If you’re mad about Florence Pugh leading ‘Thunderbolts*’, get over yourself
Reviews dropped for Thunderbolts* today and one thing is clear: We all love feeling like Marvel is back. Well, most of us do. There are some select “fans” on social media angry that *checks notes* women exist in Marvel.
I happened to look at the replies to my social reaction to the film. As someone who cosplays as Yelena Belova and loves the character very much, I was beyond happy to see her shine in Thunderbolts*. While Florence Pugh is the star of the movie, it is a film about the team of anti-heroes that now, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, make up the Thunderbolts. Which, for the most part, is two women and four men.
Now, if you wanted to fight for Ghost/Ava’s rights and say that Hannah John-Kamen didn’t have much to do, I will say you’re right. But I don’t think the angry men in the replies are out here fighting for Ghost’s rights. What they’re doing is saying things like women shouldn’t lead Marvel movies and complaining that Pugh is clearly the star.
Women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe haven’t had an easy go of it. For years, we had Natasha Romanoff and she did not get her own movie until Black Widow in 2021. There is obviously Captain Marvel and The Marvels but for the most part, women aren’t featured as heavily as the men. With Thunderbolts*, Yelena may be the main character but she is almost always in a scene with more men than women.
And yet somehow her leading the charge is enough for the angry men in my replies complaining that women exist in a superhero franchise? If you think this way, you’re boring. But more than that: Get over yourself.
Yelena is a great character!
I don’t really understand hating a character because of their gender. As a human being with tattoos for my girls and my boys in the superhero world, I love characters for who they are. If Dr. Strange was a woman, I’d hate her just as I hate Stephen. Same goes for C-3PO. A character can be hated or loved or tolerated based on their characteristics.
If you hate a character simply for their gender, you’re boring. More than that, you are not engaging with media at all. You’re literally looking for men to watch blow stuff up and that’s it. BORING.
Yes, Thunderbolts* is heavy and emotional but it also does a great job of layering in action sequences and keeping audiences on their toes. You can have a good cry through the film and then get to watch Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) doing cool motorcycle tricks. Thunderbolts* has it all!
I simply think the idea of discounting a movie because a woman is leading it is so sexist and performatively so. You had women THAT much that watching a film that has more men that woman in it is still too much for you? Get a life and learn how to actually be a person. Thunderbolts* rules and it is primarily because of Florence Pugh. And that’s a GOOD THING.
(featured image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
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