With the premiere of the arguably most anticipated film yet, Thunderbolts, it feels like we’ve hit a pivot point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The biggest shift is in the new lead characters – a band of anti-heroes who are fundamentally flawed, broken and regretful. Thunderbolts is 2 hours and 6 minutes long. In doing so, it artfully unpacks the nuances of its characters and heavy subject matters, like the fight against one’s inner demons.
Set against a backdrop of real-life action and challenge-driven character arcs, Thunderbolts is a breath of fresh air compared to the previous MCU efforts. It hopes to make an artistic, daring statement about the true nature of heroism and the personal battles we all fight. Florence Pugh really steals the show, both in her essential role and setting up this new generation of heroes. The ensemble and the terrific electric chemistry on display, particularly with Lewis Pullman, brings it all to life.
The film’s score, which is helmed by Mica Levi, deepens the film’s idiosyncratic quality. Written by an Oscar and BAFTA-nominated trio of American experimental musicians, the score taps into the collective creativity behind Thunderbolts. This very same band composed the score for the critically lauded, 2022 Best Picture winner. They wrote the score for the film Everything Everywhere All at Once.
True to its characters, Thunderbolts explores the more cynical themes of the Marvel universe but keeps audiences entertained with exciting action set pieces. Its extraordinarily complex choreography is deployed to deepen the film’s narrative power. Sebastian Stanley rises to the occasion to leave a strong imprint, stealing scenes with solemn presence and focus in standout moments that deepen this world’s poignant emotional current.
The timing of Thunderbolts could not be better for the MCU franchise. It’s the perfect time to retool its programming too! Through Cady’s story, the film presents a new definition for what it means to be a hero. This is especially appealing to today’s audiences who desire deeper, thoughtful storytelling. Huh, stylization of the letter “m” aside, Thunderbolts has become home to characters who struggle to overcome their dark legacies. They all do morally questionable things that differentiate this narrative within a genre often less comfortable with grey morality.
Fans, understandably, are excited to see how this movie changes future MCU stories. They can be excited about experience riveting character development and jaw-dropping action adventures come to life on film. With deep character work and emotional stakes, Thunderbolts has audiences on the edge of their seats. It does more than entertain—it pushes us to reconsider what it really means to be a hero.