Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ first reactions: Florence Pugh draws early raves as the MCU returns to form

Marvel might be back. 

Disney lifted the social embargo on Marvel’s Thunderbolts on Tuesday afternoon, more than a week before the film hits theaters, and the early word on the superhero feature is stronger than any Marvel Cinematic Universe entry in some time.

“Well Thunderbolts is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time (and maybe one of my new personal faves),” freelancer journalist Emily Murray wrote on social media. “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.”

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 pic.twitter.com/U7AzBgGZMl

— Emily Murray (@EmilyVMurray) April 22, 2025

“Thunderbolts is a home run for Marvel Studios. Pugh is incredible. David Harbour is hilarious. Its ensemble cast is solid. An exhilarating mix of action comedy and drama. It revels in the being part of the MCU but carries none of the weight of its continuity,” wrote podcaster Neil Vagg.

#Thunderbolts is a home run for Marvel Studios. Pugh is incredible. Harbour is hilarious. Its ensemble cast is solid. An exhilarating mix of action comedy and drama. It revels in the being part of the MCU but carries none of the weight of its continuity. pic.twitter.com/R5oZICRbXj

— Neil Vagg (@neilvagg) April 22, 2025

“Thunderbolts is, in many ways, different from other MCU films that have come before it, and that freshness couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune time, when the franchise is in need of new blood and direction,” wrote Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia. “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. This may be a team-up film, but it very much belongs to Florence Pugh, who carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back, while Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance as a sympathetic character at war with himself. It may not be the flashiest, funniest, or strongest Marvel film, but its rough edges and imperfections somehow all feel fitting for this anti-hero team of misfits.”

THUNDERBOLTS* is, in many ways, different from other MCU films that have come before it, and that freshness couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune time, when the franchise is in need of new blood and direction. It’s some of Marvel’s darkest material to date, dealing with the… pic.twitter.com/CxxejPPx77

— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) April 22, 2025

Thunderbolts is Marvel’s latest team-up adventure, but with a twist. Rather than connect the long-running franchise’s heroes together for an adventure, the movie focuses on some of the beloved antiheroes — including Pugh’s Yelena Belova (from Black Widow and Hawkeye), Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes (from multiple projects, including the Captain America franchise), Harbour’s Red Guardian (from Black Widow), and Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, aka U.S. Agent (from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier). Other cast members include Julia Louis-Dreyfus (whose Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been presented thus far as a more sinister version of Nick Fury) and Pullman, who plays a character Marvel has kept hidden in the marketing campaign but most have pegged as Bob Reynolds, aka Sentry, a character with ties to X-Men and the Fantastic Four. (Notably, The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Pedro Pascal appeared on the red carpet at the Thunderbolts premiere in London on Tuesday, perhaps a tell that Pascal’s Reed Richards will make a surprise appearance in one of the Thunderbolts credits scenes to tee up Marvel’s next blockbuster.)

That Pugh has already earned strong reviews for her performance should come as little surprise. The actress, an Oscar nominee for Little Women, has frequently been praised by her costars during the lengthy Thunderbolts press tour. (“She’s just electric to work with,” Harbour teased during San Diego Comic-Con last year.)

Thunderbolts is arguably an essential movie for the MCU, mainly because reviews for recent installments, other than last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine, have been below typical standards. (Deadpool & Wolverine is more of an ancillary MCU property, since it wasn’t part of the original Disney franchise.) Anecdotally, this year’s Captain America: Brave New World was seen as a bit of a nadir for the cinematic universe, with some of the worst reviews for a Marvel feature and a disappointing box-office tally. 

Thunderbolts is out on May 2. Check out some more reactions below. Critics and journalists from major publications will weigh in on Thunderbolts after the review embargo lifts on April 29.

I saw #Thunderbolts and I can say it's a total BLAST! It's not only funny packed with great action, but also has a beautiful emotional story full of heart. The entire cast is amazing, but the real standout is Florence Pugh as Yelena. One of MCU's best. Don't miss it May 2nd! pic.twitter.com/S4ncV7RT7k

— Davy (@davybirth) April 22, 2025

Taps mic: #Thunderbolts was awesome. Tons of implications on how the MCU is moving forward. The team works well together, plenty of emotion. Yelena is my MVP.

Definitely a super fun movie. Definitely stick around after the credits . pic.twitter.com/2vPfvCfEAz

— B E A N Z The Gamer Dad(beanzgotgamez.bsky.social) (@BeanzGotGamez) April 22, 2025

#Thunderbolts is a potential MCU game-changer, feeling like the best team-up since Avengers. Pugh grounds it, Pullman's masterful, and Stan steals scenes. A bit rough, but a bold, refreshing swing that could land it among Marvel's best. pic.twitter.com/C2lKAeQ6QJ

— Juan (box office expert) (@clubfeige) April 22, 2025

Pleasantly surprised by #Thunderbolts*! Everyone on the team has a moment to shine in a film that has all the heart, emotion and action set pieces you've been missing from the MCU as of late.

Actual consequences for the films going forward too pic.twitter.com/9LbftGL2qc

— Cameron Howe (@CamzoOG) April 22, 2025

#Thunderbolts is raw, hilarious, and deeply human. It’s a bold dive into trauma, healing, and redemption. Proof that even the so-called defective losers and disposable delinquents can rise above their past and become the heroes no one expected. It’s gritty, emotional, and unlike… pic.twitter.com/HYq55TSqWC

— Big Gold Belt Media (@BigGoldBelt) April 22, 2025

Shocked how good THUNDERBOLTS* is. Putting emphasis on the character work and practical action makes this feel like the old Marvel that has us for a decade plus. Wish we'd gotten this sooner. Helps that this dysfunctional team has chemistry too.#Thunderbolts* #ThunderboltsMovie pic.twitter.com/LmXtiivKKV

— Brandon Norwood (@bjntweets) April 22, 2025

#Thunderbolts takes the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the world of independent cinema. It is unlike any product that came before. Florence Pugh gives a performance worthy of an Oscar. The MCU is finally back and better than ever! Stay till the end for something magnetic pic.twitter.com/wzTIbV05EL

— Wong Updates (@WongUpdates) April 22, 2025

#Thunderbolts* introduces a new era for Marvel, the most humane film filled with allowing their anti hero being flawed, broken and regretful. Sebastian Stan has an absolute scene stealing moment, yet Florence Pugh shows she is the true lead of the new generation and team. pic.twitter.com/laTDyRVCkr

— Mia Pflüger (@justmiaslife) April 22, 2025