Why Thunderbolts* Is the MCU’s Game-Changing Movie Fans Wanted Years Ago

As a die-hard Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fan, I must admit that Thunderbolts has been nothing short of sensational! For years, we’ve yearned for a storyline revolving around these anti-hero characters from the MCU. Initially, when whispers of a movie featuring this ensemble surfaced, the excitement wasn’t exactly through the roof. After all, most members of the Thunderbolts had primarily been in supporting roles in their previous outings. Characters like Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes were well-known, but the rest didn’t quite have the clout of heavyweights such as Captain America or Spider-Man. Yet, here we are, marveling at this film’s success, which is even more noteworthy considering its humble origins.

Fans and critics alike have widely praised “Thunderbolts*” as one of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most potent ventures in recent times. To date, the movie has amassed a staggering $286.7 million at global box offices, boasting an impressive 88% approval rating from critics and a remarkable 94% appreciation from fans on Rotten Tomatoes. “Thunderbolts*” seems to have arrived precisely when Marvel needed it, revitalizing the general audience’s interest in the MCU after a series of average films. Interestingly enough, “Thunderbolts*” might have achieved similar success if it were released a couple of years earlier, and fans would have equally benefited from this project during that time as well.

Thunderbolts* Pays Off A Number Of MCU Phase 4 Storylines

Most Thunderbolts* Characters Debuted In Phase 4

As a die-hard Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Thunderbolts, even though they’re a fresh face in the MCU. Interestingly enough, their individual stories have been subtly weaved into Phase 4. Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, made her entrance in Ant-Man & The Wasp back in Phase 3, but the rest of the Thunderbolts have had their origins traced back to Phase 4. John Walker, our U.S. Agent, graced our screens in The Falcon & The Winter Soldier last year alongside Bucky, and Yelena Belova, Alexei Shostakov’s Red Guardian, along with the enigmatic Taskmaster, all debuted in Black Widow, which came out later in 2021. While both Yelena and Bucky have had sporadic appearances since then, their tales didn’t truly bloom again until this year’s Thunderbolts.

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the main antagonist of “Thunderbolts,” had notable appearances throughout Phase 4, spanning from 2021 projects and continuing into “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022. While fans were aware that she was gathering team members for a clandestine operation, little else was disclosed about her following her departure in “Wakanda Forever.” However, the release of “Thunderbolts” has now culminated these Phase 4 storylines in a fulfilling manner. Each character finds fresh significance post-Phase 4, as their futures were left uncertain, and it’s pleasing to see Bucky reacquiring a meaningful role again after “The Falcon & The Winter Soldier.”

Thunderbolts* Is A Good, Crowd-Pleasing Movie

The Self-Contained Film Appeals To General Audiences

Apart from being a delightful watch for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts, “Thunderbolts” has successfully engaged a broader audience as well. Although the movie showcases characters who have previously appeared, their origins are made accessible even to those not familiar with every MCU production. Despite the plot depending heavily on their past deeds and the resolution of these narratives, it still manages to function independently as a standalone project.

Thunderbolts* has a standalone quality that doesn’t isolate regular viewers. fundamentally, it’s a clear-cut tale about a band of outcasts uniting to discover their purpose in life. The movie also delves into mental health issues, a concern many can identify with. Thunderbolts* gained such popularity because it is essentially an excellent piece of cinema. In her review for ScreenRant, Molly Freeman stated that the film feels like “a welcome release, like laughter when you want to cry,” aptly describing its broad audience appeal.

Thunderbolts* Finally Establishes A New Avengers Team

The Avengers Have Been Missing In The MCU For 5 Years

At the closing of the comic “Thunderbolts“, it’s disclosed that they will be rebranded as the New Avengers, overseen by Valentina. While

It’s been five years now since the Infinity Saga concluded in Avengers: Endgame, and for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), that’s quite a while, especially considering how accustomed we’ve grown to the Avengers serving as the foundation of the franchise since Phase 1. Although Thunderbolts* seems to have assembled an unusual team, they are now the only active Avengers in the MCU at this point. While some fans might have preferred a clarification on the Avengers’ status earlier, I believe it was worth the wait.

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2025-05-19 00:39