Early reactions to Marvel’s Thunderbolts are flooding in, with test audiences and insiders hailing it as one of the studio’s best films in years. Leaked reports highlight its intense action sequences, compelling character dynamics, and a tone reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The movie, set to release globally on May 2, 2025, could mark a turning point for the MCU after a string of underperforming projects.
Test Screenings Spark Excitement
Industry insiders and early viewers are raving about Thunderbolts, with some calling it Marvel’s strongest entry since Avengers: Endgame. Test screenings reportedly earned some of the highest scores in Phase 5, with audiences praising its gritty action and emotional depth. One viewer described it as “a beast of a film,” while another compared its team dynamics to Guardians of the Galaxy .
Chad Ryan, a trusted industry insider, tweeted last year that early screenings were “very positive,” noting similarities to The Winter Soldier in tone and action. Reshoots wrapped last month, and updated screenings have only strengthened the buzz .
A Fresh Take on Marvel’s Formula
Unlike recent MCU films, Thunderbolts leans into practical effects and darker storytelling. Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes, revealed that many stunts were done without heavy CGI:
“When you’re watching a truck blow up, it’s a truck blown up. It’s not CGI. Marvel really wanted this to have its own vibe.”
The film brings together Marvel’s antiheroes—Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and others—under Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Stan likened the group’s chemistry to The Breakfast Club, emphasizing their dysfunctional yet engaging dynamic .
High Stakes for Marvel Studios
After Captain America: Brave New World underperformed and The Marvels flopped, Thunderbolts carries heavy expectations. Leaks suggest it could reverse Marvel’s recent slump, with test audiences predicting a 90%+ score on Rotten Tomatoes .
The movie’s runtime—2 hours and 20 minutes—places it among Marvel’s longest, hinting at a packed narrative. Its success could also set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday, where the Thunderbolts are expected to return .
What’s Next for the MCU
With Thunderbolts positioned as a critical comeback, Marvel is banking on its unconventional team to reignite fan enthusiasm. Early reactions suggest it might just deliver.
