Photo credit: movieweb.com
Excitement Builds for Thunderbolts* as Promotion Intensifies
With the release of Thunderbolts* just weeks away, promotional efforts for the film are gaining momentum. Following the launch of ticket sales, new promotional videos have emerged designed to stir excitement among potential audiences. The latest featurette prominently features Florence Pugh, portraying Yelena Belova, showcasing her involvement in a practical stunt from the film’s opening sequence, which is certain to elevate viewers’ anticipation.
In the behind-the-scenes video, director Jake Schreier discusses his vision for an exhilarating opening, filmed at one of the world’s tallest structures, the Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The production team orchestrated a specialized rig to ensure Pugh’s safety while performing the stunt. Notably, the video reveals that while the Disney health and safety team had reservations about the stunt, Pugh’s enthusiastic advocacy played a crucial role in its implementation.
The Practical Stunts of Thunderbolts* Could Address Recent MCU Criticisms
Pugh’s return to action is informed by her prior experience in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with her debut in 2021’s Black Widow. In Thunderbolts*, audiences can expect an array of practical action stunts, especially as Pugh teams up with characters like Bucky Barnes, John Walker, and Red Guardian, each possessing distinct but complementary skills. Early marketing suggests this ensemble film aims to differentiate itself from previous MCU offerings.
While the film’s central antagonist, Sentry, portrayed by Lewis Pullman, is expected to feature more elaborate CGI-driven sequences, the emphasis on practical effects seen in the promotional material potentially serves to address criticisms aimed at recent MCU projects such as The Marvels and Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania. These films faced backlash for their overreliance on visual effects, leading to less convincing action. Thunderbolts* appears to take a deliberate step back, focusing on real-world stunts enhanced by CGI rather than vice versa.
The promotional footage also features a dramatic on-screen explosion, executed practically. Schreier’s enthusiasm for launching filming with such a dynamic scene adds to the buzz surrounding the film. Coupled with its unique trailers, Thunderbolts* is positioning itself as an exciting addition to the MCU, especially with the anticipation surrounding future titles like Avengers: Doomsday.
As Thunderbolts* prepares for its release, initial projections indicate that its opening weekend might not match the box office success of prior MCU films. However, early test screenings have received favorable feedback, suggesting the film has the potential to engage viewers and possibly rejuvenate enthusiasm for the superhero genre in a challenging marketplace.
Source: YouTube
Release Date
May 2, 2025
Runtime
126 Minutes
Writers
Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
Franchise(s)
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Source
movieweb.com