Thunderbolts

Marvel’s Thunderbolts* marks a thrilling and surprisingly emotional addition to the MCU, proving that a team of so-called “misfits” can deliver just as much heart and heroism as the most seasoned Avengers. With a solid 8/10 from the entire Comic Movie DB team, we walked away from this one with full hearts, adrenaline pumping, and real excitement for what comes next.

At the center of this chaotic and compelling team is Yelena Belova, once again portrayed brilliantly by Florence Pugh. Her role isn’t just as a fighter or tactician—she’s the emotional glue that binds the Thunderbolts together. Her longing for her late sister Natasha Romanoff is a poignant throughline, anchoring many of the film’s key emotional moments. Yelena doesn’t just grieve—she understands. It’s through her vulnerability that she sees the pain in others and begins pulling the team from dysfunction to unity. This isn’t the polished team dynamic of the early Avengers—it’s messy, raw, and all the more relatable for it.

Each team member brings their own burden—skeletons in the closet, choices they regret, or simply the label of “not good enough” the world has handed them. And yet, the film smartly leans into this. Rather than try to polish these characters into traditional heroes, Thunderbolts* celebrates their flaws. It’s about people trying to do better, even if they’re unsure how. That struggle makes their triumphs more rewarding and their failures more impactful.

The introduction of Sentry (Robert Reynolds) adds a new layer to the team’s dynamic and to the MCU as a whole. Without diving too far into spoilers, Sentry’s presence perfectly complements the emotional chaos the Thunderbolts are already navigating. His power is immense, but it’s the weight of that power—both physically and mentally—that elevates his arc. It’s clear Marvel is playing the long game with him, and we’re eager to see where it leads.

Visually, the film is intense and gritty, with action sequences that feel grounded despite the powers at play. The camaraderie (and occasional tension) among the team gives us shades of classic Avengers interplay—but with a darker, more personal twist.

Finally, a word of advice: stay for the post-credit scene. It’s long. It’s important. And no, we won’t spoil it. But trust us—you’ll want to see it through.

All in all, Thunderbolts* is a bold step forward. It’s messy, heartfelt, and completely engrossing. We at Comic Movie DB can’t wait to see this team return in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars—because if this is what misfits look like, then we’re all in.