Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer in Netflix's Thunder Force.

I’m Officially Excited for Netflix’s Octavia Spencer, Melissa McCarthy Superhero Comedy Thunder Force

Recommended Videos

Thunder Force looks like a fun take on two women who don’t fit the typical Marvel or DC equivalent of what a superhero is, a.k.a. slim, with just a hint of muscle to make you swoon. Instead, this movie is being sold as an action comedy about two estranged childhood best friends and the circumstances that bring them together—as superheroes, while being middle-aged women who don’t fit the mold.

Here’s the synopsis, according to Netflix:

In a world where supervillains are commonplace, two estranged childhood best friends reunite after one devises a treatment that gives them powers to protect their city.

After watching the trailer, I have to give major kudos to two departments: the crew behind the stunts and the costume department in charge of the superhero outfits. We don’t get to see women, especially 50-year-old women, do flips, hero landings, or the taking down of the bad guys as often as we would like. We don’t see them EVER when both of these women are unapologetically thick and know it.

The costume department for Thunder Force did an amazing job. McCarthy and Spencer look fierce, powerful, and most importantly … comfortable! You have no idea, or maybe you do because you’re reading this and you’re probably a fangirl/boy/person like me, how many times women have been forced into the tiniest bit of armor or the most impractical suit imaginable when they’re heroes.

Thunder Force seems to not have time for that.

And now I can’t stop thinking about what a brilliant businesswoman like Spencer’s Emily would make of the costume designed for her and McCarthy’s Lydia. I bet there are hidden pockets somewhere on these suits, the ultimate secret weapon that all women understand and desire. And we’re not just talking tiny pockets. We’re talking pockets where you can store weapons, your phone, and your house keys!

What was I talking about again? Oh yeah, Thunder Force and how it looks infinitely better than I imagined. Also, how I’m here for Spencer and McCarthy showing other heroes how it’s done and giving middle-aged women the hero of their dreams while looking fierce AF at the same time. Oh yeah, and pockets.

(image: Netflix)

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—


The Mary Sue is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Can You Find the ’80s Theme That DOESN’T Work With the Credits of ‘Predator’?
carl weathers looking at the camera in the predator end credits
Read Article Lions Defy the Laws of Physics, Nature in First Trailer for Disney’s ‘Lion King’ Prequel
A young Mufasa mid-leap in the trailer for 'Mufasa: The Lion King'
Read Article Review: ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Is a Gorgeous Fever Dream
Owen (Justice Smith) stands in front of a movie screen that says "Thank you for watching."
Read Article ‘The Zone of Interest’ Is Getting a Sequel, but It’s Not What You’d Expect
Sandra Hüller as Hedwig Höss in The Zone of Interest
Read Article Aaron Sorkin Has Grand Plans for ‘The Social Network 2’, but I Wish He’d Dial It Back
Aaron Sorkin talks with his hands.
Related Content
Read Article Can You Find the ’80s Theme That DOESN’T Work With the Credits of ‘Predator’?
carl weathers looking at the camera in the predator end credits
Read Article Lions Defy the Laws of Physics, Nature in First Trailer for Disney’s ‘Lion King’ Prequel
A young Mufasa mid-leap in the trailer for 'Mufasa: The Lion King'
Read Article Review: ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Is a Gorgeous Fever Dream
Owen (Justice Smith) stands in front of a movie screen that says "Thank you for watching."
Read Article ‘The Zone of Interest’ Is Getting a Sequel, but It’s Not What You’d Expect
Sandra Hüller as Hedwig Höss in The Zone of Interest
Read Article Aaron Sorkin Has Grand Plans for ‘The Social Network 2’, but I Wish He’d Dial It Back
Aaron Sorkin talks with his hands.
Author
Lyra Hale
Lyra (She/Her) is a queer Latinx writer who stans badass women in movies, TV shows, and books. She loves crafting, tostones, and speculating all over queer media. And when not writing she's scrolling through TikTok or rebuilding her book collection.