Marvel delivers another critical and box office success with Thunderbolts—a witty, action-packed follow-up to Black Widow and the final entry in Phase Five of the MCU. The asterisk in the title, initially puzzling, serves as a clever in-joke that fits the film’s tone. The movie marks a return to Marvel’s strong storytelling and character-driven approach.
James Gunn’s Influence Shines As Yelena Seeks Purpose And Redemption Amid Loss
Though originally pitched with James Gunn at the helm, Thunderbolts still retains his signature irreverent style, echoing Guardians of the Galaxy. The film combines humor, heart, and slick pacing without relying on over-the-top violence, offering optimism for the MCU’s future despite not matching the box office heights of Deadpool and Wolverine.
Thunderbolts Closes MCU Phase Five with Humor, Heart, and Yelena’s Fight for RedemptionFlorence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, still mourning Natasha Romanoff, now works under CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Disillusioned and emotionally disconnected, Yelena reconnects with her father figure, Alexei/Red Guardian, who encourages her to find purpose like Natasha did—by becoming a hero.
Betrayed And Hunted: The Underdogs Unite To Fight Power, Secrets, And Redemption
On what’s supposed to be a final mission, Yelena is ambushed by fellow Valentina operatives, including U.S. Agent, Taskmaster, and Ghost. They stumble upon Bob, an amnesiac man with mysterious powers. The group realizes they’ve been set up by Valentina, who aims to eliminate them to cover her own political tracks.
Despite Valentina’s plans, the misfit anti-heroes—minus Taskmaster, who dies—band together with Bob, Red Guardian, and Bucky Barnes to escape and seek justice. Their team name, “Thunderbolts,” comes from Yelena’s losing childhood sports team, symbolizing their underdog status and potential for redemption.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts blends smart humor, fast pacing, and emotional depth. Lewis Pullman shines as Bob, who eventually transforms into the Void, a powerful dark force tied to Valentina. The film explores themes of depression, trauma, and reluctant redemption, making it a layered superhero story that resonates beyond its action-packed exterior.