about anti-heroes with regrets and grudges, trying to find meaning in a system that tossed them aside. And above all, it’s a reminder that personality, not powers, makes a hero worth watching.
Whether you’re a diehard MCU fan or just looking for a smart, character-driven spy thriller with humor and soul, Thunderbolts* is Marvel’s most grounded and satisfying film in years.