Thunderbolts*
The Elite Level Return of the MCU
A surprisingly moving and refreshing entry that sets a new bar for the Multiverse Saga.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* is arguably the most enjoyable film in Marvel's recent slate. It is shocking to see an MCU entry firing at full strength again—integrating action, comedy, and deep-cut callbacks to Disney+ shows with total cohesion. While it conceptually mirrors The Suicide Squad, its soul feels closer to Guardians of the Galaxy, trading awe for genuine relatability.
"Welcome back elite level Marvel Cinematic Universe class of film. We missed you."— Ray Manukay
🎬 Team Roster
- Director: Jake Schreier
- Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour
- Featuring: Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman
- Thematic Comparison: Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Suicide Squad
The Vision
The film succeeds because it leans into the tragic, broken pasts of its misfits. Unlike the "squeaky clean" origins of iconic heroes, this group’s trauma makes them deeply sympathetic. You find yourself rooting for them to navigate through their regrets rather than just standing in awe of their powers. It is a work of high quality that leaves no more excuses for future Marvel projects.
💡 Cinephile Fun Facts
- The Asterisk: The mysterious asterisk in the title Thunderbolts* remains a major point of fan theory regarding the team's true name.
- Disney+ Integration: The film heavily rewards fans of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Widow.
- Creative Pedigree: Scripted by Eric Pearson and Lee Sung Jin, the latter known for the award-winning series BEEF.
✅ Pros
- Emotionally moving themes with genuine "heart."
- Flawless integration of previous MCU chapters and shows.
- Relatable characters that the audience truly roots for.
❌ Cons
- Sets a "new bar" that might make following films look weak.
- Requires some baseline MCU knowledge for full impact.
🏆 Final Verdict
Go see it—multiple times. This is the level of quality the MCU needs. It’s a crowning achievement for the "misfit" sub-genre and a total triumph for Marvel fans.
View on Letterboxd
