Thunderbirds

Thunderbirds

Year: 2004

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Frakes

Budget: $57M

ActionAdventureSci-FiFantasyComedyFamily

When astronaut Jeff Tracy launches a rescue mission, his home on Tracy Island is attacked by the sinister Hood. Seeking to control the island’s advanced technology for his own plans, the villain puts the Tracy family in danger. It falls to young Alan Tracy to find the courage to confront his father’s enemy and protect his family and the island’s powerful arsenal.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Thunderbirds (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Thunderbirds (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2010

The events are set in the year 2010, a time of advanced rescue technology and global teamwork. International Rescue operates with a modern, near-future edge—satellites, vehicles, and remote systems enabling spectacular save missions. The plot interweaves family dynamics with globe-spanning crises, anchoring action in recognizable places.

Location

Tracy Island, Wharton Academy (Massachusetts), London (Bank of England, Thames)

Tracy Island is the hidden base of International Rescue in the South Pacific, a high-tech sanctuary where the team plans and launches daring rescues. Wharton Academy in Massachusetts provides a contrast to island life, framing Alan's teenage world and friendships. London becomes the urban epicenter of the Hood's plot, with key events unfolding around the Bank of England and the River Thames.

🏝️ Island 🎒 Boarding School 🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:04

Main Characters – Thunderbirds (2004)

Meet the key characters of Thunderbirds (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Tracy (Bill Paxton)

Widowed former astronaut and leader of International Rescue, Jeff is calm under pressure and dedicated to protecting those in danger. His experience guides the team, but his past choices haunt him and any misstep could jeopardize the operation. He balances duty with a fatherly concern for his sons and Tin-Tin.

🎯 Leader 🧭 Strategist 🛡️ Protector

Alan Tracy

The youngest Tracy son who dreams of becoming a Thunderbird pilot. He is impulsive and brave, often pushing boundaries as he contends with being grounded and trying to prove himself. He shows resourcefulness under fire and grows into a capable member of IR.

🚀 Brave 🧭 Quick-thinking 🎖️ Protagonist

Fermat Hackenbacker

A brilliant, tech-savvy friend of Alan and the son of Brains, Fermat brings inventive ideas and a quick mind to the field. He plays a key role in delaying the Hood's plan by removing the Thunderbird 2's guidance chip, and his loyalty to his friends fuels his actions.

💡 Tech-genius 🔧 Engineer 🎯 Team-player

Brains

The resident engineer providing the technical backbone for IR's operations, Brains offers gadgetry know-how and practical solutions. His expertise keeps the Thunderbird fleet functional under pressure and underlines the importance of scientific ingenuity.

🧠 Engineer 🛠️ Inventive 🔬 Scientist

Tin-Tin

Daughter of Kyrano and a close ally of the Tracy brothers, Tin-Tin is capable, brave, and emotionally connected to Alan. She uses her insight and courage to help in the crisis and even plays a pivotal role in defeating the Hood.

👧 Courage 🗺️ Navigator

Kyrano

The loyal butler and mentor figure to the Tracy family, Kyrano provides stability and supports the kids during emergencies. His long-standing service and connection to Tin-Tin anchors the family dynamic.

🗺️ Mentor 🧰 Guide

Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward

A capable International Rescue agent who, along with her valet Parker, works to rescue Alan and his friends. She embodies poise and resourcefulness, handling danger with wit and precision.

🛡️ Rescuer 🎭 Agent

Parker

Lady Penelope's loyal valet, Parker is quick-witted and fearless, assisting in combat and strategic operations. He provides humor and street-smarts in tense moments.

🧰 Sidekick 🗺️ Tactical

The Hood

A psychic criminal mastermind who seeks revenge against Jeff Tracy and plans to destabilize the world by robbing banks. He wields mind powers and uses manipulation to gain the upper hand, challenging the Tracy family at every turn.

🧠 Psychic 🕵️ Villain

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:04

Major Themes – Thunderbirds (2004)

Explore the central themes of Thunderbirds (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👨‍👩‍👧 Teamwork

Family members and allies combine their talents to overcome a powerful adversary. Alan, Tin-Tin, Fermat and the elder brothers coordinate across air, land, and sea to foil the Hood’s scheme and safeguard those in danger. Trust, loyalty, and shared purpose drive International Rescue.

🛰️ Technology

Thunderbirds embody cutting-edge rescue tech, from fast crafts to remote piloting that keeps rescuers out of harm’s way. The film explores responsible use of power, as the Hood’s psychic abilities stand in contrast to machine-driven courage. The story questions how far technology should go in service of the greater good.

⚖️ Redemption

A backstory of betrayal fuels the Hood’s vendetta, while Alan’s choices lean toward mercy and saving lives. The climax emphasizes accountability, with arrest and restoration of order reasserting justice. In the end, forgiveness and bravery help return the family to Tracy Island and renew IR’s mission.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:04

Unlock the Full Story of Thunderbirds

Don't stop at just watching — explore Thunderbirds in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Thunderbirds is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Thunderbirds Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Thunderbirds, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Thunderbirds Summary

Thunderbirds Timeline

Track the full timeline of Thunderbirds with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Thunderbirds Timeline

More About Thunderbirds

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Thunderbirds: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Thunderbirds

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