Los Angeles, California — “Thunderbolts” hits theaters this Thursday, and early social media buzz has been largely enthusiastic, with some fans acclaiming it the best entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since “Avengers: Endgame.”
While excitement fills online discussions, the challenge remains: how will the film perform with critics? Current metrics from Rotten Tomatoes reveal “Thunderbolts” boasts a commendable 91% approval rating based on 67 reviews. This places it alongside other MCU hits like “Captain America: Civil War” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which both hold similar scores.
Marvel Studios has faced a turbulent few years in terms of critical reception. Films from the Multiverse Saga, such as “Eternals” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” have underwhelmed, resulting in “Rotten” ratings and raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Previously reliable for earning “Certified Fresh” marks, the studio now finds its projects with more unpredictable outcomes.
Although interest in Rotten Tomatoes may have declined among moviegoers, its significance to studios endures. A struggling critical score can significantly impact a film’s box office performance, especially during opening weekend. However, the recent success of movies like “Sinners” suggests that critical acclaim can still drive audience interest and financial returns.
Introducing a unique blend of antiheroes, “Thunderbolts” features a compelling cast including Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes. The narrative follows these disillusioned characters as they navigate a treacherous mission orchestrated by the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, confronting their troubled pasts along the way.
As the film prepares for release, the stakes are high. The team’s lesser-known status among casual audiences could amplify the importance of its early reviews. A strong reception might not only enhance box office earnings but also foster favorable word-of-mouth.
The ensemble also includes David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Lewis Pullman in a pivotal role. Directed by Jake Schreier and written by a team including Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, “Thunderbolts” promises to explore themes of redemption and dysfunction within a group forced to come together.
As the weekend approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the film. Will “Thunderbolts” redeem itself at the box office and improve the MCU’s recent reputation?