Marvel Studios stuns with the Thunderbolts premiere on Disney+ on August 27, 2025, introducing a team of anti-heroes as the New Avengers. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film stars Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and newcomer Bob (Lewis Pullman), under the manipulation of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Trapped in a deadly scheme, these outcasts face a perilous mission that forces them to confront their dark pasts. The film, marking the end of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase 5, is now streaming, promising action, humor, and emotional depth. The twist renaming the group as the New Avengers thrilled fans, cementing the film as a milestone for the franchise’s future.
Initially released in theaters on May 2, 2025, the film grossed about $380 million globally, below expectations for a Marvel project but praised by critics, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story focuses on complex characters from Black Widow and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Its arrival on Disney+ broadens its audience, especially after the rebranding to The New Avengers, which sparked buzz on social media.
- Film highlights:
- Stellar cast featuring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan.
- Twist introducing the New Avengers.
- Directed by Jake Schreier, known for Beef.
- Screenplay by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, blending intense action and emotion.
Cast and main characters
Thunderbolts shines with a diverse cast, blending familiar MCU faces and newcomers. Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova, the Russian spy shaped by Natasha Romanoff’s loss, taking a leadership role. Sebastian Stan reprises Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, on his redemption path. David Harbour, as the charismatic Red Guardian, and Wyatt Russell, as the controversial John Walker, add humor and conflict. Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost) and Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster) round out the team, while Lewis Pullman debuts as Bob, revealed as the powerful Sentry and his dark alter ego, Void. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, masterminds the trap uniting the group, manipulating them with ambition and ruthlessness. The film explores the dynamics among these anti-heroes, highlighting their flaws and redemption arcs. The chemistry between Pugh and Harbour, seen in Black Widow, is a standout, while Schreier’s intimate approach sets the film apart from other Marvel blockbusters. Newcomer Bob, played by Pullman, surprises as a central figure, with his hero-villain duality adding tension to the plot.
Rebranding to New Avengers
Marvel’s decision to rebrand Thunderbolts as The New Avengers shortly after its theatrical debut sparked debates. Three days post-release, Marvel unveiled the new title in a bold campaign, with videos of actors tearing down old posters to reveal The New Avengers. Billboards and promotional materials were updated, though ticketing services like Fandango retained the original title. Director Jake Schreier explained the asterisk in the title hinted at the change from the start. This narrative twist positions the team as the Avengers’ successors, absent due to intergalactic and multiversal missions. The transformation unfolds in the film’s climax, with the group uniting under Yelena’s leadership, hinting at a bright MCU future. Critic Sydney Bucksbaum from Entertainment Weekly praised the innovative approach, noting it as the first Marvel film to plan a post-release title change for narrative purposes.
- Rebranding impacts:
- Boosted social media and streaming platform interest.
- Tied Thunderbolts to Avengers: Doomsday events.
- Highlighted Yelena as the New Avengers’ leader.
- Sparked discussions about Marvel’s bold strategy.
Reception and MCU impact
Thunderbolts received mostly positive reviews, with praise for Florence Pugh’s performance and Schreier’s direction. Critics like Jake Coyle from Associated Press gave it 3/4 stars, lauding the cast’s cohesion and engaging narrative. Nicholas Barber from BBC Culture commended the character focus and emotional resonance, comparing it to Guardians of the Galaxy for its unlikely team dynamic. However, some reviews, like Robbie Collin’s from The Daily Telegraph, noted an overly dark tone and rushed conclusion. The film closes MCU’s Phase 5, paving the way for The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday in Phase 6. The confirmed return of much of the cast in Doomsday suggests the New Avengers will play a central role against Doctor Doom. The story also deepens MCU lore, with references to Valentina’s purchase of the Avengers Tower, now called Watchtower.
- Film strengths:
- Standout performances, especially by Pugh and Louis-Dreyfus.
- Balanced mix of action, humor, and psychological drama.
- Less saturated visuals, with an indie-film style.
- Setup for future MCU events.
Availability and formats
Thunderbolts is available on Disney+ since August 27, 2025, at 8 AM UK time (midnight Pacific). It also launched on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV on July 1, with purchase options at $29.99 or rentals at $24.99. Physical 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions hit stores on July 29, including extras like deleted scenes, a making-of, and director’s commentary. Disney+ access requires a subscription, starting at £4.99/month in the UK (or equivalent elsewhere). The film runs for 2 hours and 6 minutes and includes warnings for flashing light sequences that may affect photosensitive viewers.
- Viewing options:
- Streaming on Disney+ from August 27.
- Purchase or rental on Amazon and Apple platforms.
- Physical 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD editions with extras.
- IMAX screenings during theatrical release.
Production and trivia
Directed by Jake Schreier, known for Robot & Frank and Beef, Thunderbolts leans into an intimate tone, influenced by indie films. The screenplay, by Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok) and Joanna Calo (The Bear), balances action and character development. The techno-infused soundtrack, with A24-inspired elements, gives it a modern edge. Kevin Feige’s production ensures technical quality, with refined visual effects compared to recent MCU projects. Schreier’s casting reflects Marvel’s trend of hiring indie directors, like Chloé Zhao (Eternals). The trailer, with an A24-like aesthetic, surprised fans by being released via Letterboxd, appealing to cinephiles. Marvel included easter eggs, like nods to the cast’s prior projects, strengthening fan engagement.
- Production trivia:
- Schreier worked with Beef writers for emotional depth.
- Trailer drew inspiration from A24 films, with a redesigned logo.
- Valentina is revealed as the buyer of Avengers Tower.
- Film completed in just four months of production.
