Thunderbolts* Begins Its International Rollout Amid Mixed Reviews

The highly anticipated Marvel film, Thunderbolts*, began its international rollout after first arriving in theaters yesterday. As the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it will start playing in North America later this afternoon. One notable aspect of the film is its post-credits scene, which, at 2 minutes and 54 seconds, has officially become the longest in MCU history — a significant detail for dedicated fans who are advised to stay through the credits. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige teased at the film's global press conference, emphasizing the theme of new interactions among characters not previously seen together. This speaks to a trend in the MCU where ensemble casts interplay with each other to generate fresh dynamics. The plot of Thunderbolts* centers around a group of antiheroes, including Yelena Belova (played by Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and others, who are brought together under the manipulative direction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). These disillusioned figures are tasked with a mission that confronts their troubled pasts. Critics have noted that while the film attempts to delve into richer storytelling and character development, it struggles significantly in its first act due to a convoluted setup and a lackluster villain. The performances have received praise, particularly those of Pugh and Pullman, but the film is said to suffer from pacing issues and a desaturation that impacts its visual storytelling. Some reviewers feel that Thunderbolts* has the potential to recapture some lost enthusiasm for the MCU, especially after several underwhelming releases, yet it also reflects a need for the franchise to evolve beyond its current formula of predictable CGI-heavy climaxes. As audiences prepare to see how this unconventional crew assembles on screen, expectations vary. Critics remain cautious, noting that while there is some hope that Thunderbolts* could reinvigorate interest in the MCU, it may fall short of the cultural impact seen in earlier franchises like The Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy. As Marvel transitions into Phase Five with this film, the question remains whether these 'second-rate Avengers' can indeed become the heroes we need moving forward into 2025.