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Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts is already creating a stir ahead of its official release, with early responses praising the film for taking the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a different direction. The antihero ensemble film directed by Jake Schreier unites a talented group of misfits, with Florence Pugh playing Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan playing Bucky Barnes, David Harbour playing Red Guardian, and Wyatt Russell playing John Walker.
Critics agree on one thing: Florence Pugh is the emotional core of this movie. Her performance as Yelena is being lauded as a standout, with many considering it her MCU performance to date. Thunderbolts dives into “some of Marvel’s darkest material to date,” notes Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture, to delve into trauma, guilt, and emotional consequences of past decisions. He contributes, “Pugh carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back.
Film critic Emily Murray echoed the sentiment, calling the film “one of the best MCU entries in a long time.” She praised its emotional depth, going on to say that Pugh “just walks away with it.” Critics also highlighted the chemistry among the cast, particularly in key scenes between Pugh’s Yelena and Harbour’s Red Guardian, overlaying vulnerability and tension.
Empire’s Amon Warmann called the movie “visually bold” and stated that it places mental health center stage in a way fewer superhero films have. “Florence Pugh gives the heart, David Harbour is laugh-out-loud hilarious the whole time, and Lewis Pullman might be the sneaky MVP,” he reported.
Mia Pflüger commented that Pugh has “brought Yelena to a new level,” having an exceptional balance of strength, imperfection, and emotional complexity. Her stunt work, dramatic abilities, and comedic timing have locked her into one of the cornerstones of Marvel’s future.
Brandon Norwood put it perfectly: “Shocked how good Thunderbolts is. Feels like the old Marvel again—character-driven and practical action.”
With the franchise needing a shot of adrenaline, Thunderbolts might just be the film to revive the tone. Gritty, realistic, and character-driven, it’s more than another team-up—it’s Marvel’s gamble to re-ground the MCU, and by all reports, it pays off.
