Thunderbolts from Marvel Studios is now available on digital devices and will soon be available on Disney+. The movie's box office results may not have broken any records, but I'm here to tell you that it's a lot more than those numbers show. It's an important part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's future and a surprisingly in-depth look at its characters. If you didn't see Thunderbolts in cinemas, now is the best time to watch it.

After Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has definitely had some problems. A lot of people have felt disconnected and are waiting for a project to really spark their interest again. I think Thunderbolts is that project. It uses a novel, character-driven method that feels both familiar and new. This isn't simply another superhero movie; it's a story with heart about a bunch of outcasts who discover meaning in unexpected ways.

Why MCU Fans Should Watch Thunderbolts

This movie is an important part of the Multiverse Saga.

One of the best reasons to watch Thunderbolts is that it has a direct effect on the bigger MCU story. It is the last movie in Phase 5 and sets up a lot of things for the end of the Multiverse Saga, especially Avengers: Doomsday. Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova leads a new team of antiheroes in the movie. This team is basically Marvel's equivalent of the Suicide Squad. This crew isn't just a random bunch; it includes Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell). By the end of the movie, they are known as "The New Avengers," which shows how important they are to the franchise's future.

The movie doesn't avoid looking into how complicated these people are. For example, Yelena struggles with feeling bored and looking for meaning in her life, which is a subject that runs through the whole squad. David Harbour said that the movie looks at the complicated relationship between Yelena and Red Guardian and how she needs someone to help her feel whole. Thunderbolts is different since it focuses on personal problems, like despair. Marvel is back on track with a surprisingly lyrical and character-driven story that shows that even a group of "less-savory" characters can bring out emotions.

Thunderbolts Delivers on Characters and Emotions

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The movie talks about mental health in a nuanced way.

I really liked how Thunderbolts dealt with the characters' inner struggles. It's not only about the great clashes; it's about the battles these people have inside themselves. The movie looks at how community and connection might help people who are having mental health problems. The MCU hasn't always been so straightforward about this. Thunderbolts is different from previous Movies that talk about PTSD or loss since it makes mental health the major subject and doesn't make it a sad experience.

The relationship between Yelena and her adoptive father, Red Guardian, is especially moving since it adds depth to an already strong bond. John Walker, the U.S. Agent played by Wyatt Russell, also has his time in the spotlight, which shows how hard it is for him to deal with how people see him. The script of the movie is good because it can blend serious subjects with humor and action. It feels good, like smiling when you need to cry, because it makes the hard things easier to understand and more important.

When and how to watch Thunderbolts at home

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The digital version has a lot of extras.

If you missed Thunderbolts in theaters, the good news is that it's now easy to find. On July 1, 2025, the movie came out on digital platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home. You can rent it for $24.99 or buy it for $29.99. The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions came out on July 29, 2025, if you want physical media.

I'm really enthusiastic about all the extra features that come with these home releases. You can look forward to deleted scenes, a joke reel, and behind-the-scenes featurettes like "Assembling a Team to Remember," which explains how the cast and crew put this one-of-a-kind team together. "Around the World and Back Again" shows off the production design and Florence Pugh's stunts in Kuala Lumpur, while "All About Bob, Sentry & The Void" goes into Lewis Pullman's three roles. Jake Schreier, the director, also gives audio commentary, which adds further depth to the film.

When will Thunderbolts be available to stream on Disney+?

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The movie should be out on Disney+ in mid-August.

We can't say for sure when Disney+ will start streaming, but we can make an educated prediction based on how Marvel usually releases things. Disney usually gives movies 100 days between when they come out in theaters and when they start streaming. Thunderbolts came out in cinemas on May 2, 2025, thus it's very likely that it will be available on Disney+ in mid-August 2025. Disney usually releases new movies on the platform on Wednesdays, so August 6 or August 13 are possible possibilities.

This August release schedule also fits with Marvel's broader plan for content. It would put Thunderbolts after the Ironheart series and right before or around the period of Eyes of Wakanda, which would help fill in holes in the story. Marvel clearly wants fans to have a chance to see this crucial movie before the next blockbuster movie comes out in theaters, like The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

In the end, Thunderbolts may not have done well in theaters, but its digital and Disney+ releases are a great way to see a really important MCU movie. This story is unexpectedly emotional and focused on the characters. It lays the groundwork for the Avengers' future. If you're a Marvel fan who wants something deeper and more exciting, don't miss this one.

Questions and Answers

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When did Thunderbolts come out on digital?

On July 1, 2025, Thunderbolts came out on digital platforms such Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

What extra features come with the digital version of Thunderbolts?

The digital version has deleted sequences, a joke reel, behind-the-scenes featurettes including "Assembling a Team to Remember" and "Around the World and Back Again," and audio commentary from the director.

Is Thunderbolts a big deal for the MCU's future?

Yes, Thunderbolts is very important for the future of the MCU. It wraps out Phase 5, introduces the "New Avengers" squad, and sets the stage for future movies like Avengers: Doomsday.

Who are the most important people on the Thunderbolts team?

Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), and Sentry (Lewis Pullman) are all members of the core squad.

What was the point of the asterisk in Thunderbolts' title?

The asterisk in Thunderbolts means that the team's name will change to "The New Avengers" at the end of the movie.