Hideo Kojima Praises Marvel's Thunderbolts* In Glowing Review Calling It "A Truly Kind-Hearted MCU Film"

Hideo Kojima, most known for creating the Metal Gear video game franchise, recently penned a brief review of Thunderbolts*, revealing the film struck a chord with him. Starring Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour, and Sebastian Stan, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film saw a group of villains and antiheroes thrust into a team. It dealt heavily with themes of mental health, redemption, and finding a true purpose in life, deviating from the generally lighthearted tone the franchise was previously known for.

Taking to x, Kojima revealed his take on the deeper meaning of Thunderbolts*. The game designer noted that the film was “not about eliminating a powerful external enemy to save the world,” but rather “it’s about embracing lonely individuals and rescuing the audience from their own inner enemies.” As a result, he found Thunderbolts* to be “a truly kind-hearted MCU film.“

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Kojima then noted the balance of comedy and heart in the film, calling director Jake Schreier’s sense of humor “perfect.” The game designer also complimented Pullman, who “brought a great vibe to the screen.” However, his biggest praise was reserved for the film’s leading lady: “Above all, Florence Pugh was phenomenal. You could say it’s her film.“

What Hideo Kojima’s Thunderbolts* Comments Mean

Thunderbolts* Deviates From Marvel’s Usual Style

Kojima is a respected figure throughout pop culture due to the quality of his writing and the film-influenced approach he takes to video game storytelling. The game designer often shares his take on modern films and television series, including superhero fare like Joker: Folie à deux and Captain America: Brave New World. As such, Thunderbolts* receiving his stamp of approval carries weight.

Moreover, his review highlights Marvel’s choice to branch out with Thunderbolts* and make something more unique. The film is, at its core, a character study of broken people finding purpose and community. Instead of featuring a final battle, it climaxes with a group hug; something that the movie somehow earns. Kojima’s description of the film as “kind-hearted” is thusly apt.

Our Take On Hideo Kojima’s Thunderbolts* Comments

Thunderbolts* Takes A Lot Of Risks, But They Pay Off

Yelena Belova looking confused in Thunderbolts*

By taking a creative risk and going for an emotionally carthartic storyline, Thunderbolts* successfully subverted audience expectations. That isn’t to say it was entirely devoid of action–there are plenty of solid fight scenes–but it didn’t go for the usual CGI-fest ending battle scene. As Kojima indicated in his review, this approach, combined with the film’s humor, created a good balance while maintaining its more emotionally resonant message. Given how Thunderbolts* prioritizes its characters above all, it makes sense for a celebrated storyteller like Kojima to click with the movie.