Rebuilding is the common theme of the two MCU movies released so far this year. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) expresses his desire to rebuild the Avengers team in Captain America: Brave New World. In the new movie Thunderbolts*, rebuilding begins on a more personal level within the individuals, a new, rough-around-the-edges, and a very reluctant new team of skilled warriors. However, as these former assassins and antiheroes are thrust together, they must put all selfishness aside and learn to work together for the greater good. This description sounds very similar to the first Avengers movie of the MCU. However, the filmmakers behind Thunderbolts* have decided to focus more on the personal struggles within most of the major players.
This attention to character development makes this story more impactful, emotional, and overall satisfying. Thunderbolts* might rehash some themes and tropes, but the way the filmmakers reworked these elements is what makes this movie so special. That is what most mythological stories do. They each bring a unique spin to common themes and plots.
The new team, The Thunderbolts, is not assembled so much, but a common circumstance throws it together. Most members work for C.I.A. director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), performing various covert black-ops, some of which are illegal. The trouble is Valentina now faces an inevitable impeachment, as some of her dirty work has been uncovered. In a desperate attempt to eliminate all evidence of such work, Valentina calls together Yelena Bolova (Florence Pugh), John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ava Starr/Ghost (and a mysterious, but timid young man named Bob (Lewis Pullman).
Valentina’s plan is not only to destroy any data, materials, or any information that implicates her in any of the accusations by the impeachment committee; she wants to eliminate the agents who carried out these operations. When it becomes crystal clear why everyone has been assembled, the group must use all of their wits, skills, and strength to escape. Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian and U.S. Representative Bucky Barnes eventually join them. Initially, their plan is to turn on Valentina and get her impeached. Still, a new, unexpected threat arises, forcing the team to don their hero capes.
I didn’t want to get into further detail because that would spoil the fun and the more emotional and heartfelt moments. Written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo and directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* is at its best when it emphasizes how these characters are all suffering from deep-seated trauma and are constantly struggling to overcome their issues. Each of these remarkable people can be good and capable of heroism. Still, they also have to work at rebuilding themselves in positive ways. Some of the best Marvel Comics stories are all about this journey. While this aspect sounds rather dark and heavy, Schreier and his writers manage to balance things out with great action, and often hilarious humor.
The humor in this movie works so tremendously that some audience members may laugh as they wipe tears of empathy away. Some of these characters might be carrying heavy personal baggage. Still, they also know how to make themselves and their audience laugh. It probably should come as no surprise, but David Harbour is an absolute lovable riot as Alexei/Red Guardian. Though he is the second oldest character (after Bucky), he is the sweet and optimistic heart of the Thunderbolts. He wants this team to work well and believes everyone has enough good in them to shine brightly. Harbour is a joy to watch as this character.
Though much more serious, introspective, and perhaps more jaded, Yelena Bolova proves to be the most sympathetic character of the group, and Florence Pugh realizes her in some truly wonderful ways. Another actor who is funny but also knows how to express repressed pain well is Wyatt Russell, who portrays John Walker/U.S. Agent. I was also blown away by Lewis Pullman, who portrays the mysterious, but seeming sweet and kind Bob. Comic fans probably will figure out who the character is, but I will let the movie reveal that to those who don’t know. He, too, shows incredible range in this movie, cementing the fact that I have much respect for the talents of this young actor.
As Bucky Barnes, Sebastian Stan has his character down pat, and has yet to wear out his welcome in an MCU film. As for Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), their characters were underdeveloped and underused. Most of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ roles have had her as a somewhat likable character. Still, her take on Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is beautifully hateable. She is so good as the charming but cold and conniving C.I.A. director. She is a hero’s total antithesis and, thus, the story’s chief villain.
So, the two MCU movies of 2025 so far have a common theme of rebuilding. The 2025 year is key to rebuilding the franchise in some remarkable ways. So far, this rebuilding year is off to a solid start. Let’s hope that the MCU version of The Fantastic Four will bring this rebuilding year to a wonderful close. Hopefully, they will stick the landing once The Fantastic Four: First Steps lands in theaters on July 25. Until then, I recommend watching Thunderbolts* on the biggest theater screen available near you. Don’t forget to stick around for the mid and after-credits scenes.