'Thunderbolts*' Review: That Mysterious Asterisk Masks the Real Reason to Watch These Six Marvel Rejects

For Marvel fans, Thunderbolts* may well be remembered as the film that got the hobbling MCU franchise back on track although thats mostly just wishful thinking from the suckers whove been faithfully keeping up with every sequel, spinoff and TV series Marvel pumps into the oversaturated marketplace. They, like the super-successful comics studio, keep hoping to re-create the thrill of the Avengers movies. But those viewing hours are gone forever, and so too is the feeling that keeping up with Marvel was somehow vital to the larger cultural conversation. Read Variety's full 'Thunderbolts*' review for a deeper dive into the film's production woes and unexpected triumphs.

But Thunderbolts* isnt chasing past glory. Its doing something arguably far more interesting: embracing the weirdness, the flaws, and the downright *unpopularity* of its characters. Florence Pugh, as Yelena Belova, leads a motley crew of D-list antiheroes in a film that surprisingly balances self-deprecating comedy with explorations of mental health, relying on deep knowledge of obscure characters to make sense of the MCU going forward. The asterisk in the title, as explored in Decoding the Asterisk: Why 'Thunderbolts*' is More Than Just Another Marvel Movie, might be the studio's way of acknowledging the unconventional nature of this endeavor.

A Team Built on Scraps: Forget the Avengers, Meet the Thunderbolts

Let's be honest: nobody was clamoring for a Thunderbolts movie five years ago. Even dedicated comic book fans struggled to recall which iteration of the team was which. The premise itself villains pretending to be heroes, or anti-heroes trying (and often failing) to do good has always been inherently unstable, prone to internal conflict and double-crosses. This inherent instability is precisely what makes Thunderbolts* so compelling.

The team, as assembled by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus, relishing her role as a morally ambiguous power broker), is a glorious mess. We have Yelena Belova, still grappling with the loss of her sister Natasha and searching for purpose. Then there's the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, who continues his long road to redemption, burdened by the horrors of his past as a brainwashed assassin. Bucky's arc, arguably one of the most compelling in the MCU, finds a fresh, intriguing chapter within the confines of this ragtag team.

Rounding out the roster are Red Guardian (David Harbour, bringing the same boisterous energy from Black Widow), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko, still mostly silent but hinting at a deeper backstory), US Agent (Wyatt Russell, doubling down on the arrogant, insecure patriotism), and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen, finally given a chance to explore her character's motivations beyond simply being a villain-of-the-week). Each character carries baggage, each has a reason to distrust the others, and each is teetering on the edge of either heroism or villainy.

The Humor is Dark, the Stakes are Real

Thunderbolts* wisely doesnt attempt to replicate the grand, operatic scale of the Avengers films. Instead, it focuses on smaller, more personal stakes. The threat they face isnt universe-ending (at least not initially). It's more localized, more grounded in the realities of post-Blip Earth. This allows the film to explore themes of trauma, guilt, and the search for redemption in a more nuanced way than many of its predecessors.

The humor, too, is a refreshing change of pace. Its not the quippy, often groan-worthy banter that has become a hallmark of the MCU. Instead, its a darker, more self-deprecating humor that stems from the characters' own flaws and insecurities. They know they're not the Avengers. They know they're probably not even *good* people. But they're trying, in their own messed-up way, to do something right.

One of the film's strengths lies in its willingness to poke fun at the very idea of superhero teams. The characters constantly bicker, undermine each other, and question Valentina's motives. There's a palpable sense of distrust and unease that permeates every scene, making the alliances feel fragile and the potential for betrayal ever-present.

Mental Health and Marvel: A Surprisingly Effective Combination

Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of Thunderbolts* is its exploration of mental health. Each character is dealing with some form of trauma, whether its Buckys PTSD from his time as the Winter Soldier, Yelenas grief over Natashas death, or Ghosts struggles with her unstable molecular structure. The film doesnt shy away from depicting the emotional toll that these experiences have taken on them.

While some may find it jarring to see such serious themes addressed in a superhero film, Thunderbolts* manages to handle them with surprising sensitivity. The characters attend therapy sessions (sometimes grudgingly), support each other (however awkwardly), and acknowledge the importance of mental well-being. It's a far cry from the days when superheroes simply punched their problems away.

The film doesnt offer easy answers or pat solutions. The characters dont magically overcome their trauma by the end of the movie. But they do begin to confront their demons, to seek help, and to find a sense of belonging within this dysfunctional team. It's a message of hope and resilience that resonates long after the credits roll.

Is Knowledge Required? The Deep Cuts of the MCU

Thunderbolts* does make some demands on the audience. While its not impenetrable to newcomers, a familiarity with the events of previous MCU films and TV series is definitely helpful. The film assumes you know who Yelena Belova is, what the Winter Soldier has done, and why US Agent is such a jerk. It doesnt waste time re-explaining everything, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on your level of MCU expertise.

The film also dives deep into the comic book lore, referencing obscure characters and storylines that casual viewers may not be familiar with. This is where the "asterisk" might be telling: this isn't necessarily a film designed to broaden the MCU's appeal. It's more likely to reward those who have already invested significant time and energy into following the franchise.

For example, the film hints at the potential return of several long-forgotten villains, introduces new factions with murky motives, and establishes connections to storylines that have been dormant for years. This level of detail can be overwhelming at times, but it also adds a layer of richness and complexity that is often missing from more mainstream superhero films.

Box Office and Critical Reception: Early Buzz and Long-Term Prospects

Initial box office projections for Thunderbolts* are cautiously optimistic. The film is expected to perform well, but not necessarily break any records. Much will depend on word-of-mouth and how audiences react to the film's unusual tone and focus.

Critical reception has been mixed, but generally positive. Some critics have praised the film's humor, its character development, and its willingness to take risks. Others have criticized its convoluted plot, its reliance on deep MCU knowledge, and its uneven pacing. The film's Rotten Tomatoes score will likely fluctuate in the weeks following its release, as more reviews come in and audience reactions solidify.

Regardless of its immediate box office success or critical acclaim, Thunderbolts* has the potential to be a significant turning point for the MCU. It demonstrates that Marvel is willing to experiment, to embrace unconventional characters and storylines, and to take a more introspective approach to the superhero genre. It's a step in the right direction, even if it's a slightly stumbling one.

The Future of the Thunderbolts (and the MCU)

What does the future hold for the Thunderbolts? The ending of the film leaves the door open for sequels, spinoffs, and potential crossovers with other MCU properties. It's possible that the team could become a recurring fixture in the franchise, a sort of anti-Avengers that is always lurking in the shadows, ready to be called upon when the situation demands it.

More broadly, Thunderbolts* could signal a shift in the MCU's overall direction. After years of focusing on grand, cosmic threats, Marvel may be turning its attention to smaller, more character-driven stories. This could allow the franchise to explore more complex themes, to develop more nuanced characters, and to reconnect with audiences on a more emotional level.

Whether Thunderbolts* is a success or a failure remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: it's a film that is trying to do something different, to push the boundaries of the superhero genre, and to offer audiences something more than just another explosion-filled spectacle. And for that, it deserves to be commended.

Ultimately, the asterisk in Thunderbolts* might not just be a marketing gimmick. It could be a symbol of the film's own self-awareness, its acknowledgement that it's not perfect, that it's not trying to be the next Avengers. It's simply trying to be something different, something unique, something...*Thunderbolts*.