David Awoyode
Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts will arrive on Disney+ in South Africa on 27 August, delivering an action-packed adventure about a team of unlikely heroes stepping into the global spotlight.
An Unlikely Team of Heroes
The film introduces the Thunderbolts — a ragtag group of disgraced operatives and antiheroes who unexpectedly become Earth’s newest defenders. According to IMDb, they are essentially the “new Avengers,” but with darker pasts and complex motives.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Buzz
Thunderbolts has already impressed audiences worldwide, earning an 88% Certified Fresh® rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised its seamless blend of high-energy action, humour, and emotional depth.
The High-Stakes Mission
The plot centres on the team’s attempt to stop Bob, a volatile super-soldier with unstable cosmic powers and a dangerous alter ego known as the Void, who threatens to plunge New York City into darkness.
Themes of Redemption and Unity
South African fans may connect with the film’s strong emphasis on redemption and teamwork. The Thunderbolts, once outcasts, must learn to trust each other to face a catastrophic threat.
Manipulation Behind the Scenes
Bucky Barnes returns to help uncover a bigger conspiracy led by the cunning de Fontaine — a manipulative figure secretly orchestrating events to control both Bob and the Thunderbolts.
Fast-Paced Action and Emotional Depth
Critics describe Thunderbolts as “one of the best Marvel movies of all time,” praising its mix of thrilling set pieces, witty exchanges, and heartfelt moments.
Exploring Mental Health Through Superheroes
Bob’s inner battle with the Void highlights themes of mental health and self-control, adding a layer of relatability and human struggle beneath the spectacle.
Taking Back Control
In a powerful turning point, Yelena Belova tells de Fontaine, “We own you now,” symbolising the team’s decision to reclaim their destiny.
A New Marvel Era for South Africa
With its blend of spectacle, emotion, and fresh characters, Thunderbolts offers South African fans a new set of heroes to cheer for — proving that strength often comes from standing together against the odds.
Charles Esther