When Hideo Kojima weighs in on a movie, fans pay attention. The legendary game creator behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding has made a habit of dropping sharp, sometimes cryptic, one-line reviews on social media.
Now, Kojima has watched Marvel Studios’ latest ensemble flick, Thunderbolts*, and this was his reaction:
“I watched Thunderbolts*. It’s not about eliminating a powerful ‘external enemy’ to save the ‘world.’ It’s about embracing lonely ‘individuals’ and rescuing the ‘audience’ from their own ‘inner enemies.’
“A truly ‘kind-hearted’ MCU film. Jake Schreier’s sense of humor strikes a perfect balance. And above all, Florence Pugh was phenomenal. You could say it’s her film. Lewis Pullman’s ‘Bob’ also brought a great vibe to the screen.”
Like many of us who saw the film, it’s clear he connected with the film’s emotional themes, which focus less on world-ending stakes and more on broken characters trying to piece themselves back together, and if anyone understands complex, isolated characters haunted by inner demons, it’s Kojima.
It’s great to see Kojima so enthusiastic about an MCU entry, especially one that’s had its fair share of skepticism, but the movie really did deliver something special. I’ve watched the film four times already and each time I watch it, I love it more.
Have you seen Thunderbolts* yet? Does Kojima’s take line up with yours?
I watched “Thunderbolts*.” It’s not about eliminating a powerful “external enemy” to save the “world.” It’s about embracing lonely “individuals” and rescuing the “audience” from their own “inner enemies.” A truly “kind-hearted” MCU film. Jake Schreier’s sense of humor strikes a… pic.twitter.com/uwyViSwdO7
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) May 11, 2025