Thunderbolts* Wins Praise, Sets Up MCU Future

Marvel's Thunderbolts* introduces a team of antiheroes led by Yelena Belova, portrayed by Florence Pugh, exploring themes of trauma and redemption as they confront the formidable Sentry. The film has been praised for its darker tone and nuanced portrayal of damaged characters, with Pugh's performance and record-setting stunt drawing particular acclaim. Thunderbolts* has received a high Rotten Tomatoes score and strong box office performance, signaling renewed enthusiasm for the MCU. Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is further developed as a morally ambiguous force within the franchise. While the film sets up future MCU chapters, including a potential role for Yelena in Avengers: Doomsday, a direct sequel to Thunderbolts* has not been confirmed. The movie is seen as pivotal in the evolution of the MCU's Multiverse Saga.