I Think Marvel’s Thunderbolts Is Everything the MCU Needs to Be Going Forward

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After some time since the release of “Thunderbolts” in theaters, I now think that this movie could significantly influence the direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future. Directed by Jake Schreier, “Thunderbolts” gathers a motley crew of anti-heroes under challenging circumstances, ultimately forging an unexpected camaraderie among them as they confront their troubled pasts. Previously established characters like Yelena Belova (played by Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) are assigned a seemingly fatal mission by their handler Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). During this assignment, they encounter Bob Reynolds/Sentry (Lewis Pullman), a former addict and mental health patient who turned to the Sentry Program to gain superhuman powers. As the Sentry’s dark side, known as the Void, threatens New York, the Thunderbolts unite to save their city and friend.

The 36th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) showcases an exceptional ensemble cast and a deeply moving narrative as it unfolds the journey of six seemingly misdirected individuals who discover redemption through their membership in a superhero squad. Known as the New Avengers by the film’s end, the Thunderbolts present a distinct and touching chapter in the MCU saga. In spite of mediocre box-office earnings, Thunderbolts won over general audiences and set a new record for the MCU by achieving an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes since Spider-Man: No Way Home, which was released in 2021. I believe that Thunderbolts provides an excellent roadmap for the future movies of the MCU, and the franchise should strive to recreate the elements that contributed to its success.

The MCU Did So Much Right WithThunderbolts*

In the aftermath of some less-than-stellar Marvel Cinatic Universe (MCU) films like the overly complex “Captain America: Brave New World,” character-overloading “Deadpool and Wolverine,” and heavily edited “The Marvels,” it was clear that the MCU needed a standout production. And, boy, did they deliver with “Thunderbolts.” This movie truly thrives on its character-driven narrative and authentic emotional depth. Unlike the high-stakes extravaganza of an “Avengers” film, “Thunderbolts” focuses on the human side of superheroes, making us care deeply about characters who aren’t always heroes in the traditional sense.

Pugh’s Yelena, a prolific assassin grappling with loneliness and her past, takes center stage in “Thunderbolts.” Also joining the cast are Bucky, a former brainwashed mercenary, Red Guardian, a former Soviet Super Soldier, Ghost, a trained killer and former SHIELD agent, Walker, a failed Captain America replacement, and the unstable Bob. These morally ambiguous characters, far from the upstanding heroes like Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), are what makes “Thunderbolts” so captivating.

Instead of shying away from its subjects’ flaws, “Thunderbolts” embraces them, showing how their mistakes and traumas form the bonds that hold this unconventional team together.

Topics like drug addiction and depression are typically heavier for superhero stories, but the movie “Thunderbolts” tackles them honestly and gracefully. The film uses humor effectively to offset its darker aspects without trivializing mental health issues. Witty exchanges and numerous funny moments among characters provide a lighter tone, yet the movie doesn’t shy away from being serious when necessary.

At its best, “Thunderbolts” radiates authenticity, particularly in Yelena’s emotional conversation with Alexei and the Thunderbolts’ group hug in the Void. Overall, “Thunderbolts” skillfully combines humor and emotion while creating a hopeful journey for each character.

Thunderbolts* Should Guide the MCU’s Approach to Upcoming Movies

The movie titled “Thunderbolts*” is so impressive that it could be a blueprint for future Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Not only does it masterfully blend humor and character development, but it also breathes new life into secondary franchise characters and storylines. With the exception of Bob, all members of the Thunderbolts had previously appeared in an MCU film before 2025. While Ghost made her debut in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” in 2018, Yelena and Alexei were last seen in the MCU in 2021, and Walker had yet to appear on screen at all. The movie successfully makes even lesser-known characters engaging both individually and as a team. “Thunderbolts*” expertly sets up these anti-heroes for their return in “Doomsday“, and I’m eagerly anticipating their future encounters with the Avengers and other Marvel figures.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) might profitably explore less high-stakes narratives like the anticipated “Thunderbolts” in the future. It’s not necessary for catastrophic events involving the end of the world or multiverse changes to continually reappear. Movies such as “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Eternals,” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” all feature interdimensional travel or global destruction, but “Thunderbolts” uniquely allows its characters to develop personal relationships and growth.

In the MCU, it’s essential to focus on superheroes’ emotional depth and their connections with one another rather than having a powerful villain dominate the storyline. The audience response to “Thunderbolts” was positive due to its exploration of mental health and unity during trying times, and I believe the MCU could create numerous successful films if it follows this approach.

Thunderbolts* is now available to stream on Disney+.

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2025-08-30 19:15