Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts has been a creative win for the studio, with nearly everyone who’s seen it singing its praises. I myself watched the film twice and enjoyed it even more the second time, as it deeply resonated with me on an emotional level. But its box office performance suggests that despite all the marketing push and the goodwill surrounding the film, its fate reflects an alarming new reality for Marvel.
Update: Fourth Weekend Drop Dampens Hopes for Recovery
Any hope of a late-game rebound was dashed further by a disappointing fourth weekend. Thunderbolts grossed an estimated $9.16 million over the three-day frame from 3,180 locations, with the four-day Memorial Day estimate landing at $11.6 million. That brings the film’s domestic total to just $173.81 million through Monday. Internationally, it added another $5.6 million, raising its overseas tally to $181.7 million. Globally, the film now stands at $353.1 million—a figure that makes its climb past the $370 million mark feel increasingly unlikely.
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As of its third weekend, the film had crossed $325.7 million globally, including $170.3 million from international markets, after adding $16.5 million domestically and $15.7 million internationally that weekend. While a respectable showing on paper, context reveals a more troubling story: Thunderbolts may not even surpass the $370 million lifetime global haul of 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger—a film released in a vastly different theatrical landscape. At best, it will likely land just above The First Avenger and possibly below Eternals’ total of $402 million—a damning result for what was supposed to be a cornerstone ensemble film.
Despite glowing reviews and enthusiastic word of mouth, Thunderbolts only managed a $162 million global debut. And while its second-week hold was solid, the film has lacked the staying power needed to significantly grow its totals. The arrival of Final Destination: Bloodlines—which posted a $102 million global opening ($51 million domestic)—combined with the upcoming releases of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two and Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, is expected to further cannibalize whatever momentum Thunderbolts has left.
The film is now projected to end its run between $370–$390 million worldwide—placing it among the weakest performers in the MCU’s 30+ film catalog.
The late reveal of the film’s actual title—The New Avengers—was presumably intended to generate buzz, but failed to have the desired impact. Even the inclusion of the “Avengers” brand couldn’t ignite interest from casual moviegoers. And this points to a deeper issue: the MCU no longer feels like essential viewing. After a string of lackluster entries across both film and television, the Marvel brand has lost much of the goodwill it built during the Infinity Saga.
A Brand Diluted
Public perception has shifted massively. Many fans believe Marvel has diluted its brand by leaning too heavily into mediocre Disney+ series and aimless story arcs. The Multiverse Saga, despite its limitless potential, still lacks a compelling throughline. Characters like Kang—or even Doctor Doom, who could easily anchor entire phases—have been introduced without meaningful buildup or gravitas, unlike the carefully orchestrated rise of Thanos across multiple films.
Overcomplicating the Narrative
Another major misstep is Marvel’s increasing reliance on its Disney+ shows for narrative context. To fully understand Thunderbolts, audiences were expected to have watched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and Black Widow. For casual viewers, this feels like homework. Even though it’s possible to enjoy the film without that background, the perception that it’s “better” to have seen those shows likely discouraged some people from buying a ticket.
During the Infinity Saga, Marvel struck a delicate balance: the main plotlines were contained within the films themselves, with optional context provided through post-credit scenes. That sense of streamlined accessibility has now been lost.
A Rare Bright Spot Amid Box Office Frustration
Despite its box office struggles, Thunderbolts is being praised as one of the MCU’s strongest recent entries. Critics have lauded the ensemble cast—Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, and others—for their grounded performances. Social media buzz has remained overwhelmingly positive, and early indicators suggest the film could find new life on digital platforms and in home entertainment.
Thunderbolts could still end up getting a sequel post-Secret Wars, thanks to the goodwill it’s built, and the movie has definitely restored some faith in the MCU and this Bob Iger era of Marvel. Fantastic Four might benefit from this momentum as well, although the critics’ scores and audience reception during its opening weekend will be pivotal in determining how it performs at the box office overall.