Thunderbolts* Smashes 17-Year MCU Record With Unexpected Strong Violence Rating!

The upcoming film titled “Thunderbolts” marks the next instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and interestingly, it’s breaking a pattern that has persisted since the release of “Iron Man” back in 2008. I’m eagerly awaiting “Thunderbolts”, as it’s a team-up movie that arrives at a crucial moment for Marvel, given the rather isolated nature of their characters following the Multiverse Saga. The upcoming 2025 Marvel film is particularly intriguing because the cast of “Thunderbolts” comprises both fresh faces and actors who have already been involved in one or more MCU projects.

Initial responses to the new Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Thunderbolts*, are out, and they suggest that this movie will stand out among all other MCU films. This distinctiveness appears to stem from Thunderbolts*’ emphasis on realistic action sequences and the significant role mental health plays in its narrative. One aspect of the team’s concept that particularly appeals to me is how it comprises anti-heroes, each with their own past traumas. Interestingly, it has been confirmed that Thunderbolts* breaks a 17-year MCU tradition, indicating just how captivating this film promises to be.

Thunderbolts* Breaks A Special MCU Record

The Franchise Has Started To Explore More Mature Projects

Over the last several years, Marvel Studios has begun exploring more adult themes in their films and series. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) initially ventured into R-rated territory with “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” shattering records as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever made, earning over $1.3 billion (according to Box Office Mojo). Similarly, TV series like “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Echo” carried a TV-MA rating, enabling a more mature tone in the MCU’s television productions. Although “Thunderbolts” is not R-rated, it has broken an MCU record that shares a similar feel.

According to The Direct, the Classifications and Ratings Administration (CARA) has given the film “Thunderbolts*” a PG-13 rating with a special warning, stating that it contains “strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references.” Remarkably, this is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie to receive such a designation for “strong violence,” as this label is typically assigned to R-rated films like Marvel’s “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.” Since the inception of the MCU in 2008, no other PG-13 MCU film has carried this warning.

Why Thunderbolts* Breaking The Record Makes Sense

The New Marvel Team Needs To Have A Violent Project

To put it simply, I was a tad disheartened to learn that Thunderbolts won’t receive an R rating. Given their unique nature, they appear to be better suited for a grittier tone. Unlike the Avengers, who are essentially classic superheroes, the Thunderbolts consist of anti-heroes with significant baggage and a long list of questionable actions. Consequently, it’s reasonable to expect a film like Thunderbolts to delve into darker themes and feature a good deal of violence. Though it won’t be rated R, the fact that it’s set to break the 17-year MCU record leaves me even more intrigued by this upcoming production.

In the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Thunderbolts, there’s a fresh face who seems to demand a high level of violence as promised by its rating. This character is none other than Lewis Pullman’s Bob, also known as Sentry. Given his immense power, it’s only natural that the movie will feature intense action. However, before Sentry can embody heroism, it appears that his dark alter ego from the comics, the Void, will emerge, making him a menacing force that the Thunderbolts must confront in the upcoming movie. In essence, due to Sentry’s immense power, we can anticipate some heightened violence in the film.

I’m Even More Excited For Thunderbolts* After It Broke The MCU Record

Marvel Studios Seems To Understand What The Team Needs

Initially, I was disappointed that Thunderbolts wasn’t given an R rating, but now I’m thrilled because it’s the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film to receive a “strong violence” PG-13 rating. This indicates that the movie will have a broad release while still maintaining a darker tone necessary for the team. Given that this group consists of anti-heroes who have taken lives on and off screen, it’s no surprise that we’re in store for an intense, action-packed MCU film.

Thunderbolts* Cast Member Character
Sebastian Stan James “Bucky” Barnes, A.K.A. The Winter Soldier
Florence Pugh Yelena Belova, A.K.A. Black Widow
Wyatt Russell John Walker, A.K.A. US Agent
David Harbour Alexei Shostakov, A.K.A. Red Guardian
Hannah John-Kamen Ava Starr, A.K.A. Ghost
Olga Kurylenko Antonia Dreykov, A.K.A. Taskmaster
Julia Louis-Dreyfus Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine
Lewis Pullman Bob (Sentry/The Void)
Geraldine Viswanathan Unconfirmed

The asterisks (*) indicate that “Thunderbolts” is a fictional team in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2025-04-23 15:19