Thunderbolts* (stylized with an asterisk) is a 2025 American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Directed by Jake Schreier, it is the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the closing entry of Phase Five.
The movie features an ensemble cast led by Florence Pugh, with Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, and Keanu Reeves among others. With a budget of $180 million, Thunderbolts** grossed $382 million worldwide, performing below Marvel’s usual box office levels but receiving strong critical praise.
The film is notable for its reveal that the Thunderbolts rebrand as the New Avengers, with Marvel marketing shifting the title post-release.
Plot
Set in the aftermath of multiple MCU conflicts, the story follows Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Ghost, Red Guardian, and Taskmaster, who are manipulated by CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine into a suicide mission. Betrayed, they unite as the Thunderbolts.
Their mission uncovers Bob Reynolds (Sentry), whose unstable powers manifest as the destructive alter ego Void, threatening New York with supernatural darkness. To stop him, the Thunderbolts confront their own traumas inside “shame rooms” born of Bob’s fractured psyche. With Yelena’s leadership, they reach Bob’s core and help him regain control.
In the climax, de Fontaine twists events to brand the team as the New Avengers, consolidating her power. A post-credits scene teases conflict with Sam Wilson’s Avengers and hints at the arrival of the Fantastic Four.
Cast
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova / Black Widow II
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
- Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent
- David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
- Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr / Ghost
- Lewis Pullman as Robert “Bob” Reynolds / Sentry / Void
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
- Supporting: Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, Anjelica Huston (cameo), and others
Production
Marvel first teased a Thunderbolts team in 2021. Jake Schreier signed on to direct in 2022, with Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo credited for the screenplay. Delays from the 2023 Hollywood strikes shifted filming to 2024, with principal photography at Trilith Studios in Atlanta and locations in Utah and Kuala Lumpur.
The asterisk in the title was a deliberate marketing twist. Marvel later revealed the branding switch to The New Avengers, making this the first MCU film with a planned post-release title change.
Music was composed by Son Lux, while cinematography was handled by Andrew Droz Palermo.
Release
Thunderbolts** premiered at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on April 22, 2025, and released in the U.S. on May 2, 2025 in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX formats.
The film became available digitally on July 1, 2025, followed by Blu-ray/DVD on July 29. A Disney+ release followed on August 27, 2025.
Reception
Box Office
With a $382.4 million global gross, Thunderbolts** underperformed against its $180 million budget and heavy marketing spend. Industry analysts noted it needed at least $425 million to break even.
Critical Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 88% positive score, with critics praising Florence Pugh’s performance and the character-driven narrative. Metacritic scored it 68/100, reflecting generally favorable reviews.
NPR described it as “a decently effective blend of misfit mercenaries and pop psychology,” while BBC Culture called it “more grounded and emotionally resonant than recent Marvel outings.”
Accolades
- Astra Midseason Movie Awards (2025): Best Actress (Florence Pugh, Won)
- Critics’ Choice Super Awards (2025): Best Actress in a Superhero Movie (Florence Pugh, Won)
- Multiple nominations for Best Stunts, Best Villain (Lewis Pullman), and Best Supporting Actor
Legacy
Though not a top MCU box office hit, Thunderbolts 2025 film was praised for tackling themes of trauma, loneliness, and redemption. Its asterisk branding gimmick and final reveal as The New Avengers set it apart as a bold narrative and marketing experiment, paving the way for Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
