ThunderCats
Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Writer: Joshua Collins
Based on the animated series
Cast: Jack Reynor, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Dave Bautista, Bill Skarsgard, Cole Hauser, Eiza Gonzalez, Grant Feely, Brooklynn Prince, Winslow Fegley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Adam Brody, Rupert Friend, Kevin Durand
Plot: After the beginning credits wrap up, we are in the world of Thundera. Crystal towers rise above lush jungles and roaring waterfalls. The harmony of technology and nature is palpable. Thundera is populated by Thunderians: Alien Cat-like humanoids, and Snarfs (small house-cat sized species who act at servants to Thundera’s high profile citizens) Thundera’s King Claudus (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is at the heart of it all, adored by his people. He stands at his balcony, addressing his people as they hang onto his every word: words of hope and optimism that Thundera will forever be their paradise. At his side is the young heir to Claudus’ throne: Lion-O (Grant Feely). He is in awe of his dad, Claudus, Thundera’s king and a warrior, not afraid to get his hands dirty if his people are in trouble. He made wear a smile for his people and his son, but his eyes and expressions hide a shadow of concern.
Claudus spends time with Lion-O, including training in the palace gardens. They spar as Claudus gives him tips and words of wisdom. Lion-O takes it in. Lion-O has a child’s mindset of how cool it would be to rule over Thundera. Claudus reminding him that a true warrior and king is one who can lead all of his people, not just serve himself. As Lion-O is dismissed with Snarf following, Claudus gets a strange feeling in his gut, which makes him go to his chamber, hold the Sword of Omens and stare into the Eye of Thundera. He sees quick flashes of impending doom brought on by Mumm-Ra (Bill Skarsgard), The Ever-living, and his army. Thundera being destroyed, Lion-O in danger. Claudus’ heart is filled with dread, but knows to be prepared.
Thundera is having a big festival. Citizens partying, dancing, playing games. We get a glimpse of other Thundercats: Tygra (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), adopted older brother of Lion-O, he’s a fierce warrior, but also jealous of Lion-O for being heir to the throne. Panthro (Dave Bautista), a veteran warrior whose fought in battles alongside Claudus. He’s telling younger people stories of his battles, embellishing the truth a bit, in which Claudus merrily calls him out on. Cheetara (Eiza Gonzalez), a female warrior with a bit of a sixth sense: when danger is near. She impresses fellow children at the festival by racing some men and winning with ease. Twins: Wilykit and Wilykat are among the festivals children, playing along with Lion-O as they get into mischief, Snarf following along to make sure the kids don’t get up to too much trouble.
Cheetara feels a quick flash of danger, and she scrambles to try to help the Thunderians, shouting for everyone to seek cover. Thunderians scatter as invasive UFOs attack anything in their path. Mumm-Ra’s army takes to the ground, any fighters on Thundera’s side begins to fight back, including Claudus, Cheetara, Tygra and Panthra, each having their own duties to try to get as many Thunderians to safety via escape ships. Claudus tells Snarf and Panthra to get Lion-O and the WilyTwins to the King’s main ship. Mumm-Ra appears to Claudus and demands he hand over the Sword of Omens, hidden somewhere by Claudus in preparation for this day. Claudus says he’d rather give his life than see the Sword of Omens fall into his hands. ‘You’d rather risk the lives of your people, of your son?’ with defiance, Claudus prepares to fight with Mumm-Ra, “A true king will sacrifice everything to protect his people, even if it means standing alone against the face of evil.” Mumm-Ra replies, “Then you are a fool.” Claudus and Mumm-Ra have a fight, just as Panthra, Snarf and the kids make it to the King’s ship.
As the kids board the ship with Panthra, Snarf has a moment with Lion-O. Its with Snarf’s expressions that Lion-O can see that Snarf wants to help the other Snarfs escape. Lion-O nods in silent understanding as Snarf runs back to the chaos. Tygra and Cheetara board the ship out of sworn loyalties to protect Lion-O. Claudus’ ship flees, Mumm-Ra slays Claudus in their battle and sends his army to retreat and prepare for total annihilation of Thundera. Some escape ships make it out, others don’t have time as the planet of Thundera is blown up. Each of the Thundercats are distraught as they watch their planet and any of their people who didn’t make it disintegrated.
On the ship, Panthra shows Lion-O that Claudus left the Sword of Omens on board, knowing Mumm-Ra was after it. He also lets him stare into the eyes of Thundera, a message from Claudus for Lion-O with some parting words: If you are hearing this, Thundera has fallen, but our hope has not. This is your birthright, Lion-O. You are more than my son, you are Thundera’s last hope. Tygra, Cheetara and Panthra know that it’ll take many years for their ship to reach their destination, so they along with the kids enter their cryogenic pods. As the Thundercats are in their pods, we see a flashing warning light indicating one of the pods is malfunctioning.
As the ship approaches Third Earth several years later, Lion-O (Jack Reynor) wakes up a fully grown adult. We get a glimpse into his life, growing up alone on the ship. Marking X’s on a calendar to show how many days he’s been on the ship, running on a treadmill and training himself for combat. Remnants of food waste scattered around the ship, he pretends to talk to the rest of the Thundercats still in their pods, etc. Lion-O picks up the Sword of Omens and wields it. He stares into the Eyes of Thundera, seeing a lot of darkness and vulnerable people living on Third Earth, and he sees Mumm-Ra, vowing to avenge his father and Thundera.
The ship lands on Third Earth and the suspension pods open. Lion-O laughs as the Thundercats wake up and see him fully grown. Lion-O jokes “its about time you woke up” each are surprised, but a glimmer in Tygra’s eyes show he has even more stronger competition, no longer a kid brother but now his equal. The Thundercats set out to explore Third Earth, not the impressive sight of Thundera, but a place with potential. Cheetara gets a sense that someone, or something is watching. Villagers of Third Earth hide and cower to the sight of the new inhabitants, hesitant to speak to any of them.
The Thundercats move cautiously through the dense foliage, the rustling of leaves and occasional call of strange creatures adding an air of tension. Sunlight breaks through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the ground as they step into a clearing where cracked stone ruins stand, remnants of an ancient civilization.
Cheetara’s eyes narrow as she feels the prickle of being watched. Her gaze darts toward a nearby thicket. Without a word, she sprints ahead, catching a fleeting figure—a villager clad in tattered robes with wide, fearful eyes. Cheetara catches up to the fleeing villager. Lion-O explains their peaceful intentions and how they came as survivors of the destruction of Thundera. The villager pleads to the Thundercats that they must destroy the Sword of Omens, for it is a beacon for Mumm-Ra’s wrath.
The Thundercats exchange looks, the gravity of their arrival becoming clear. Panthro, who had been observing silently, crosses his arms, brows furrowed. “Seems like this ‘welcome’ comes with a warning,” he mutters. Tygra takes a step closer, suspicion lacing his voice. “You speak as if Mumm-Ra holds this world in fear already. What do you know of him?”
The villager flinches at the question. “He is the shadow that watches all, the eternal one who commands his forces from the Black Pyramid. We have survived by staying unseen, silent, but your presence... your weapon... It will draw him like a storm.”
Lion-O’s expression hardens, gripping the Sword of Omens with renewed purpose. He looks at his friends, the shared resolve growing between them. “We didn’t come all this way to hide,” he says, the conviction in his voice unshakeable. “We came to fight for our future, and if Mumm-Ra comes, we will be ready.”
A moment of silence hangs in the air, broken only by the distant rumble of thunder. The villager glances between them, eyes uncertain but slightly less fearful, as if daring to hope that these newcomers might be more than harbingers of doom. Cheetara’s eyes scan the horizon, feeling the faintest ripple of an approaching menace. “Then we need to be ready, starting now.”
Meanwhile, Mumm-Ra is in his Black Pyramid. He has a vision that the Sword of Omens is located on Third Earth and the son of Claudus has survived and grown up. He summons his minions to cause trouble on Third Earth. “Let them know I see all!”
In the camp the Thundercats set up outside the skirts of the village, Lion-O and Tygra spar, but Tygra has a hard time with the grown up Lion-O. Tygra’s frustrations get the best of him and he gives up, walking away from the spar. “This is why our father chose me to be the heir to his throne. A true king never gives up!” Lion-O laughs. “You’re no king of anything here!” Tygra snaps back.
Jaga’s (Cole Hauser) laughter is heard, telling the brothers nothing has changed as he steps into the camp. Panthro and Cheetara are graciously surprised to see his familiar face. He explains how he traveled the cosmos searching for allies, but due to Thundera’s destruction, wasn’t able to return. The Thundercats are glad to have someone around who could help instill trust and confidence from the clans of Third Earth to aide in the fight with Mumm-Ra. Jaga allows the Thundercats to come to the village to rest, eat and plan.
Their rest is disturbed at nightfall when Cheetara gets a sense that a few minions have breached the village. A good little action sequence happens where we see the Thundercats in action, displaying their unique fighting styles, and Lion-O’s first true test as a warrior. Cheetara is quick and agile, The Wilytwins are a playful acrobatic tagteam. They also try to keep villagers from being harmed. Tygra(invisible), Panthro(martial arts/resourcefulness) and Jaga(master swordsman). The minions are defeated, but the Thundercats know it only prolongs the inevitable invasion of Mumm-Ra. The villagers are given a sense of hope. Jaga tells the Thundercats to get some rest for they will set out in the morning to recruit clans of Third Earth to assist in the upcoming war.
In the morning, The Thundercats agree to split in groups to recruit allies faster. Lion-O with Tygra, Cheetara with the Wilytwins, Panthro with Jaga. Mumm-Ra is angry that his minions failed, so he sends for his generals to attack the groups: Slyth (Adam Brody) to hunt down Lion-O/Tygra, Jackalman (Rupert Friend) against Cheetara/Wilytwins, Monkian (Kevin Durand) hunting Panthro/Jaga.
Lion-O and Tygra head toward a swampy region where a clan of reptilian warriors, known for their resilience, resides. Lion-O takes the lead, but Tygra is skeptical of the young leader’s decisions, which causes tension between them. As they trudge through the murky swamps, Tygra’s frustration surfaces. He thinks Lion-O’s optimism and inexperience make him naive and unprepared for real leadership.
Cheetara and the Wilytwins head toward a desert where a clan of nomads resides. Known for their agility and skill in survival, these people could be invaluable allies. Cheetara quickly earns their respect in a speed trial, impressing the nomads with her ability to move fluidly over sand dunes and rocky terrain. The Wilytwins charm the children of the nomads with their acrobatic antics and playful personalities, bringing a sense of joy to the clan.
Panthro and Jaga venture to a mountainous region where they hope to recruit a clan of skilled blacksmiths and metalworkers who can provide armor and weapons. Panthro and Jaga face rugged, challenging terrain, testing Panthro’s endurance and Jaga’s wisdom in navigating dangerous paths.
Slyth ambushes Tygra and Lion-O. Knowing the swamp well, Slyth sets traps and uses guerrilla tactics to divide and weaken Lion-O and Tygra. Separated, Lion-O faces Slyth head-on but is overpowered and nearly captured. Tygra, using his invisibility, stealthily disrupts Slyth’s ambush and reunites with Lion-O. Together, they fight with newfound coordination—Lion-O drawing Slyth’s attention with raw power and Tygra using precision strikes. They ultimately overpower Slyth, who retreats with a warning that more dangers await. This fight strengthens their bond, as Tygra begins to see Lion-O as a capable leader, if still somewhat green.
Just as the nomads warm up to Cheetara/Wilytwins, Jackalman and his mercenary pack arrive, eager to ambush the heroes. Jackalman uses the desert terrain to his advantage, causing sandstorms and using deception to split up the group. He’s cunning and fast, focusing his attacks on the Wilytwins, knowing they’re the youngest and the weakest. Cheetara, sensing danger, uses her speed to keep the twins out of harm’s way while distracting Jackalman. The Wilytwins work as a tag team to set a trap, luring Jackalman into a sandpit where he loses his footing. Cheetara then confronts Jackalman, defeating him in close combat and forcing him to flee. With the clan’s gratitude, Cheetara and the Wilytwins secure their alliance. The Wilytwins grow in confidence, proving they can hold their own in battle when they work together.
Monkian attacks Jaga and Panthro on a narrow mountain pass. He uses his sheer strength and agility to hurl boulders, causing landslides to block their path and separate them. Monkian taunts Panthro, challenging him to a one-on-one fight, knowing Panthro’s pride will compel him to engage. While Panthro fights Monkian in hand-to-hand combat, Jaga uses his wisdom to anticipate Monkian’s moves and identify his weaknesses. Panthro takes advantage of Jaga’s insights, using his martial arts skills and resourcefulness to counter Monkian’s brute strength. In a climactic move, Panthro lures Monkian to the edge of a cliff, where he loses his footing and tumbles down, retreating with threats of vengeance. Impressed by Panthro’s courage and Jaga’s wisdom, the mountain clan pledges their support.
Mumm-Ra now has no choice now but to prepare to invade Third Earth with his army while the Thundercats reconvene at the main village, each with members of the clans they met to prepare for a battle.
This is more like a calmness before the storm moment for the Thundercats. Each having a moment of reflection, unsure of what the future will hold for them if they even have a future. Jaga tells Lion-O about the first battle Claudus fought in, alongside Jaga and Panthro. Nearby, Tygra sharpens his weapon, lingering resentment toward Lion-O clashes with his growing respect. Cheetara tells Tygra that Lion-O always looked up to and admired him, and that Claudus always loved and respected Tygra. Tygra lets Cheetara’s words sink in with silence. He had been so full of resentment towards his brother that he hadn’t thought much about Claudus.
The Wilytwins, usually playful and full of laughter, sit quietly together, realizing the magnitude of what’s to come. Wilykit expresses her fear, wondering if they’re truly ready for this. Wilykat, despite his own doubts, reassures her, telling her that they’ll stick together, no matter what happens.
Panthro is with the young warriors of the mountain clan, sharing stories of his past battles. His voice is filled with pride, but as he watches the young faces around him, he feels a pang of doubt. He wonders if he’s prepared the Thundercats well enough to face Mumm-Ra’s relentless forces and fears that this battle may be his last. One of the young warriors, noticing Panthro’s concern, asks him what it means to be a Thundercat. Panthro, moved by the question, speaks about honor, loyalty, and the strength that comes from fighting not just for oneself, but for something greater. As he speaks, he is reminded of the loyalty he feels toward his team and resolves to protect them with every last ounce of strength he has.
Cheetara meditates alone, centering herself and honing her sixth sense. As she connects with the energies around her, she feels a ripple of foreboding but also a surge of hope from the villagers and allies. She realizes that while her speed has always been her strength, her real gift is her connection to the world around her. Lion-O joins her, seeking her thoughts on what lies ahead. Cheetara tells him that while she senses danger, she also feels a deep unity among the Thundercats and their allies. This connection, she says, will be their greatest weapon. Lion-O listens intently, inspired by her calm resolve, and leaves her feeling reassured in the power of their bond.
Much like Claudus at the beginning giving an inspiring speech to the people of Thundera, he delivers a speech to his team, the clans who agreed to help and anyone else on Third Earth willing to listen. Lion-O reminds them that it wont be an easy battle, and some lives may be lost, but this planet belongs to all of us and we will take on any threat with confidence. “Thundercats. HO!” finishes the speech as everyone shouts HO!
While the invasion of Thundera was a sneak attack, Third Earth is ready. The defenders get ready as Mumm-Ra and his army approaches. Mumm-Ra, full of overconfidence, demands to Lion-O to just hand over the Sword of Omens “or prepare for a quick family reunion!” Lion-O refuses, and the war is on. “For Thundera! For Third Earth!” Lion-O shouts as his own army engages in the battle. Cheetara darts forward with her speed, the Wileytwins - Wileykit (Brooklyn Prince) and Wileykat (Winslow Fegley) - use their finesse to distract enemy formations. Tygra disappears into the shadows, ambushing unsuspecting enemies. Panthro uses his raw strength and commands the younger warriors. Jaga wields his sword skillfully, helping allies where he can.
As the battle rages, Tygra confronts Slyth in a rematch. This time, Tygra uses both his agility and his newfound unity with Lion-O to outsmart Slyth. The two engage in a fierce duel, Tygra’s precision and tactical prowess ultimately overpowering Slyth, who retreats wounded. In the desert outskirts of the battlefield, Jackalman targets the Wilytwins again, hoping to exploit their youth. But this time, the Wilytwins anticipate his moves, using teamwork to corner him into a trap they set with Cheetara. With her incredible speed and the twins’ clever ambushes, they force Jackalman into a pitfall, where he’s taken out of the fight. Monkian charges at Panthro, seeking revenge for their last battle. The two engage in a brutal, hand-to-hand fight. Panthro endures, using his martial arts skill and resourcefulness. With Jaga’s guidance and a perfectly timed counterattack, Panthro defeats Monkian, who flees, demoralized.
Enraged by his generals’ failures, Mumm-Ra transforms into his ultimate form: Mumm-Ra the Ever-Living. His size and power grow, and a dark aura envelops him. He begins tearing through the battlefield, unleashing waves of dark energy that push back the Thundercats and allies. The overwhelming power of Mumm-Ra’s transformation shakes Lion-O’s confidence. For a brief moment, he doubts whether they can truly defeat Mumm-Ra. But as he looks around and sees his friends fighting with unwavering resolve, he remembers his father’s words and regains his strength. Lion-O raises the Sword of Omens, calling out, “Thundercats! HO!” His voice rings out, reigniting the morale of the allies. The clans and Thundercats charge forward once more, empowered by Lion-O’s courage.
Lion-O engages Mumm-Ra in an epic, one-on-one duel, the Sword of Omens clashing against Mumm-Ra’s dark magic. Mumm-Ra taunts Lion-O, mocking his youth and lack of experience. But Lion-O counters with his determination, knowing he fights not just for himself, but for everyone on Third Earth and the legacy of Thundera. Lion-O taps into the full power of the Sword of Omens, invoking the Eye of Thundera. The sword glows with a blinding light, channeling the combined hopes of the Thundercats and their allies. This energy weakens Mumm-Ra’s dark magic, pushing him back and forcing him to fight defensively. With one last surge of strength, Lion-O delivers a powerful strike, shattering Mumm-Ra’s defenses. Mumm-Ra collapses, weakened and defeated!
Thundercats and their allies have won the war and set Third Earth free of Mumm-Ra’s power. Tygra and Lion-O share a moment of brotherhood, grasping arms in unity. Panthro and Jaga look on, proud of the new generation of warriors they helped. Wileytwins are shaken, but proud. With Cheetara’s reassurances, they feel at place in the Thundercats.
As the film is ready to draw to a close, we get a sense of a little time passing. Cat’s Lair is under construction on Third Earth, the Thundercats’ new home. Lion-O, Panthro, Cheetara, Tygra and The WilyTwins stand proud in front of their new friends on Third Earth. Lion-O stares into the Eye of Thundera, Claudus, giving an approving and proud smile is staring back at him. Lion-O raises the Sword of Omens high above his head.
The camera pans out and we see the iconic Thundercats logo and the credits roll.
