Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” proved to be a box office hit, earning $162 million despite some mixed reviews.
Marvel’s latest superhero film, Thunderbolts, has kicked off its run with a bang, earning an estimated $162 million (£122 million) globally. This marks the latest success for Marvel and Disney, with both production houses hoping the film will spark the beginning of a new franchise.
Thunderbolts introduces audiences to a group of lesser-known superheroes, each grappling with personal issues while facing human and superhuman threats. The film stars Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, alongside Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and David Harbour.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film has been well-received by audiences, achieving a remarkable 95 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This score places it as the third highest for any Marvel film, tying with Spider-Man: Far From Home and only behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The movie’s success is due in part to its unique take on superhero storytelling, focusing on a group of dysfunctional outsiders who must unite as heroes. It explores deep themes like trauma, depression, and domestic violence, though not all critics believe these topics are handled sensitively.
Empire’s John Nugent criticised the film for its “washed-out palette” and “CG shadow-threat” in the latter half, alongside its superficial treatment of serious subjects. Meanwhile, Radheyan Simonpillai from The Guardian praised Florence Pugh for her performance, though he noted that the film’s exploration of depression and trauma often felt superficial.
On the other hand, Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent was much more enthusiastic, awarding Thunderbolts four stars and calling it “the best Marvel movie in years.” She highlighted its self-awareness, noting that it stands apart from previous Marvel entries by feeling more grounded and introspective.
While Thunderbolts may not have won over every critic, the film has captured the attention of superhero fans, providing a fresh take on the Marvel universe with its ensemble cast of flawed, complex characters.
This release comes at a time when audience fatigue with Marvel films has become a genuine concern. Following Avengers: Endgame in 2019, Marvel has struggled to maintain the same level of interest, which may explain the studio’s pivot to more peripheral characters, as seen with Deadpool and Wolverine last summer. With Thunderbolts gaining traction, Marvel hopes it can continue to build excitement around new and lesser-known characters, diversifying beyond the core heroes that have dominated its previous films.Thunderbolts may just be the next big thing for the franchise, but only time will tell if it can sustain its box office success and help Marvel navigate its post-Endgame era.
