Early Reactions Praise Marvel’s Thunderbolts as Best in Years

LOS ANGELES, CA — Marvel‘s latest superhero film, Thunderbolts, is set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025, and early reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Critics have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, calling it one of the best entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in years. Following the lukewarm reception of another 2025 release, Thunderbolts appears to be redeeming the MCU’s reputation.

The film stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It follows a group of antiheroes who must band together on a dangerous mission after being caught in a deadly trap.

“I really dug Thunderbolts!” one critic tweeted, while another echoed the sentiment, stating it is “FANTASTIC.” Many reviews celebrate the film’s focus on mental health, with some calling it a fresh take on darker themes.

Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, described Thunderbolts as “different from other MCU films” and timely, saying it addresses “Marvel’s darkest material to date.” He highlighted that the film showcases broken characters coping with their pasts and finding camaraderie.

Emily Murray, a film writer, praised the movie as “one of the best MCU movies in a long time,” noting its spark and emotional depth. Critic Amon Warmann also described it as “a visually daring, emotionally resonant superhero film that pushes mental health to the forefront.”

Several fans and critics have lauded Pugh’s performance as Yelena Belova, with particular praise for her emotional range and stunt work. Chris Gallardo from The Hollywood Handle was surprised by how good Thunderbolts turned out to be, stating it broke away from the usual Marvel formula.

Overall, responses suggest that Thunderbolts offers a colorful blend of humor and drama, with action sequences that stand out. The film has generated excitement for its unique take and character-driven storytelling, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the season.

Thunderbolts will premiere in theaters on May 2, promising a compelling addition to the MCU with its rich themes and strong ensemble cast.