Thunderbolts* (2025) Movie ft. Florence, Sebastian and Jake

Marvel Studios brings us something special with Thunderbolts* (2025). This movie puts together some of Marvel’s most interesting bad guys turned good guys. Jake Schreier directs this action-packed film starring Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes. The cast also includes David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

What Happens in the Movie

Thunderbolts* follows a group of former villains who get tricked into a dangerous mission. Seven unlikely teammates including Yelena, Bucky, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, John Walker, and mysterious Bob must work together to survive. They discover they’ve been set up and need to trust each other to get out alive.

The story is smart because it’s not just about action and fighting. Each character has to face their past mistakes and learn to trust others like them. The movie shows how people labeled as bad can choose to be heroes. It balances big action scenes with quiet moments where characters really talk to each other.

Unlike some recent Marvel movies that try to do too much, Thunderbolts stays focused*. It’s really about finding your place in the world and discovering that family isn’t just blood relatives.

How the Actors Perform

Florence Pugh gives an amazing performance as the team’s reluctant leader. She brings both toughness and vulnerability to Yelena Belova. Critics everywhere praise how she holds the whole movie together while keeping her character’s sharp humor and fighting skills. Her scenes with the other actors feel real and emotional.

Lewis Pullman surprises everyone as Bob, bringing mystery and depth to what could have been a boring character. Many reviewers call his performance one of the movie’s best surprises. He adds something special to how the team works together.

David Harbour is great as Red Guardian, mixing his character’s loud personality with genuine care for his teammates. His scenes with Florence Pugh bring back the magic from Black Widow while showing new sides of their relationship. Sebastian Stan gives his best Bucky Barnes performance yet, showing a character who’s found some peace but still struggles with his past.

Direction and How It Looks

Jake Schreier brings a fresh approach to Marvel movies. He focuses on letting characters grow and develop rather than just showing off big special effects. His background in character-focused films helps the cast shine and build believable relationships. The movie feels like early Marvel films such as Captain America The Winter Soldier with its realistic action and emotional stakes.

The camera work by Andrew Droz Palermo makes this movie look different from other Marvel films. The action scenes are clear and well-staged, especially Florence Pugh’s incredible skyscraper stunts. The practical effects and stunt work feel real and exciting rather than fake and computer-generated.

Son Lux’s music supports the emotional story without being too loud or distracting. The movie’s pace works well, giving time for both exciting action and quiet character moments that help viewers connect with the story.

What Critics and Audiences Say

Thunderbolts* gets great reviews from both critics and regular moviegoers. It has a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb and praise from major websites. Rotten Tomatoes critics call it such a blast and say Marvel has done it again. Many highlight Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman as standouts deserving top ratings.

Roger Ebert’s website calls it an odd duck of a superhero flick that might actually fix what’s been wrong with recent Marvel movies. This shows how the film works both as a superhero movie and something deeper.

NPR praises it as Marvel’s most enjoyable film in some time. They note that while it follows familiar patterns, it works because Florence Pugh is excellent, the action makes sense, and the characters balance serious emotions with good humor. Critics consistently praise how it avoids the comedy problems that hurt some recent Marvel films.

Screen Rant and other entertainment sites highlight how funny and entertaining it is, mainly because of the great cast chemistry. Most critics agree that Thunderbolts brings Marvel back to form*.

What Works Really Well

Character Growth – Every team member gets a meaningful story arc that feels real and earned. The themes of redemption, identity, and belonging connect strongly throughout the film.

Florence Pugh’s Acting – Her Yelena Belova carries the entire movie, bringing both emotional depth and action hero skills. Her chemistry with the cast creates real family feelings.

Real Action Scenes – The movie’s use of actual stunts and clear action creates exciting scenes that feel grounded and impactful rather than fake.

Perfect Tone Balance – Unlike some recent Marvel movies, Thunderbolts* gets the right mix of humor and serious emotion. It never ruins serious moments with inappropriate jokes.

Cast Chemistry – The actors have natural chemistry that creates believable relationships throughout the movie.

What Could Be Better

Familiar Formula – While done excellently, some critics note the film follows a predictable superhero team pattern that might feel familiar to longtime Marvel fans.

Smaller Action Scale – Compared to some Marvel movies, the action scenes are less epic in scope, which might disappoint viewers wanting massive spectacle.

Villain Development – While Julia Louis-Dreyfus serves her purpose, some critics felt the bad guy elements needed more development.

Middle Section Pacing – Some reviewers noted the film slows down in the middle while focusing on character development, which might test action fans’ patience.

What Everyone Thinks

Critics describe the film as surprisingly thoughtful and emotional, noting it feels like classic early Marvel movies. Social media reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it top-tier Marvel and the best in years.

Regular audience reviews consistently praise the cast performances, especially Florence Pugh’s work. Many express relief that the comedy doesn’t go overboard like some recent entries. Viewers call it a very good and enjoyable Marvel movie that avoids recent franchise problems.

The general agreement is that Thunderbolts succeeds* both as fun entertainment and meaningful character study, giving hope for Marvel’s future direction.

Final Thoughts

Thunderbolts* (2025) represents a triumphant return for Marvel Studios. It proves that focusing on characters and real action can still make great superhero entertainment. Jake Schreier’s direction and outstanding performances from everyone, especially Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman, create a movie that works as both mindless fun and thoughtful storytelling.

While it follows familiar patterns, the execution is so good that potential problems don’t matter. The movie makes you care about these flawed characters while delivering the action and humor Marvel fans want.

For anyone wanting the character-focused storytelling that made early Marvel movies great, Thunderbolts* delivers completely. It’s not just a successful superhero team-up but a real exploration of finding family and redemption in unexpected places. This is must-see viewing for Marvel fans and a promising sign for the MCU’s future.