WFNG REEL TALK: THUNDERBOLTS*

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This weekend we saw Marvel’s latest drop, Thunderbolts—a film that flips the script on the superhero genre. Directed by Jake Schreier, this ensemble piece brings together a crew of antiheroes: Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). They’re coerced into a mission by the manipulative Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), leading to unexpected alliances and confrontations.

The plot thickens with the introduction of Bob (Lewis Pullman), a seemingly unassuming character who transforms into the Sentry—a being of immense power and a dark alter ego known as the Void. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy themes like trauma, redemption, and the complexities of heroism. It’s a narrative that challenges the traditional black-and-white morality of the MCU, offering a more nuanced take on what it means to be a hero.

Critics are vibing with it too, giving it an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences are showing love with a 94% score. The box office numbers are solid, pulling in $162 million globally on opening weekend. 

So, if you’re into stories that blend action with introspection, Thunderbolts is a must-watch. Let’s chop it up—what did y’all think of the film’s take on redemption and the gray areas of heroism?

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