Marvel Studios has roared back into form with Thunderbolts, which debuted to a staggering $162 million worldwide during its opening weekend—$76 million domestically and $86 million internationally. But the financial success is just the beginning. The film doesn’t just continue the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU); it pivots it. With a surprise rebranding and strategic character reshuffling, Thunderbolts could mark the beginning of Marvel’s next era.
A Box Office Win That Defied Expectations
Opening on May 2, 2025, Thunderbolts outperformed industry forecasts, becoming one of the highest-grossing Marvel openings since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This success is especially notable given recent stumbles in the Disney pipeline—including the critical and commercial failure of its Snow White remake earlier this year.
The international response was particularly strong, with robust attendance in South Korea, the U.K., and Brazil. IMAX and premium format screenings also helped boost revenue, signaling that global audiences are still hungry for large-scale MCU storytelling—when it hits the right tone.
A New Kind of Marvel Team-Up
Directed by Jake Schreier (Paper Towns, Robot & Frank), Thunderbolts assembles a darker, grittier lineup of characters:
- Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) – emerging as the film’s emotional anchor
- Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) – still grappling with his past
- Red Guardian (David Harbour) – comic relief with surprising depth
- U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) – Marvel’s answer to a rogue Captain America
- Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) – reintroduced with more emotional complexity
- Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) – given more agency and development than in Black Widow
- Sentry (Lewis Pullman) – a volatile wildcard and potential MCU game-changer
- Mel (Geraldine Viswanathan) – a fresh face with mysterious origins
Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena is being widely celebrated, with critics calling her the new “moral compass” of the franchise. Meanwhile, Julia Louis-Dreyfus steals every scene she’s in as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, whose manipulation and Machiavellian ambitions earn her comparisons to a post-Endgame Thanos.
The Twist: Thunderbolts* Is Actually The New Avengers
In what may be the MCU’s most clever title bait-and-switch since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the final moments of the film—and the asterisk in its title—reveal a stunning twist. Valentina rebrands the team as The New Avengers, effectively launching the franchise’s next flagship ensemble.
This rebranding isn’t just cosmetic. Marketing materials have already updated to reflect the new name, and Marvel’s social media accounts have begun teasing a broader narrative shift across upcoming titles.
What This Means for the MCU
Thunderbolts isn’t just a one-off antihero flick—it’s the narrative glue that bridges Phases 5 and 6. Here’s what it sets up:
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026) – Likely to feature The New Avengers confronting a multiversal threat that makes Kang look tame.
- Fantastic Four (2025/2026) – A post-credits scene features the arrival of Reed Richards’ ship entering Earth-616, signaling their MCU debut.
- Young Avengers – With Kate Bishop and Kamala Khan absent from Thunderbolts, Marvel may be setting up a dual-Avengers structure: one led by veterans like Yelena, the other by next-gen heroes.
Reinventing the Formula
In many ways, Thunderbolts is Marvel’s response to criticisms about formula fatigue. The film leans into moral ambiguity, fractured loyalty, and government manipulation. The cinematography is grittier, the tone more grounded, and the stakes feel personal rather than cosmic.
It’s a creative gamble—and one that appears to be paying off.
Key Takeaways
- Thunderbolts opened to $162 million worldwide.
- The movie drew large crowds in both the U.S. and overseas.
- Its strong performance is sparking discussions about its impact and place in the Marvel universe.
Thunderbolts’ $162 Million Worldwide Box Office Debut
Thunderbolts launched with a strong global box office showing for Marvel and Disney. Its $162 million debut highlights interest both at home and overseas, setting a financial tone for the early summer movie season.
Opening Weekend Revenue Breakdown
Thunderbolts earned $162 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Domestic earnings (U.S. and Canada) reached about $76 million. The international box office contributed $86 million to the total.
This weekend result puts Thunderbolts near the top among recent Marvel debuts, although it does not break records. The film’s strong start is notable compared to other movies released in early summer. Audiences responded well on release day, driving steady weekend sales.
Below is a quick breakdown of the opening weekend:
| Region | Revenue (Millions USD) |
|---|---|
| Domestic | $76 |
| International | $86 |
| Total | $162 |
Comparison with Other Marvel and Disney Releases
Thunderbolts had a successful launch, but its debut lags behind some of Marvel’s highest openers. For example, Avengers: Endgame debuted with $1.2 billion globally, and Black Panther earned $202 million domestically in its first weekend.
Compared to MCU films released in the last two years, Thunderbolts ranks in the upper-middle range for box office openings. It opens ahead of movies like Eternals ($161 million worldwide first weekend) but falls short of hits like Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Disney’s other 2025 releases so far, like the Minecraft movie and Wicked, report solid but not extraordinary box office results. Thunderbolts stands out as strong, especially after a slow start to the year for superhero films.
International Market Performance
Thunderbolts secured $86 million from international theaters during its first weekend. China was a major contributor, representing one of the largest overseas markets for Marvel and Disney films. The United Kingdom, Mexico, and Brazil also posted impressive numbers, each helping to solidify the film’s global impact.
International audiences played a significant role in the film’s overall performance. In China, advance sales and strong marketing led to high attendance. The United Kingdom saw steady turnouts, supported by major cinema chains. Latin American territories like Mexico and Brazil responded particularly well, with strong weekend numbers compared to other MCU films released this year.
Thunderbolts’ global draw demonstrates Marvel’s continued popularity outside North America. Its performance in these key regions could influence the pacing of future Disney and Marvel international releases.
Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
Thunderbolts* sparked a strong response from both critics and moviegoers thanks to its surprising box office numbers and complex themes. It brought renewed attention to Marvel’s ability to mix character-driven storytelling with action, shining a light on nuanced issues like depression and personal goals.
Critical Reviews and Audience Scores
Critics’ reviews for Thunderbolts* were mixed, with many praising the ensemble cast’s chemistry while noting the film took dark turns not often seen in Marvel movies. The average critical score settled in the mid-60s, reflecting appreciation for risks taken, but also some disappointment in pacing and tone.
Audience scores tracked higher, averaging around 75%. Fans appreciated the grittier approach and exploration of heavier subjects, such as suicide and descent into personal struggles. Online forums buzzed with debate over the film’s thematic boldness, particularly its honest portrayal of mental health. Younger viewers connected with the characters’ flawed but relatable stories.
Cast Performances and Standout Roles
Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena was a standout, with many viewers calling her the emotional core of the film. She balanced vulnerability and strength, especially in scenes dealing with grief and depression. Sebastian Stan, returning as Bucky Barnes, delivered a quiet but intense performance, capturing the struggle of working through trauma.
David Harbour’s return as Red Guardian brought humor and a sense of resilience. The way he manifested both the flaws and desires of his character gave depth to team dynamics. Viewers highlighted several scenes where the cast’s interactions felt genuine, noting how these moments helped the audience connect with the ensemble on a more personal level.
Themes and Messaging in Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts* centered around difficult topics such as depression, suicide, and the descent into personal doubt. Rather than shy away from these issues, the movie placed them front and center, giving characters time to address their struggles openly. The story encouraged viewers to reflect on how goals and desires can be shaped by past trauma.
The film’s messaging focused on personal growth and team support, showing how unity can help individuals rise above inner turmoil. Thunderbolts* offered an honest look at how people manage setbacks, with characters supporting each other through manifesting their goals, even as they navigated moral gray areas. This resonated with audiences looking for stories grounded in real emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thunderbolts made a significant impact at the global box office with a $162 million debut. Many factors, from marketing to international reception, played key roles in this performance.
What factors contributed to the Thunderbolts’ strong opening weekend?
Thunderbolts benefited from an established Marvel fan base and strong promotional efforts. The movie’s release date gave it little direct competition from other major releases. Well-timed trailers and social media buzz also helped drive early interest.
How does Thunderbolts’ box office debut compare with other superhero film openings?
Thunderbolts opened with $76 million domestically and $162 million worldwide. While not among Marvel’s biggest launches, this result is still solid compared to other superhero films released in recent years. It outperformed many mid-tier entries but did not reach the heights of Avengers-level debuts.
Can Thunderbolts maintain its box office momentum in the coming weeks?
The film’s future box office success depends on audience word-of-mouth and reviews. Competition from upcoming summer releases may affect its numbers. If reactions remain positive, Thunderbolts can expect steady earnings, but large drops are possible if new films draw attention away.
What is the estimated production budget for Thunderbolts?
Marvel and Disney have not released an exact figure. Industry estimates place Thunderbolts’ production budget between $150 and $200 million. Marketing and distribution costs are not included in this estimate.
How have international markets contributed to Thunderbolts’ overall box office performance?
International markets accounted for about $86.1 million of Thunderbolts’ global opening. The film performed well in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This strong overseas turnout helped boost the worldwide total.
What impact will Thunderbolts’ financial success have on future franchise installments?
A strong opening like this encourages Marvel Studios to move forward with sequels or spin-offs. It supports confidence in the franchise and can affect decisions about future casting and budgets. Continued box office performance will further shape plans for new installments.
