Thunderbolts* (2025) Review: Marvel's Misfits Find Their Heart

This Thunderbolts* review starts with a simple point: Marvel's latest team-up is more interested in damaged people than in giant skyline battles. Jake Schreier directs this action adventure, and it feels looser, funnier and more human than much of the franchise. Here is what works, what doesn't, and whether it deserves your evening.

Thunderbolts* Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Thunderbolts* plot begins with Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) going through the motions as a hired operative for Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). She is tired of the killing and the paychecks, and she has never fully dealt with her grief. She starts to wonder whether there is another way to live.

Then a job goes wrong. Yelena and several other misfits end up locked in a death trap, and the only way out is to work together. None of them are natural teammates, and that friction drives the first act.

The film's tagline, "Everyone deserves a second shot," sums up its mood well. This is a story about people who think they are past saving.

What Works in Thunderbolts*

The biggest strength is tone. The script, from Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, mixes dry humor with real sadness, and the jokes grow out of character rather than interrupting the drama. Calo's work on The Bear shows in the way messy, prickly people bounce off each other.

The team dynamic is the main attraction. These characters bicker, deflect and overshare, and the group chemistry feels earned rather than forced.

• Emotional focus: Themes of grief, loneliness and reconnection give the action weight.

• Humor: The banter is sharp, and the chaotic escape sequence early on is a highlight for many viewers.

• Smaller scale: With no multiverse homework required, the story is easier to follow than recent Marvel outings.

It also helps that the film trusts its audience. Quiet scenes are allowed to breathe before the next set piece arrives. If you enjoy action movie reviews that care about character, this one is a good fit.

Thunderbolts* Cast and Performances

The Thunderbolts* cast is the film's engine. Florence Pugh anchors everything as Yelena, balancing wit with a weary ache that never feels put on. She is the emotional center, and the film leans on her without apology.

Sebastian Stan returns as Bucky Barnes and comes across as more relaxed and relatable than before. David Harbour is a scene-stealer as Alexei Shostakov, playing bluster and tenderness in the same breath. Wyatt Russell brings a prickly, ego-driven energy as John Walker.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes Valentina a smart, slippery antagonist, and viewers have singled her out as a standout. Lewis Pullman, as Robert Reynolds, adds an unexpected mix of awkward humor and vulnerability. Each actor gets a moment to land, which is rare in an ensemble this size.

Where Thunderbolts* Stumbles

Not everyone will be won over. Some viewers feel the plot leans on convenient breaks that help the heroes at just the right time. A few scenes also work better if you already know these characters from earlier Marvel films and shows.

Newcomers may feel they are missing context, and one audience reviewer said exactly that. The film explains enough to follow the story, but the emotional shorthand is stronger for fans.

As with many entries in the genre, the action itself is solid rather than groundbreaking. The film's strongest moments are conversations, not explosions. If you came for spectacle alone, you may find the balance tilted toward talk.

Is Thunderbolts* Worth Watching?

Yes, Thunderbolts* is worth watching, especially if you have drifted away from Marvel and want something more grounded. It is a confident, funny and surprisingly sincere adventure with a strong ensemble. Audience scores sit around 7.3 out of 10, and that feels about right.

The film is not perfect, and it will not convert viewers who dislike superhero formulas. But its heart is genuine, and its cast makes even familiar beats feel fresh. The Thunderbolts* release date was 30 April 2025, and it runs 127 minutes with a PG-13 rating.

For more in the same vein, browse our adventure movie reviews. If you want background on the production, the Thunderbolts* page on IMDb lists full credits.

Who Will Enjoy Thunderbolts*

• Fans of character-driven superhero stories that put emotion ahead of spectacle.

• Viewers who like ensemble casts with plenty of banter and chemistry.

• Marvel followers who want a more focused story after multiverse-heavy films.