Michał Stekla
Thunderbolts makes a big splash!
Marvel can finally breathe easy. Thunderbolts launched in cinemas this weekend with a global total of 162 million dollars, including 76 million in the States alone. This is significantly better than the openings of titles like Eternals or The Marvels. By comparison — the new Captain America: Brave New World started off weaker, with 138 million globally, which only adds to the "wow" effect of Thunderbolts' debut. It's not an all-time record, but for Marvel, after recent missteps — this is a very good sign.
Critics and fans agree: Marvel hits the mark again
What is even more surprising? Thunderbolts not only makes great money, but — well — it's actually really enjoyable. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts 88% positive reviews from critics and an impressive 94% from audiences, which is a rarity even in the superhero world. It received a solid "A–" on CinemaScore, meaning that audiences left the cinema smiling and feeling the ticket was worth it.
The biggest standout? Definitely Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova — a total scene-stealer. Her natural charisma, sharp wit, and emotional depth bring something fresh to a team that was meant to be a twisted version of the Avengers. But she’s not the only one shining — Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes surprises with his calmness and reflection, while Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent adds a nervous energy to the mix. David Harbour as Red Guardian continues to disarm with his “tattooed” style, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster finally gets more space to show what she can do.
Importantly — Thunderbolts doesn’t try to be another CGI bomb nor does it force itself into multiverse absurdities. The film opts for a more personal tone, down-to-earth relationships, and subtle tensions between characters. Less noise, more character — and honestly? This is exactly the direction many MCU fans have been craving for a long time.
Less CGI, more character!
Thunderbolts looks surprisingly good — and not because of a tonne of CGI. Shot with ARRI Alexa Mini LF cameras and anamorphic lenses, the film has a feature film, cinematic look that's been missing from many recent MCU titles. The colours are deep thanks to HDR, and practical locations and effects give the scenes physicality and weight. Dolby Atmos works well in quiet and intense moments, building tension without being excessive. CGI is present, but used judiciously — it serves the narrative rather than overwhelming it. Technically, it's Marvel’s return to blockbuster form that we haven’t seen in a long time.
And if after the cinema you’re already thinking about a rewatch of Thunderbolts on Disney+ and want to truly appreciate this technical work — from HDR to sound mixing — then check out our review of Samsung televisions.
Is this the start of a Marvel comeback?
After a series of disappointments, Thunderbolts looks like a turning point. The studio has apparently realised that less is more — and that audiences are longing for films that focus on heroes, rather than just the recurring explosions. As Screen Daily writes, Thunderbolts could be “a sign of a return to better times for the MCU.” If upcoming releases follow this trend, Marvel has a chance to be a blockbuster leader again — and not through nostalgia, but through quality.
