The Big Picture ‘Thunderbolts*’ Is Marvel’s Return to Form. Is It Too Late?
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May 2, 2025 Mallory Rubin, a superhero correspondent known for her insightful work on House of R, joins the discussion on Marvel's latest film, 'Thunderbolts.' They rave about standout performances by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan while exploring character dynamics and the film's potential to reinvigorate the MCU. The conversation delves into whether this revival comes too late, examining the emotional depth and trauma echoed in the narrative. Plus, they tease the possibilities of new characters potentially stepping in as the next Avengers.
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Thunderbolts' New Direction
- 'Thunderbolts' marks a tonal and stylistic shift in the MCU with director Jake Schreier's influence from indie and complex character-driven stories.
- The film emphasizes real locations and practical effects over CGI, lending a grounded and fresh feeling to the franchise.
Valentina’s Control and Ambition
- Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's role is pivotal as a manipulative director pulling strings behind the scenes.
- The vault scene where operatives are forced to kill each other introduces key characters and raises stakes sharply.
Sentry’s Dual Role Impact
- Introducing Sentry brings a complex duality of hero and villain in one character, adding thematic richness.
- His powers are immense but symbolic of the movie’s exploration of internal darkness and control.