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Marvel’s Thunderbolts* (2025), directed by Jake Schreier, marks a significant tonal and thematic shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), offering a character-driven narrative that delves into themes of mental health, identity, and redemption. As it stands, Thunderbolts* acts as a bold and introspective entry in the MCU, prioritizing character exploration and thematic depth over traditional superhero spectacle.
Schreier grounds the film in character and narrative, rather than relying on spectacle, as the film assembles a team of reformed villains and antiheroes. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), whose first appearance was in Black Widow as a major character but since hasn’t received much attention, emerges as the team’s de facto leader. Grappling with the loss of her sister, Natasha, she seeks purpose within this new ensemble.
Other characters from Black Widow also make appearances: Yelena’s father, Red Guardian (David Harbour), a Russian counterpart to Captain America, provides comic relief and a paternal presence, adding depth to the group’s dynamics; likewise, Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), a minor villain in Black Widow, features within the film, bringing a formidable combatant dealing with her own redemption.
Other non-Black Widow antiheroes and villains also join the team. At this point a long-staying member of the Marvel assemble, the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) brings a sense of gravitas and experience, confronting his past actions while guiding the group. Paired with him is the U. S. agent John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the government’s original choice for the new Captain America. Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) also joins the team, now in control of her phasing abilities after the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp.
At the heart of Thunderbolts* is the exploration of mental health, personified through the character Bob Reynolds, also known as the Sentry. Bob’s transformation into the Void — a manifestation of his depression and self-loathing — serves as the film’s primary conflict. The Void engulfs New York City in supernatural darkness, trapping its citizens in pocket dimensions reflective of their worst memories. The Thunderbolts’ journey into these ‘shame rooms’ to rescue Bob underscores the film’s commitment to portraying internal struggles as tangible battles.
Thunderbolts* distinguishes itself by embracing a more grounded and intimate storytelling approach and has been regarded as a distinct departure from the traditional MCU formula. Schreier, known for indie projects like Beef and Paper Towns, infuses the film with a tragicomic tone, emphasizing practical effects over CGI and focusing on the characters’ psychological landscapes. The film’s aesthetic choices and narrative depth have led some to describe it as Marvel’s ‘A24 movie’, highlighting its departure from conventional superhero tropes.
The film’s title, Thunderbolts*, notably includes an asterisk, a creative decision that generated intrigue prior to its release. This symbol foreshadows the film’s conclusion, where the team is rebranded as ‘The New Avengers’ by the CIA. This narrative twist serves as both a plot development and a meta-commentary on the MCU’s evolving landscape. In the post-credits scene, the newly formed ‘New Avengers’ receive a distress signal from an interdimensional spacecraft bearing a large ‘4’ emblem, hinting at the impending introduction of the Fantastic Four into the MCU. This teaser sets the stage for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday (2026), signalling a new chapter in the Marvel saga
As the final instalment of Marvel’s Stage 5, Thunderbolts has been a crowd pleaser, earning strong general reviews. According to Dan Gentile, the film pulled in an estimated $76 million during its opening weekend — less than Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8 million) and the blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine ($211 million), but still a solid showing for a franchise in flux. Critics have lauded its character-driven narrative, emotional depth, and fresh take on the superhero genre. While some noted a lack of superpowered members within the team, the film addresses this directly, with Yelena humorously pointing out their reliance on “punching and shooting,” acknowledging and embracing their underdog status.
As it stands, the film has grossed $271,301,744 worldwide, becoming the eighth highest-grossing film of 2025. Its success may influence the direction of future Marvel projects, encouraging a balance between blockbuster action and meaningful storytelling over CGI.
