Michał Stekla
Thunderbolts comes in with a bang!
Marvel can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Thunderbolts debuted 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 such as Eternals or The Marvels. In comparison, the new Captain America: Brave New World started weaker, with 138 million globally, which only enhances the "wow" effect of Thunderbolts' debut. It’s not a record-breaking figure, but for Marvel, after recent missteps — it’s a very good sign.
Critics and fans agree: Marvel hits the mark once again
What’s even more surprising? Thunderbolts not only performs excellently at the box office, but — well, it actually gets a lot of praise. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts 88% positive reviews from critics and an impressive 94% from audiences, which is rare even in the superhero world. It received a solid “A–” on CinemaScore, indicating that audiences left the cinema with smiles and the feeling that purchasing a 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 supposed to be a quirky 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 nervy energy to the mix. David Harbour as Red Guardian continues to charm with his “tattooed” style, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster finally gets more space to showcase her abilities.
Importantly — Thunderbolts doesn’t attempt to be just another CGI explosion nor does it force its way into multiverse absurdities. The film leans towards a more personal tone, grounded relationships, and subtle tensions between characters. Less noise, more character — and honestly? This is exactly the direction that many MCU fans have been calling for for a long time.
Less CGI, more character!
Thunderbolts looks surprisingly good — and not due to a ton of CGI. Shot with ARRI Alexa Mini LF cameras and anamorphic lenses, the film has a feature-length, cinematic look that many recent MCU titles have lacked. The colours are deep thanks to HDR, and the practical locations and effects give the scenes physicality and weight. Dolby Atmos works well in both quiet and intense moments, building tension without going overboard. CGI is present, but used with restraint — it serves the narrative rather than overwhelming it. Technically, this is Marvel's return to blockbuster form that we haven't seen in a long time.
And if, after the cinema screening, you’re already thinking about rewatching Thunderbolts on Disney+ and really want to appreciate this technical work — from HDR to sound mixing — then take a look at our Samsung TV review.
Is this the start of a Marvel comeback?
After a series of disappointments, Thunderbolts looks like a turning point. The studio has evidently realised that less is more — and that viewers are longing for films that focus on heroes rather than just occasional explosions. As Screen Daily writes, Thunderbolts could be “a sign of a return to better times for the MCU.” If future releases follow this trend, Marvel has the chance to once again be the leader of blockbusters — and not through nostalgia, but through quality.
