After a period where many felt the Marvel Cinematic Universe was prioritizing quantity over quality, leading to a sense of “superhero fatigue,” the studio is signaling a change in direction. Kevin Feige and his team have acknowledged the criticisms and are aiming to refocus their efforts. The latest film, “Thunderbolts*,” directed by Jake Schreier, stands as a prime example of this new approach, delivering the kind of visceral, high-stakes action that has been a hallmark of the franchise’s best entries. For those who missed it in theaters, the wait is over: “Thunderbolts*” is now available to stream on Disney+.
From Theaters to Your Couch
Arriving on the streaming platform less than four months after its May 1st theatrical debut, the film is poised to find a new audience. With a global box office of $382.4 million against a production budget of $180 million, its theatrical run was modest by Marvel standards. This suggests many fans were waiting for the convenience of a home release. While the anti-hero thriller was a compelling big-screen experience, it is now perfectly suited for watching from the comfort of your sofa. For those who prefer physical media or digital ownership, the film has also been available for several weeks as a video-on-demand rental or purchase, as well as on DVD, Blu-ray, and a limited edition 4K UHD Steelbook.
A Team of Anti-Heroes
The story centers on Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), who finds herself trapped in a monotonous cycle of deadly missions for the ruthless former CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Drowning her frustrations in alcohol, Yelena is desperate for a way out. However, de Fontaine ensnares her in a trap, bringing her together with other operatives who have handled her dirty work, including John Walker/US Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). Thrown into a facility where they are expected to eliminate one another, the group of misfits instead decides to unite, posing an unforeseen and formidable challenge to their former boss.
A Grittier, Character-Driven Approach
From the opening scene, director Jake Schreier sets a distinctly darker tone, twisting Marvel’s triumphant opening fanfare into something more somber. We are introduced to an almost apathetic Yelena, who seems only partially engaged even during a massive sequence of destruction. This opening makes it clear that “Thunderbolts*” is a film driven by its characters first and foremost. The action sequences feel grounded and intense, favoring practical effects over the weightless “CGI sludge” that has drawn criticism in other blockbusters. The film gives its supposedly indestructible heroes and anti-heroes the space to confront their own personal demons, making these troubled outsiders feel like tangible, relatable people.
Critical Acclaim and the Road Ahead
This focus on character and raw action has paid off. Critics and audiences have hailed “Thunderbolts*” as one of the best Marvel films since “Avengers: Endgame.” It currently holds an 88% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from over 350 reviews, with many praising how it stands apart from its predecessors. While “Thunderbolts*” is now enjoying its home media release, the MCU continues to move forward. The next major installment, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” is slated to hit theaters in July, at which point “Thunderbolts*” will likely conclude its limited remaining run in cinemas.