Written by Serena Feng
Illustrated by Serena Fadil
If you’re the slightest bit interested in the blockbuster hodgepodge that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then you may have heard the complaints of disgruntled fanboys thrown Marvel’s way these past few years. Among the bad-faith arguments targeting the “woke-ification” of Marvel (as the MCU expands to feature stories led by women and people of colour), there are fair criticisms that have been levelled at Marvel films. Since Avengers: Endgame, Marvel has been criticised for prioritising the quantity of movies over quality — a strategy that has led to, barring a few stand-out films, box office and critical flops.
The arrival of Thunderbolts in theatres is a significant turning point in Marvel. This movie has brought the energy, heart, and soul that the MCU desperately needs. The Thunderbolts is the second latest entry in the MCU. The film follows a ragtag team of morally complex antiheroes — Yelena, Bucky, US Agent, Ghost, and Red Guardian — assembled by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine for covert government missions, who are then suddenly united by the need to take down their former employer in a not so covert way.
A common complaint is their use of the multiverse as an instrument for fan service: the multiverse has allowed Marvel producers to insert characters from different films or adjacent franchises (such as the X-Men or the Fantastic Four) for the greatest pleasure of die-hard fans, without adding any value to the overall narrative. Thunderbolts should, by all intents and purposes, fall into the trap of crossovers for the sake of crossovers as an ensemble cast, some of which are fan favourites. And yet, against all odds, the film makes it work.
The depth of the relationship between each character sells them as a lovable group. Every character introduction feels justified, fitting naturally within the group dynamic, and the characterisation stands out: the relationships that develop over just two hours feel earned and genuine; the team’s believable bond grows from their shared struggle against their common enemy, and the humour fuels their camaraderie. Their friendships feel sincere because the film repeatedly tests their loyalty and dedication, allowing each character to leave the group at crucial plot points.
What really solidifies this bond is how characters like Ava and Walker, initially the most distrusting, choose, time and time again, to return to the team, reinforcing that sense of belonging. The movie captures the “found family” dynamic better than many previous Marvel films, showing rather than telling why this group truly feels like a family.
Moreover, Thunderbolt’s handling of depression is especially noteworthy — authentic, sensitive, and surprisingly bold for the MCU. Yelena serves as the emotional heart of this story, through her journey from suppressing her pain to learning to share it with those she loves, providing one of the film’s most powerful arcs.
Ultimately, Thunderbolts stands out as a Marvel film that prioritises depth over spectacle, using humour and heart to explore themes that genuinely resonate. Feige’s decision to position these characters as the new cornerstone of the franchise — the next Avengers — feels both fitting and promising for the future of the MCU.
