Thunderbolts is the latest film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film offers action and humour simultaneously. After its big-screen release, the film has also made its way to the OTT platform. For the unversed, Thunderbolts has released on Jio Hotstar on August 27, 2025 and had its big screen release in the USA on May 2, 2025. It is the 36th film of the MCU and is directed by Jake Schreier. The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, and more.
What is the storyline of Thunderbolts?
In the original Marvel Comics, the Thunderbolts are a team of anti-heroes and villains formed by General Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross. In the movie, they are instead brought together by ‘Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’ (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who is like the new ‘Nick Fury’ of the MCU. Soon, the team realises that ‘Val’s’ true intentions are to set them up to fail.
While on a mission, they discover a secret vault where they meet a mysterious character named ‘Bob’ (played by Lewis Pullman). From there, the team ends up in big trouble with no one to save them. The group including ‘Yelena’ (played by Florence Pugh), ‘John Walker’ (played by Wyatt Russell), ‘Ghost’ (played by Hannah John-Kamen), and ‘Alexei’ (played by David Harbour), must figure out how to work as a team, while also relying on ‘Congressman Bucky Barnes’ (played by Sebastian Stan) to step in and help if he hasn’t lost his edge.
The movie feels like a blend between Suicide Squad and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It employs familiar superhero story elements, such as outsiders learning to trust each other, anti-heroes struggling with self-doubt, and a villain who isn’t purely evil. However, it still manages to feel fresh and new compared to other Marvel films since Endgame.
Netizens’ review of Thunderbolts
Ever since the American superhero film had its OTT release, netizens took to their X handle and shared their reviews. An X user wrote, “Just watched the #Thunderbolts on #DisneyPlus, and my review will be up tomorrow. What I will say right now is that I didn’t want to see this film because I thought it looked boring, but I’m so glad I did because Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman give two of the best performances of the year. And the amazing way #Marvel handles #mentalhealth should be applauded.” Another user penned:
“I just watched Thunderbolts* and it was everything I wanted it to be. I think it’s the best balance of humour and heart we’ve seen in the MCU outside of the Guardians’ movies. Every character had their moment, and the ending made me tear up. 4.5/5.”
Calling the film a good movie, a user wrote, “Thunderbolts: 9.5/10 very, very good movie, actually liked the humour in this movie compared to the other Marvel stuff. I think the moral of the story was expressed very well with great execution. The villain was scary, wiping the smile off my face immediately with his appearance.”
What are your thoughts on the movie, Thunderbolts? Let us know.
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