Thunderbolts*: A New Era of Marvel Heroes, Flawed and Real

Directed by: Jake Schreier
Rating: 8/10

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been lackluster since the epic battle in “Avengers: Endgame.” There has been an online discussion about how fans have been eager for the next chapter, yet the post-Endgame films have been mixed—some are even disasters. While some MCU entries dazzle with the multiverse and celestial stakes, the franchise is weighed down by convoluted and chaotic plots or a string of new characters struggling to find their footing. Then comes Thunderbolts*, a film that breathes new life into the MCU by putting the characters front and center. Highlighting more about the soul of the characters and less about spectacle might just be what the franchise needs for a fresh start.

Thunderbolts* introduces us to a ragtag team of antiheroes and misunderstood figures who campaign to become the “new Avengers*.” The film follows the misfits—Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and the ever-charming Bob (Lewis Pullman)—who are far from our typical all-American superheroes, these characters are flawed, complicated, and deeply human. They are not just a team assembled to fight a powerful villain; each character arrives with their own emotional baggage, motivations, and personal demons to fight with. The film’s biggest win lies in its writing and characterization. It’s a superhero story that feels intimate, almost indie in its approach, focusing on the humane side of the superheroes. Instead of highlighting their intimidating superpower or having side characters as plot devices, the film focuses on who these people are beneath the masks and powers they possess. The characters don’t feel like archetypes; they feel like real people you could meet on the streets—people with deep emotional wounds, hopes, regrets, and doubts.

In all its ways, Thunderbolts* feels like a passing of the torch. The former Avengers have largely stepped back, and this new team is poised to take their place, not because they fit a mold, but because they represent something more complex and nuanced, which has been missing in the post-Endgame MCU films. These are the heroes with messy parts, trying to find their way in a world that doesn’t quite trust them.

If you’re like me and crave an MCU film that invests in character arcs as much as it does in action sequences and complex multiverse tropes, Thunderbolts excels. Each character has a complete storyline, yet leaves room for future development. Yelena is struggling with loss and identity; Bucky carries the weight of his past as the Winter Soldier; Red Guardian faces his struggles with family and legacy; and John Walker is grappling with his role as a sanctioned hero. Bob or The Sentry/Void added a unique flavor, bringing elements of vulnerability, depth, and humor that balance the darker tone of his character.

What’s remarkable is how the film injects depth into these characters without ever sacrificing the pacing or excitement. The arcs are poignant and relatable, where you’ll find yourself caring about their journeys and rooting for their growth and redemption. Of course, it wouldn’t be a superhero film without the villain, but even the “villain” is handled with nuance. Instead of a cardboard cutout antagonist, the film offers a character who fits into the larger MCU puzzle pieces, hinting at an evolving narrative. This subtlety makes the conflict feel organic rather than forced.

Marvel Studios

There’s no denying that Florence Pugh is “THAT” girl. Her performance was undeniably the film's emotional core. Acting alongside her is David Harbour, who played Flo’s father; their portrayal of a fractured, complicated father-daughter relationship adds another layer of raw emotion, which is seldom seen in a superhero film. The dynamics between their characters are a standout, filled with hilarious, touching, and painful moments. The film does not shy away from exploring the themes of trauma, loneliness, and the longing for connection. These aren’t just throwaway lines or backstory elements; they’re woven perfectly into the fabric of the characters and the narrative. The honesty in their interactions gives the film a surprising emotional weight, grounding the fantastical elements in a real human experience.

The previous MCU releases have had issues with the writing, making their characters look like caricatures in their own film. Take “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” as an example, where the film solely relies on silly jokes or forced humor to defuse profound moments. Instead, in Thunderbolts*, the humor respects the gravity of its themes—trauma, redemption, trust, and identity—while still delivering moments of levity that feel earned and natural.

If the DC Universe’s *Suicide Squad* leaned into chaotic antihero antics with a wild, almost manic energy, Thunderbolts* might be described as the “Depressed Squad.” The film embraces the imperfections and vulnerabilities of its characters rather than glossing over them. This grounded approach makes the stakes feel more personal and the characters more relatable.

The film doesn’t fall into the trap of overcomplicating its story with multiverse chaos or quantum physics jargon, which is refreshing after the disastrous “Captain America: Brave New World.” If you binge-watch all of the MCU films, it will blow your mind, not because of the spectacle but because you’ll spend a lot of time untangling alternate realities and timelines. Thunderbolts* offers a welcome return to straightforward storytelling. They finally understood what the audiences really want—strong writing and compelling characters. It’s a simple reminder that it’s not about grandiose spectacle or mind-bending concepts; it’s about the characters and their journeys.

It’s pretty common in superhero films to suffer from predictability—heroes facing a powerful villain, overcoming all of the odds in expected ways to save the world. Thunderbolts* shakes up this formula. The characters are so richly drawn and morally complex, leaving you wondering how they’ll behave in a heightened situation. This unpredictability adds a layer of tension and intrigue that keeps you engaged throughout. It’s very rare to watch a superhero film where the protagonists’ decisions and reactions feel authentic and grounded.

Thunderbolts* is a bold, character-driven film that signals a new direction for the MCU. It proves that MCU doesn’t need another sprawling multiverse saga or cosmic event to captivate audiences. Instead, it needs stories with heart, characters with depth, and themes that resonate on a human level. By focusing on flawed, complex heroes who are as relatable as they are powerful, Thunderbolts* offers a new kind of superhero film that feels fresh and necessary. Thunderbolts* is a welcome reminder of what makes the genre great: compelling characters, meaningful stories, and the courage to be vulnerable even when wearing a mask.

If this is the future of the MCU, count me in.