Michał Stekla
Thunderbolts is making a splash!
Marvel can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Thunderbolts hit the theaters this weekend with a global total of 162 million dollars, including 76 million in the United 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 launched weaker, with 138 million globally, which only amplifies the "wow" effect of Thunderbolts' debut. It's not a record-breaking achievement, but for Marvel after recent misfires — it's a very good sign.
Critics and fans agree: Marvel hits the mark again
What’s even more surprising? Thunderbolts not only makes great profits but — indeed — is actually quite liked. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts 88% positive reviews from critics and as much as 94% from audiences, which is a rarity even in the superhero world. It earned a solid “A–” on CinemaScore, meaning that audiences left the theater with a smile and a sense that it was worth the ticket price.
The biggest standout? Definitely Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova — a total scene-stealer. Her natural charisma, sharp humor, and emotional depth bring something fresh to a team that was intended to be a twisted version of the Avengers. But she’s not the only one shining — Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes surprises with 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 room to showcase her abilities.
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, grounded relationships, and subtle tensions between characters. Less noise, more character — and honestly? This is exactly the direction that many MCU fans have been demanding for a long time.
Less CGI, more character!
Thunderbolts looks surprisingly good — and not because of a ton of CGI. Shot with ARRI Alexa Mini LF cameras using anamorphic lenses, the film has a feature film, cinematic look that many recent MCU titles have lacked. The colors are deep thanks to HDR, and practical locations and effects give the scenes physicality and weight. Dolby Atmos works well in both quiet and intense moments, building tension without being excessive. 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 are already thinking about rewatching Thunderbolts on Disney+ and want to truly appreciate this technical work — from HDR to sound mixing — check out our review of Samsung TVs.
Is this the beginning of a Marvel comeback?
After a series of disappointments, Thunderbolts seems to be a turning point. The studio has apparently realized that less means more — and that audiences are longing for films that focus on heroes, not just explosions happening every few moments. 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.
