thunderbolts early rotten tomato score revealed

hcampbell630
May 1
2 min read

Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts has garnered significant attention ahead of its U.S. release on May 2, 2025. With an impressive 90% approval rating from 166 critics on Rotten Tomatoes , the film is poised to make a notable impact in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

A Fresh Take on the MCU

Thunderbolts introduces a unique ensemble of antiheroes, diverging from the traditional superhero narrative. The cast includes Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and newcomers like Lewis Pullman as Sentry and Geraldine Viswanathan in an undisclosed role . Directed by Jake Schreier, known for Netflix's Beef, the film focuses on a team of reformed villains and complex characters, offering a fresh perspective within the MCU .

Critical Acclaim

The film's 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is accompanied by a critics consensus stating, "Assembling a ragtag band of underdogs with Florence Pugh as their magnetic standout, Thunderbolts refreshingly goes back to the tried-and-true blueprint of the MCU's best adventures." This consensus highlights the film's successful blend of character-driven storytelling and action, reminiscent of the MCU's earlier successes . Metacritic also reflects a generally favorable reception, with a weighted average score of 69 out of 100 based on 46 critics . This suggests that while the film has its strengths, there may be areas where it doesn't fully meet the high expectations set by previous MCU installments.

Audience Expectations

Anticipation among audiences is high, with projections indicating a domestic opening weekend gross of $70 to $75 million, and a global total between $160 and $175 million . This enthusiasm reflects the growing interest in the MCU's evolving narratives and character arcs.

Conclusion

Thunderbolts stands as a testament to the MCU's ability to innovate and explore new storytelling avenues. With its strong critical reception and high audience expectations, the film is set to contribute significantly to the MCU's Phase Five, offering fans a compelling mix of action, character development, and fresh perspectives.