Marvel’s new movie, Thunderbolts, is turning heads for all the right reasons. What started off as a film many expected to fail has now become one of the most talked-about Marvel entries in years. With a surprising 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics are calling it a fresh and emotional take on the superhero genre.
From Doubts to Praise
Before its release, Thunderbolts didn’t have the best reputation. Fans and critics were unsure, especially after some recent Marvel movies didn’t live up to the hype. Many thought it would be another forgettable chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
But things quickly changed once the movie hit theaters. People were impressed by its strong character development and emotional depth. Instead of focusing only on big action scenes, the film dives into the lives and struggles of its characters, which has really resonated with viewers.
A Team of Underdogs
Thunderbolts brings together a group of anti-heroes and misfits, played by actors like Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, and Lewis Pullman. These aren’t your typical heroes. They’re flawed, real, and dealing with problems that make them more relatable.
The film follows these unlikely characters as they team up for a mission, similar to what we saw in Guardians of the Galaxy. But Thunderbolts goes deeper, touching on real-world issues like mental health, trauma, and personal growth — themes rarely explored in superhero movies.
Breakout Performances
Florence Pugh, returning as Yelena, and Lewis Pullman as Bob have been praised for their performances. Critics say their roles add emotional layers that give the movie a serious tone while still delivering fun and excitement. Their characters feel human, making the audience care about their journeys.
A Much-Needed Win for Marvel
After movies like Captain America: Brave New World failed to impress earlier this year, Thunderbolts feels like a comeback. It shows that Marvel can still surprise us with fresh stories and characters that don’t follow the same old formula.
Interestingly, the film first scored 95% on Rotten Tomatoes — the second-best Marvel debut after Black Panther (96%). Although the score later dropped to 88%, it’s still a big win considering recent struggles with Marvel’s bigger-budget releases.
Critics Call It a Game-Changer
Tyler Taing from Discussing Film called Thunderbolts “one of the biggest surprises of 2025.” Many others agree, saying the film proves the MCU still has creative energy left. Some are even calling it a “game changer” that could influence how future Marvel stories are told.
