Marvel's Thunderbolts* is a film that is destined to draw the interest of a wide range of potential viewers. The Marvel Studios movies - and superhero blockbusters in general - always appeal to younger audiences as well as older comic book fans, but over the years, it has developed into a cinematic phenomenon that often brings families together as people of all ages enjoy them.
There have been recent exceptions to that rule due to the age rating of a number of Marvel Cinematic Universe projects (Deadpool and Wolverine was the franchise's first R-rated movie, while Echo and Daredevil: Born Again brought the mature TV-MA rating to the Disney Plus shows). So, where does that leave Thunderbolts*?
If you're planning on taking your kids to see the Marvel mash-up during its cinematic run and would like some inside details about what to expect, let's dive into the parents guide and fill you in.
Thunderbolts' age rating is PG-13 but it is also a bit darker than your typical MCU movie
Thunderbolts* has been officially rated PG-13 in the US by the MPAA, earning that rating for scenes of "strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references".
PG-13 is the sweet spot for almost all superhero movies, and it's a regular for the MCU franchise as well as the vast majority of movies in the series hold this rating (with the obvious exception being Deadpool and Wolverine). But, as the above rating suggests, this one is a little more mature than your typical MCU fare. With that in mind, here's what you can expect from it.
Violence: Thunderbolts* features a number of moderately violent scenes, which isn't really all that surprising considering that it's an action-heavy film. This comes in the form of multiple fight sequences, resulting in plenty of hand-to-hand combat and physical blows. There is some mild blood use during these fight scenes but nothing that isn't normal in a typical MCU movie.
One character is shot in the head in a rather fast sequence but their face is covered as it happens, meaning that it doesn't get any more graphic than that. Other shootings and stabbings that take place are also shown from a distance, allowing the film to ensure that it doesn't push past the limits of its age rating.
There is a dream-like sequence in which a young girl is shot and killed. Though it focuses on the reactions of the people around her, there is a close-up on a blood-spattered book that falls to the ground (this scene was shown in the film's final trailer).
Mature themes: Thunderbolts* is a lot heavier than the vast majority of Marvel movies as it features more mature subject matter, and a number of deeper scenes. The film tackles themes such as depression, abuse, alcohol and drug addiction. It doesn't focus on them for too long but those themes are important in driving the characters to overcome their demons, playing an important role in their backstories.
As Yelena Belova is involved, there are flashbacks to her time in the Red Room, which includes the death of another young Widow and some implied violence against all of them. It doesn't linger there for too long, but - much like we saw in Black Widow - the scenes are very impactful.
Language: There are a couple of occasions which feature some mild swearing from the Thunderbolts. Curse words used are "sh*t", "b*tch", "damn", "ass", "d*cks", and "pr*ck".
All of those are pretty standard for a Marvel Studios movie, so if you've watched the previous MCU films as a family, then the mild language here shouldn't be much of an issue - especially as one scene in particular (in which Yelena tells Valentina to "eat sh*t") was already featured in the film's marketing.
Sex and Nudity: There is no sex or nudity in Thunderbolts*. There are mild suggestions of romantic attraction between certain characters and one character uses the term "tiny d*cks", but the film doesn't feature any scenes of a sexual nature.
Alcohol and Drugs: As this film is about how some of the titular anitheroes have struggled in life, there are references to alcohol and drugs. One character discusses how they have gotten through hard times by drinking before a dream-like sequence actually shows them passed out holding a bottle. Another character mentions using drugs to cope and that they were, at one point in time, actively looking for some.
There are no direct scenes of drug use or binge-drinking in the movie and the only references to them are minimal (and in retrospect).
Overall verdict: Thunderbolts* is a slightly more mature MCU movie but it is still appropriate for general audiences
There is no doubt about it that Thunderbolts* deals with more mature themes than the majority of its predecessors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it does so within the bounds of the typical PG-13 rating. Yes, there are elements that normally wouldn't come up in a typical MCU movie (such as drug references) and it focuses more on the importance of mental health too, but it never pushes the boundaries too far and it maintains that typical Marvel quality that makes these films so digestable to general audiences.
Now, nobody knows your children better than you do, so if you think that some of the heavier subject matter might be a bit too much for them, then it's probably best to go and see this one for yourself first so that you can decide. Again, it isn't too far from the normal Marvel movie, but it's different from what you might expect and that might require a watch of your own first.
But overall, Thunderbolts* is another thoroughly enjoyable and highly thrilling MCU movie that makes full use of its PG-13 rating without ever stepping too far over the line.