Will Thunderbolts Be Marvel’s Funniest Film Yet?

Alright, Marvel fans, let’s talk Thunderbolts! This team of reformed (and maybe not-so-reformed) baddies is hitting the big screen in 2025, and the buzz is already building. But one question keeps popping up: Could this be Marvel’s funniest outing to date? With a cast of characters who are, shall we say, morally flexible, and a premise ripe for dark humor, the potential is definitely there. Get ready for some speculation, some wishful thinking, and maybe even a few well-placed memes.

Thunderbolts: The Dark Horse of the MCU Comedy Scene

Marvel has certainly dabbled in comedy before. *Guardians of the Galaxy* practically redefined the superhero movie as a laugh riot, and *Thor: Ragnarok* let Taika Waititi work his comedic magic. But *Thunderbolts* feels different. It’s not the brightly colored, space-opera-esque humor of the Guardians, nor the fish-out-of-water silliness of Thor dealing with Earth. *Thunderbolts* has the potential for a darker, more cynical brand of comedy, born from characters who aren’t inherently heroic and are often making questionable choices.

Think of it like this: *Guardians* is like a stand-up routine, while *Thunderbolts* could be more like a darkly comedic HBO show. The humor stems from the inherent absurdity of putting these characters together, their clashing personalities, and the sheer chaos they’re likely to unleash. It’s the kind of comedy that makes you laugh, but also makes you slightly uncomfortable, because you’re laughing at people who are, you know, technically villains (or at least, *were* villains).

Why Thunderbolts Might Be Hilariously Unhinged

The key to *Thunderbolts*’ comedic potential lies in its cast. We’re talking about characters like Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier), Yelena Belova (Black Widow’s sister), US Agent, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, and Ghost. Each one has their own baggage, their own unique skills (or lack thereof), and their own questionable motivations. This combination is a recipe for comedic gold, or at least a very entertaining trainwreck.

Imagine the team dynamics. You’ve got Bucky, trying to be a stoic, reformed assassin, constantly exasperated by Red Guardian’s over-the-top patriotism and rambling stories about fighting Captain America. Then you have Yelena, always ready with a sarcastic quip and a perfectly timed eye roll. US Agent, with his “try-hard” attitude and overzealous dedication to duty, is just begging to be the butt of everyone’s jokes. And Ghost’s phasing abilities could lead to some truly slapstick moments, accidentally bumping into things and causing general mayhem. It’s a dysfunctional family, and we’re here for it.

Examining the Funniest Characters in the Thunderbolts Lineup

Let’s dive into some of the individuals who could really crank up the comedic factor: First, there’s Red Guardian. David Harbour’s portrayal of this character in *Black Widow* was pure comedic genius. His exaggerated stories, his awkward attempts to bond with his “daughters,” and his general cluelessness were consistently hilarious. Hopefully, *Thunderbolts* will give him plenty more opportunities to shine. Picture him constantly trying to prove he’s just as strong as Captain America, leading to increasingly ridiculous displays of strength (or lack thereof).

Then, there’s Yelena Belova. Florence Pugh has a natural comedic talent, and her deadpan delivery and sarcastic wit are perfectly suited for the MCU. She’s not afraid to call people out on their BS, and she’s always ready with a sharp retort. Imagine her constantly making fun of US Agent’s overly patriotic speeches, or teasing Bucky about his long hair and brooding personality. Her dynamic with the other characters is bound to generate plenty of laughs.

Potential Comedy Gold

Consider the potential for comedy with a Red Guardian and US Agent pairing. Both have a strong sense of patriotism, but in completely different ways. Red Guardian’s is more nostalgic and boastful, while US Agent’s is more aggressive and by-the-book. This clash of personalities could lead to some hilarious arguments and misunderstandings. Imagine them competing to see who’s the “better” Captain America successor, resulting in a series of increasingly absurd challenges.

Could Thunderbolts Surpass Guardians of the Galaxy in Comedy?

While *Guardians of the Galaxy* set a high bar for MCU comedy, *Thunderbolts* has the potential to surpass it, not by being *funnier* in the same way, but by offering a different style of humor. *Guardians* is broad and accessible, with plenty of slapstick and witty banter. *Thunderbolts* could be more subtle, more character-driven, and more darkly comedic. It’s the difference between a sitcom and a mockumentary.

The success of the comedy will heavily rely on the writing and directing. If the filmmakers can lean into the inherent absurdity of the premise and the flawed nature of the characters, *Thunderbolts* could be a truly unique and hilarious addition to the MCU. It’s not about making these characters likable; it’s about making them relatable, even in their awfulness. After all, haven’t we all had moments where we’ve made questionable choices, said the wrong thing, or just generally embarrassed ourselves? *Thunderbolts* could be a reflection of those moments, amplified to superheroic proportions.

Thunderbolts Movie’s Humor Compared to Other MCU Films

Think about the difference between the humor in *Ant-Man* and the humor in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*. *Ant-Man* is lighthearted and family-friendly, while *Doctor Strange* has a more surreal and occasionally unsettling tone. *Thunderbolts* could fall somewhere in between, with moments of genuine levity punctuated by moments of dark humor and genuine tension. It’s about finding the right balance.

The film’s tone will also depend on the story it’s telling. If *Thunderbolts* is a straight-up action movie with a few jokes thrown in, it might not live up to its comedic potential. But if the story actively explores the characters’ flaws and challenges their moral compass, the humor will naturally arise from the situations they find themselves in. The key is to make the comedy feel organic and character-driven, not forced or shoehorned in.

Will the Thunderbolts’ Villainous History Make Them Funnier?

Absolutely! The fact that these characters have a history of villainy is a major part of what makes them so interesting and potentially hilarious. They’re not your typical do-gooders. They’ve made mistakes, they’ve hurt people, and they’re trying to atone for their past sins (or at least, trying to convince themselves that they are). This baggage creates a lot of room for comedic tension and awkward situations.

Imagine a scene where the Thunderbolts are trying to stop a bank robbery, but they keep accidentally triggering their old villainous instincts. Yelena might start improvising deadly takedowns without realizing it, US Agent might get a little too enthusiastic with his methods, and Ghost might accidentally phase through the walls, causing even more chaos. It’s about playing with the audience’s expectations and subverting the tropes of the superhero genre.

The Future of MCU Comedy: Thunderbolts Leading the Charge?

The MCU is constantly evolving, and comedy is becoming an increasingly important part of its formula. *Thunderbolts* has the potential to be a game-changer, proving that superhero movies can be both thrilling and hilarious, even when the heroes are morally ambiguous and deeply flawed. It’s a chance to explore the darker side of the superhero world, while still delivering the laughs that audiences have come to expect from Marvel.

Whether *Thunderbolts* becomes the funniest Marvel movie ever remains to be seen. But with its unique cast, its potentially dark sense of humor, and its willingness to challenge the status quo, it certainly has the potential to be something special. So, buckle up, Marvel fans, and get ready for a wild ride. The Thunderbolts are coming, and they’re bringing the laughs (and maybe a few explosions) with them.

FAQ

Will the Thunderbolts movie be kid-friendly, or will it be more mature?

It’s likely that *Thunderbolts* will aim for a PG-13 rating, similar to most MCU films. While it will likely have darker themes and potentially more mature humor than some of the more family-friendly Marvel movies, it’s unlikely to be overly graphic or violent. Think of it as a more edgy version of *Guardians of the Galaxy*, with a focus on character-driven humor rather than excessive action.

Are there any comic book storylines that the Thunderbolts movie might adapt?

The *Thunderbolts* comic series has had many different iterations and storylines over the years. The movie could potentially draw inspiration from the original Thunderbolts team, which was initially comprised of villains posing as heroes. It could also adapt elements from later storylines that explore the moral complexities of a team of reformed (or unreformed) villains working for the government. However, given Marvel’s tendency to remix and adapt storylines, it’s likely that the movie will create its own unique narrative.

Why are people so excited about the potential for comedy in the Thunderbolts movie?

The excitement stems from the unique premise of the *Thunderbolts*. Unlike the Avengers, who are generally considered to be “good guys,” the Thunderbolts are a team of anti-heroes with questionable pasts and motives. This dynamic creates a lot of potential for dark humor, sarcastic banter, and awkward situations. The contrast between their villainous histories and their attempts to be heroes is ripe for comedic exploration, and fans are eager to see how Marvel handles this unique blend of action and comedy.