• First fan and critic reactions are pouring in for Thunderbolts* 
  • Florence Pugh as Black Widow is receiving high-praise 
  • It’s being called the best MCU movie in a long while 
The cast of Thunderbolts*
The cast of Thunderbolts* Credit: Imago

Marvel’s Thunderbolts* has had its press screening, and the first reviews are rolling in.

Early reactions from fans and critics are praising it as one of the best MCU movies in recent years.

In her first time headlining an MCU feature, Oscar-nominee Florence Pugh is receiving glowing mentions for her portrayal as Yelena Belova aka Black Widow.

Read more: Who is The Sentry in Thunderbolts*

The film follows the group of antiheroes who are forced to unite and work together on a mission after being caught in a deadly trap.

Read more: What Sue Storm pregnancy could mean for the MCU

In addition to Pugh, the cast includes Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more.

Following the commercial and critical disappointment of Captain America: Brave New World in February, the positive buzz around the new film will be welcome news for fans.

“Shocked how good THUNDERBOLTS* is”

Film critic Brandon Norwood said they were “Shocked how good THUNDERBOLTS* is” , adding “Wish we’d gotten this sooner. Helps that this dysfunctional team has chemistry, too.”

Amon Warmann called the film “a visually daring, emotionally resonant superhero film that pushes mental health to the forefront.” 

He added that Pugh “brings the heart” to the film while Harbour “is consistently funny” and noted that Pullman “might be the stealth MVP.”

Matt Neglia, the editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, wrote on X that it was “different from other MCU films” and has “some of Marvel’s darkest material to date”. He added that “This may be a team-up film, but it very much belongs to Florence Pugh”.

“Florence Pugh brings Yelena Belova to another level”

Film writer Mia Pflüger heaped praise on Pugh’s performance, writing on X, “Florence Pugh brings Yelena Belova to another level in #Thunderbolts*. She brings her another layer of vulnerability, strength and also imperfection. On top a perfect dramatic exchange between her and Alexei. The future of the new superhero generation is in good hands with her”.

Emily Murray called the Marvel blockbuster “easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time” and also singled out Pugh as a standout, adding “Has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed. Florence Pugh in particular superb, just walks away with it.”

The Hollywood Handle summed it up, calling the film “bold, funny, filled with great action, and an unexpected emotional punch” – and, unsurprisingly, it came with the familiar praise for Pugh, adding, “Florence Pugh is the star that shines the brightest.”

Thunderbolts* opens in theaters on 2 May. You can watch the final trailer below: