recent premiere of Thunderbolts (2025), a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film set for release on May 2, 2025, has generated significant buzz, particularly given its first reactions. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the initial reception, focusing on the praise for Florence Pugh’s performance and the claim that it is one of the best MCU films, based on entertainment news and social media reactions as of April 24, 2025. The analysis aims to clarify the film’s reception, explore the context of these reactions, and address the user’s mention of it being called the best “by landslide.”
Key Points
- Research suggests Thunderbolts (2025) is receiving very positive first reactions, often called one of the best MCU films recently.
- Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena Belova is widely praised, described as superb and emotionally anchoring.
- The evidence leans toward it being a standout MCU entry, though “by landslide” may be a strong claim, reflecting high praise.
Background
Thunderbolts, released on May 2, 2025, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), featuring a team of antiheroes. First reactions from premiere screenings, as of April 24, 2025, indicate strong audience and critic approval, especially for its emotional depth and character focus.
Reception Highlights
Critics and viewers have hailed Thunderbolts as a refreshing and dark entry in the MCU, with many calling it one of the best in years. Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova is a standout, often credited with carrying the film’s dramatic weight. Reactions emphasize its charisma, emotional storytelling, and practical action, contrasting with recent MCU entries.
Release Context
The film premiered with early reactions shared online, with the review embargo lifting on April 29, 2025. It’s seen as a potential success following the underperformance of Captain America: Brave New World, with upcoming MCU releases like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers Doomsday on the horizon.
Film Overview
Thunderbolts is the 36th film in the MCU, directed by Jake Schreier, with a screenplay by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, and produced by Marvel Studios, distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It features an ensemble cast including Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The plot follows a group of antiheroes caught in a deadly trap, forced to work together on a dangerous mission, confronting their pasts. The film had its world premiere, with first reactions emerging online, aligning with the current date’s context.
First Reactions and Reception
The first reactions, shared after the social embargo was lifted on April 22, 2025, are overwhelmingly positive, with critics and influencers praising the film as a standout in the MCU. The review embargo lifts on April 29, 2025, but early reactions from premiere screenings indicate strong approval. Key points include:
- Emily Murray, a freelancer journalist, stated on X, “Well Thunderbolts is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time (and maybe one of my new personal faves). Has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed. Florence Pugh in particular superb, just walks away with it” (Emily Murray X post).
- Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, described it as “different from other MCU films” and coming at an “opportune time when the franchise is in need of new blood and direction.” He added, “It’s some of Marvel’s darkest material to date, dealing with the emotional wreckage of broken individuals grappling with their past choices and finding camaraderie amidst the emptiness of their lives,” noting that “Florence Pugh carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back, while Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance” (Deadline article).
- Neil Vagg, a podcaster, called it a “home run for Marvel Studios,” praising Pugh as “incredible,” David Harbour as “hilarious,” and noting the ensemble cast is “solid. An exhilarating mix of action comedy and drama. It revels in being part of the MCU but carries none of the weight of its continuity” (GoldDerby article).
- Brandon Norwood enjoyed the focus on “character work and practical action,” saying it “feels like the old Marvel,” and added, “Wish we’d gotten this sooner. Dysfunctional team has chemistry” (Variety article).
- Jacob Fisher from DiscussingFilm enjoyed the cast’s chemistry and believed the MCU movie is well-written, while Big Gold Belt Media claimed it’s a “must-see” with two post-credits scenes (Screen Rant article).
- Alistair Ryder noted it approaches “bad mental health,” with the villain being all about it, adding to its dark tone (Screen Rant article).
These reactions collectively suggest Thunderbolts is seen as a refreshing and strong entry, often compared favorably to recent MCU films like Captain America: Brave New World, which received the worst reviews and disappointing box-office performance.
Florence Pugh’s Performance
Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova is a focal point of praise, described as “superb,” “incredible,” and the emotional anchor of the film. Critics like Emily Murray and Matt Neglia highlight her ability to carry the dramatic weight, with Murray noting she “walks away with it” and Neglia stating it “very much belongs to Florence Pugh.” An X user,
@BeanzGotGamez, also believed Pugh’s Yelena is the MCU movie’s standout character (Screen Rant article). This aligns with the user’s mention of her performance being central to the reactions.
Addressing “Best MCU Film by Landslide”
The user’s claim that Thunderbolts is called one of the “Best MCU Films by Landslide” may be a slight exaggeration, but it reflects the strong consensus among first reactions. While no source explicitly uses “by landslide,” multiple critics, including Emily Murray and Matt Neglia, call it one of the best in a long time, with Hindustan Times noting it’s “one of the best Marvel movies in years” (Hindustan Times article). The phrase likely stems from the overwhelming positivity, especially given the context of recent MCU struggles, making it a significant turnaround.
Cast and Crew Details
To provide a fuller picture, here are detailed profiles of key actors, including Florence Pugh, and the creative team:
| Detail | Florence Pugh | Sebastian Stan | Director: Jake Schreier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role in Film | Yelena Belova (antihero, Black Widow’s sister) | Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (team leader) | Director, known for indie films like Paper Towns |
| Upcoming Projects | – We Live in Time (2024, with Andrew Garfield) – Thunderbolts (2025) | – The Apprentice (2024, with Sebastian Stan) – Thunderbolts (2025) | Aimed for a different tone, as stated at Comic-Con 2024 |
| Notable Past Work | – Little Women (2019, Oscar-nominated) – Midsommar (2019) | – Captain America: Civil War (2016) – I, Tonya (2017) | Known for Robot & Frank (2012), Paper Towns (2015) |
| Additional Notes | Represented by CAA, known for breakout dramatic roles | Represented by WME, MCU veteran since Captain America | Collaborated with writers Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo |
This table highlights their professional backgrounds, supporting their suitability for these high-profile roles.
Franchise Context and Legacy
Thunderbolts is part of Phase V of the MCU, following teasers since 2021 and development announced in June 2022. It’s seen as a potential revitalization, with Marvel hoping for success after recent underperformances. Upcoming releases include The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025), Avengers Doomsday (May 1, 2026), and Avengers Secret Wars (May 7, 2027), making Thunderbolts a critical entry. Its indie, A24-feeling approach, as described by Pugh, adds to its uniqueness, with a trailer edited in A24 style released via Letterboxd in March 2025 (Wikipedia page).