The summer movie season has officially kicked off, and Marvel Studios immediately kicked it into high gear with the debut of its highly anticipated feature film, Thunderbolts*.
Since its premiere, Thunderbolts* has taken the world by storm—and just a few days after, it introduced a groundbreaking twist that will alter the course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
To find out what all the buzz is about surrounding the MCU’s latest offering, here are High Five reasons Thunderbolts* is worth the watch. Spoilers ahead.
The Thunderbolts*
From left to right: Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) | Concept Art by Andy Parks
Familiar and new faces make up the Thunderbolts* lineup. Characters from previous MCU movies like Black Widow, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier make their way into the film with Florence Pugh leading the ensemble cast with her stellar performance as Yelena Belova.
The film is full of action and humor that are quintessential to the MCU experience. It’s also commendable that Thunderbolts* made extensive use of practical effects over CGI. From an actual truck explosion to Florence Pugh jumping off the second-highest building in the world, Thunderbolts* felt real and grounded, delivering an authentic adrenaline-filled experience.
The titular team also has a great dynamic, forming genuine connections and becoming a family you can’t help but root for. The film also provides a redemption arc for many of the characters—though not all are given the chance, it’s still powerful to witness their development unfold on the big screen.
The Not-So-Super Side of Being a Hero
Thunderbolts* explores the darker side of heroism. It delves into the struggle of human existence and how even heroes (or anti-heroes) wrestle with their inner demons. They too feel the void that people struggle with, which was established early on with Yelena Belenova’s opening monologue.
Thunderbolts* not only delivers authentic action but also portrays raw and real emotions. It isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, letting emotions drive the dialogue. The film also tackles serious subjects—it’s not all about big fight sequences or saving the world. It touches on death, trauma, depression, and loneliness. But amidst these heavy topics, it also addresses healing, redemption, and finding purpose—themes often not explored in this genre. It’s validating to see such things in a film like Thunderbolts*, and it will truly resonate with anyone with similar struggles.
It also thematically aligns with the film’s main conflict, as the trauma, the vulnerabilities, and the pain of our main characters are also things the antagonist feeds on and thrives off of.
The Void (a.k.a. Sentry, a.k.a. Bob)
Sentry | Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios
The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces one of its most powerful villains in the form of Sentry and his dark alter ego the Void. Lewis Pullman does an excellent job of portraying a character with such depth. Each persona of his character represents a distinct personality, and he masterfully differentiates between them. Bob is a likeable and sympathetic figure, while the Sentry and the Void are formidable presences in the MCU. Their darkness and enigma are both captivating and deeply unsettling.
Sentry was described as stronger than all the Avengers rolled into one and *Thunderbolts proved that right. Meanwhile, the Void is like what nightmares are made of. It feeds on our heroes’ deepest, darkest vulnerabilities—and considering that the Thunderbolts* are essentially a group of outcasts with little to no real power, watching them face off against a god-like villain is a nerve-wracking, heart-stopping experience. The looming threat of defeat makes each moment feel unpredictable and laden with suspense. No one is safe from the Void, especially the Thunderbolts* themselves.
The Mysterious Thunderbolts* Asterisk
Edited Thunderbolts* Asterisk | Photo Courtesy of Game Rant
Thunderbolts* was originally titled without the asterisk when it was first announced in June of 2022. However, the asterisk was added later on to the film’s title. At first, it seemed like a mere creative choice, but it was later revealed that the asterisk was a vital part of the film’s concept.
Thunderbolts* Asterisk with Cast | Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios
Thunderbolts* Asterisk | Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios
Thunderbolts* Asterisk with Sentry | Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios
The film’s marketing featured an impressive promotional rollout, with each poster, teaser, trailer, and stunt incorporating the asterisk—a visual motif that carried through into the film itself. By the end of Thunderbolts*, the mystery surrounding the asterisk’s presence was cleared. It didn’t only redefine the titular group, as the Thunderbolts* (spoiler alert) officially became The New Avengers, but it also transformed the entire purpose of the story. Such a small detail made such a huge impact not just for the film but for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, setting the stage for an exciting next chapter—especially with that post-credits scene.
The Fantastic Post-Credits Scene
Yelena Red Guardian Ghost and Walker Staring Up At Sentry | Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios
MCU films are known for their post-credits scenes, which are usually used to tease what’s next in the franchise. Thunderbolts*’ post-credit scene is a major game-changer for the cinematic universe, as it sets up the next major event in the franchise with the arrival of a certain group to the MCU.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Thunderbolts*’ director Jake Schreier revealed that the post-credits scene was shot for Avengers: Doomsday. It was directed by none other than the Russo Brothers, the directors for the next Avengers installment, which—without revealing too much—is a clear indication of how vital this moment is for the MCU’s future.
The mystery, the adrenaline, the thrill of a big reveal—these are the feelings fans have come to love from MCU post-credit scenes, and Thunderbolts* delivers on all of them. MCU fans, buckle up—we’re entering the most epic chapter of the Multiverse Saga, with the Thunderbolts*—or should I say, The New Avengers—leading the way.
In the past years, the MCU has been met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. But for Thunderbolts*, it’s without question that the MCU has another hit film in its roster. It delivers some of the franchise’s best action sequences and most emotionally moving performances. It’s exciting, it’s raw, it’s imperfect yet just what the MCU needs. It will surely revitalize the excitement of fans for what’s ahead of the Multiverse Saga.
Thunderbolts* is the final film in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s a cinematic moment you don’t want to miss. SEA Wave rates T̶h̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶b̶o̶l̶t̶s̶* The New Avengers 4 out of 5 waves.
The secret is out. See how the Thunderbolts* become The New Avengers in cinemas worldwide. Meanwhile, here are the release dates for the next films (so far) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25, 2025), Avengers: Doomsday (May 1, 2026), Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027).
Let us know what you think of the movie. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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