Overview of Thunderbolts and Its Impact
The latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thunderbolts, was released in the United States on May 2, and it received widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. Despite being a financial underperformer at the box office, the film’s quality and fan reception have not been affected. In fact, it holds an impressive 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing its positive impact. For those who missed it in theaters or want to revisit the movie, Thunderbolts is now available for streaming on Disney+ with up to 4K image quality.
Although Thunderbolts only grossed $382 million at the box office, making it one of the least profitable MCU films, it became the most-streamed movie in the United States and the third most-streamed globally within just one day, according to FlixPatrol. The film follows a group of outcast superpowered characters who team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and ultimately save the world from Bob’s dangerous alter ego, The Void. The movie’s appeal lies in its familiar characters, who had previously appeared in other MCU projects, and the surprising chemistry among the cast, which exceeded expectations.
How to Watch Thunderbolts on Disney+
Subscribers to Disney+ can stream Thunderbolts for free on any device. To access the service, users can create an account through the Disney+ website or app. For U.S. viewers, the standard subscription costs $11.99 per month, while the Premium plan, which includes ad-free viewing, is priced at $18.99 per month. Disney+ subscribers can enjoy Thunderbolts in Ultra HD quality.
One limitation of the streaming platform is that Thunderbolts is not available in IMAX Enhanced. Since 2021, Disney has announced that many of their titles would be released in this format, which offers a larger aspect ratio and enhanced visual experience. While several popular MCU films like Fantastic Four: First Steps, Thor: Ragnarok, and Avengers: Infinity War are available in IMAX Enhanced, Thunderbolts is not yet part of this selection.
On August 27, when Thunderbolts was released on Disney+, fans were surprised by the absence of the IMAX Enhanced format. The official Disney+ Help X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed that the movie was not available in this format yet but encouraged fans to keep an eye on future updates. There is still hope that Thunderbolts may eventually be available in IMAX Enhanced, offering fans the best possible visual experience.
Other Options to Watch Thunderbolts Online
Fans who prefer digital downloads can rent Thunderbolts for $5.99 on platforms such as Amazon, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. These services also offer the option to purchase the movie for $9.99. Regardless of the platform, the movie is available in UDH, HD, and SD formats, with no variation in pricing. These downloads include bonus content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, an explanation of the title, and a humorous scene featuring the cast in a support group setting.
Physical Media Availability
For fans who prefer physical copies, Thunderbolts is available on Blu-Ray and DVD through various retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. On Amazon, the DVD version is priced at $19.96, the Blu-ray at $23.05, and the 4K version at $49.21. All physical versions come with a digital download, allowing buyers to enjoy the movie in both physical and digital formats.
Some editions of the DVD and Blu-ray include additional content, such as deep dives into the characters of Bob, the Thunderbolts, and the film’s creation. Deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a director’s audio commentary are also included, though these extras vary depending on the format and version purchased.
Is Thunderbolts a Good Movie?
Thunderbolts is widely regarded as one of the best recent releases in the MCU, making it a must-watch for superhero fans. While the characters are connected to other MCU projects, prior knowledge is not necessary to fully enjoy the film. The story begins with Yelena Belova, Taskmaster, U.S. Agent, and Ghost entering an O.X.E. facility to kill each other under the orders of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. They soon realize it’s a trap, and after U.S. Agent kills Taskmaster, they work together to escape the facility.
Inside the facility, where Valentina conducted human experiments, they discover Bob, who becomes the central character of the film. As the group tries to contain his power, Bucky and Alexei join them. None of their previous adventures are essential to appreciate the film’s charm or understand the plot.
The standout feature of Thunderbolts is its exceptional character development. The film takes time to explore the emotional backgrounds of its morally complex characters, making it easy for the audience to empathize with the heroes. Bob, in particular, is one of the most intriguing characters introduced in the MCU. He has two alter-egos: Sentry, a powerful being with delusions of superiority, and the Void, a shadow-like entity that destroys everything in its path. The Thunderbolts must connect with Bob to help him overcome his dual identities, creating a deeply human and compassionate storyline.
Another strength of Thunderbolts is the portrayal of its antagonists. Unlike typical two-dimensional villains, the film presents more grounded and relatable characters. Valentina, the true antagonist, is a normal person without superpowers or global destruction ambitions. She is a government figure with the means to manipulate society and a desire for power, making her a realistic and compelling villain.
Exceptional Cast and Performances
The success of Thunderbolts is largely due to its outstanding cast. Many of the actors had already established themselves in the MCU, but they bring new energy and depth to their roles in this film. Florence Pugh, known for her role as Yelena Belova in Black Widow and Hawkeye, shines in Thunderbolts. Her performance captures Yelena’s loneliness, moral complexity, and humor, making her a three-dimensional character that is both flawed and lovable.
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Bucky remains one of the most iconic in recent pop culture, thanks to his ability to maintain charm even in brooding moments. Wyatt Russell and David Harbour deliver hilarious performances as U.S. Agent and Alexei Shostakov, avoiding caricature while adding depth to their characters.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings a unique energy to her role as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Known for her work on Seinfeld and Veep, she adds a sinister edge to her performance, creating a character that is both funny and twisted. Despite being irredeemable, Valentina’s charm and command make her a captivating presence on screen.
Lewis Pullman serves as the emotional core of Thunderbolts, delivering a remarkable performance as Bob. He portrays three distinct characters—Bob, Sentry, and the Void—each with unique traits and personalities. His ability to transition between these roles showcases his versatility and contributes significantly to the film’s success.
