‘Thunderbolts*’ Closes Out Phase 5 with a Bang and Quite a Few Tears

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.

Thunderbolts* aka The New Avengers released in theaters on May 2, 2025. It tells the story of an unconventional team of antiheroes: Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, and John Walker who are thrown together in a slew of chaos, causing them to confront their dark pasts. It’s the final film in phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let’s get into this, shall we?

I saw this film with my boyfriend because we’re both big Marvel fans and we saw it on the day it was released in theaters.

The beginning of the film felt a bit draggy, but otherwise it made me cry a few times. I don’t think I’ve ever watched a Marvel film before that made cry the way this film did. There’s so much heart, emotional grit, and humor. Watching the characters confront their darkest of shadows hit home for me.

For me, the two standouts are Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman. Their performances were magnetic and heartbreaking. Pullman’s Sentry is a character that has many layers and experiences the darkest parts of his mind. Pugh’s Yelena is one of my favorite MCU characters of all-time. Her humanity and comedic timing is amazing.

The film’s underlying message tugged at my heartstrings quite a few times. As a person who struggles with their mental health, it was so validating to see a major franchise like Marvel put out a film like this for the public to consume. To see this group of people who didn’t get along at all become a found family meant everything to me. This is why found family is one of my favorite tropes. It’s so wholesome, and it proves that you have the power to create your own family.

I’m excited to see where this team is heading to in phase 6.

Thunderbolts* aka The New Avengers is now playing in theaters.

Director: Jake Schreier

Cast: Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Sebastian Stan, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour

Producer: Kevin Feige