The Best MCU Movie Since Endgame? Here’s Why You Should Really Watch Thunderbolts*

By Jocelyn Ng Xiao Qi

Thunderbolts* poster. Image Credits: Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios is back with their latest American superhero film — Thunderbolts*! Directed by Jake Schreier and starring amazing talents like Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Lewis Pullman, and Wyatt Russell, this new chapter in the MCU is buzzing as the best movie since Avengers: Endgame. But does it really live up to the hype?

If you’re Malaysian, you will love Thunderbolts* even more, as the opening scenes were actually filmed right here in Kuala Lumpur! Even in the official teaser, you can see Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) jumping off our one and only Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world. And guess what? Malaysia even gets mentioned a few times in the movie, marking a small but proud Marvel debut for us. 

So what makes Thunderbolts* such a standout? Well, if you’ve been feeling a bit disconnected from the MCU ever since the OG Avengers started fading out post-Endgame, this might be the movie that pulls you back in! It’s packed with fresh energy, high-octane adventure, unique twists, and just the right amount of emotional weight that keeps your eyes glued to the screen from the first second to the end. The lineup isn’t your typical group of shiny, noble heroes either — these are antiheroes with messy pasts and clashing personalities, but with enough heart to surprise you by the end. 

The movie also works on many levels, balancing fast-paced action, a great sense of humor, and solid character development. The chemistry between the characters feels real, even though they start out as enemies. The action is great throughout the film, not just thrown in for the sake of it, and everything moves at a pace that keeps you so hooked, you might not even realize it’s a two-hour-long movie.

Image Credits: Parents/Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 MARVEL

What really sets it apart is the emotional depth. These aren’t just heroes saving the day, but people working through trauma, guilt, and redemption, especially Yelena, who plays a big role in helping another character (you’ll know who) overcome their inner demons. It’s the character arcs that give this film real weight, and now I see why it’s being praised as the best movie since Avengers: Endgame.

If Endgame was the closing chapter for the Avengers we knew, Thunderbolts* might really be the beginning of a bold new era for the MCU. And yes, if you’re planning to watch it anytime soon, remember to stay for both the mid-credits and post-credits scenes. 

P.S. Is this the start of a new Avengerz team? We’ll leave that for you to find out.