‘Thunderbolts’ First Reactions Hail Florence Pugh and Marvel’s Darkest Film Yet

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Apr 24

Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts” has finally made its debut to select press ahead of its May 2 theatrical release, and if the early buzz is anything to go by, the studio may have struck gold with one of its boldest, darkest entries to date. At the center of the praise? Florence Pugh, whose performance as Yelena Belova is being hailed as the film’s emotional anchor and one of the most compelling turns the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen in years.

Critics describe “Thunderbolts” as a gritty, emotionally bruising anti-hero epic that breaks from Marvel’s traditional formula. The movie digs deep into themes of trauma, redemption, and moral ambiguity, uniting a team of misfits and morally gray figures into a reluctant alliance. According to Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture, the film is “some of Marvel’s darkest material to date” and delivers an emotional punch that sets it apart. He singled out Pugh’s performance as carrying “much of the dramatic weight” of the film, noting she rises to the occasion with nuance and gravitas.

Lewis Pullman also draws attention for his portrayal of Sentry, a tortured figure wrestling with his own destructive powers. Critics have highlighted his layered performance as one of the film’s most poignant surprises. Together with Pugh, the duo brings real emotional stakes to a film that could’ve leaned purely on spectacle.

The film’s supporting ensemble includes Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), David Harbour(Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), and Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster). While the MCU has often thrived on star power and banter, early reactions suggest this is a film more interested in character complexity and grounded emotional arcs than easy laughs or explosive set pieces—though there’s plenty of action too. The chemistry between the team, despite their rough edges and ideological differences, has been praised for feeling authentic and earned.

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Film critic Emily Murray echoed that sentiment, calling “Thunderbolts” “one of the best MCU movies in a long time.” She highlighted the “spark, charisma, and genuinely emotional story” that made it more than just another team-up movie. “A tear was shed,” she admitted, reaffirming that Pugh “just walks away with it.”

What may be most exciting for longtime fans is that “Thunderbolts” doesn’t feel like business as usual. Director Jake Schreier (known for “Paper Towns”) appears to have brought a distinctly indie sensibility to the project, aided by a script from Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo—with both writers bringing experience from acclaimed, character-focused projects. Schreier’s influence was teased even before the trailer debuted, with Marvel emphasizing the film’s “A24-like” creative team. It’s clear that Kevin Feige and company are consciously steering the MCU in a more mature, emotionally driven direction—and this may be the first real test of that vision.

The film’s trailer, which played in theaters in March, leaned heavily on gritty visuals, psychological tension, and interpersonal conflict, rather than the humor or lighthearted spectacle that typically defines MCU fare. And it seems the final product holds true to that promise.

Coming off the critical disappointment of “Captain America: Brave New World,” Marvel needs a win. “Thunderbolts” might just be that reset button. If this unconventional team of broken anti-heroes can resonate with audiences, it could signal a new era for the franchise—one that values emotional depth over punchlines, and character arcs over cosmic stakes.

With a stacked cast, complex moral storytelling, and a surprisingly intimate focus, “Thunderbolts” is being positioned as not only a compelling MCU chapter but also a testament to how superhero cinema can evolve. Whether it reaches the box office heights of earlier Marvel entries remains to be seen—but for now, the first wave of reactions has set the stage for something special.