First Reactions Surface for Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS* and It's "One of the Best MCU Movies in a Long Time"

The first reactions to Marvel’s Thunderbolts* have surafaced online and from the sound of it, the movie is going to be just as great as I was hoping it would!

I’ve had extemely high hopes for this movie, especially with the footage we’ve seen and the way Marvel has been marketing it. So, seeing such awesomely positive reactions is getting me hyped!

The movie is being hailed as “one of the best MCU movies in a long time,” “truly fantastic”, “raw, hilarious, and deeply human”, “unlike anything Marvel has done before”, “perfection”, and more.

Check out some of the reactions below and let us know what you think!

@EmilyvMurray: “Well #Thunderbolts is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time (and maybe one of my new personal faves). Has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed. Florence Pugh in particular superb, just walks away with it.”

@JacobFisherDF: “THUNDERBOLTS* is truly fantastic, the cast has electric chemistry with each other (Florence Pugh & Lewis Pullman are the standouts) and the action sequences are very strong. But most of all, the film’s story hit me like a ton of bricks, it’s bold, important & so well-written. Also I need to sit with the film a little more but I think this is the best-looking MCU movie in years, not a single sequence that looks like rushed CGI or anything. Practical action sequences for the win!”

@BigGoldBelt: “#Thunderbolts is raw, hilarious, and deeply human. It’s a bold dive into trauma, healing, and redemption. Proof that even the so-called defective losers and disposable delinquents can rise above their past and become the heroes no one expected. It’s gritty, emotional, and unlike anything #Marvel has done before — a must-see story that hits where it hurts and heals where it matters.”

@justmiaslife: “#Thunderbolts* introduces a new era for Marvel, the most humane film filled with allowing their anti hero being flawed, broken and regretful. Sebastian Stan has an absolute scene stealing moment, yet Florence Pugh shows she is the true lead of the new generation and team.”

@AmonWarmann: “Thunderbolts*: That was pretty great! A visually daring, emotionally resonant superhero film that pushes mental health to the forefront. Florence Pugh brings the heart, David Harbour is consistently funny, & Lewis Pullman might be the stealth MVP. Best MCU film in a long while!”

@GeekVibesNation: “MARVEL’S #THUNDERBOLTS is perfection! Marvel has delivered one of its most emotionally resonant and action-packed entries yet. This isn’t just another team-up movie; it’s a bold new chapter that introduces a more grounded, human side to the MCU. The film strikes a perfect balance between humor, thrilling action, and raw emotion. The entire cast brings their A-game, but the clear standout is Florence Pugh as Yelena.”

@HollywoodHandle: “#Thunderbolts is one of Marvel’s most enjoyable films in a while. It feels different than most of the studio’s projects. Its bold, funny, filled with great action and an unexpected emotional punch. Florence Pugh is the star that shines the brightest. There’s a lot to love here. Make sure you stay for the credits…”

@bjntweets: “Shocked how good THUNDERBOLTS* is. Putting emphasis on the character work and practical action makes this feel like the old Marvel. Wish we’d gotten this sooner. Helps that this dysfunctional team has chemistry too.”

The plot summary reads: “A world without Avengers doesn't mean there's not a group of superheroes. There is a group and they're called the Thunderbolts. A group of supervillains from the MCU are recruited to go on missions for the government.

“Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes - Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker.

“After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

“Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?”

Recently, Sebastian Stan described Thunderbolts* as "its own thing" and said: "I don’t feel you can compare it to any previous Marvel movie, and that’s because of the group of characters in this film and these actors. I couldn’t have had a better time than I did with David Harbour, Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus."

"I mean, every single one of these people are funny, they’re generous, and so I think a lot of that chemistry did make it into the movie, and I’m excited for people to see that. It’s a little bit like The Breakfast Club. It has its own vibe, and it’s funny, and it’s real, and we did actual real stunts, like when you’re watching a truck blow up, it’s a truck blown up. It’s not CGI."

"Marvel really wanted this to have its own - there were many things in the movie that were actually done practically, and I think that does go a long way, because people are just smart," Stan added. "I think audiences just, they know."

The cast of Thunderbolts* also includes Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Lewis Pullman as The Sentry, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster.

The film is being directed by Jake Schreier (Paper Towns, Kidding) and was written by Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow) and Kurt Busiek.

Thunderbolts* is currently set to be released in theaters on May 2, 2025.