Thunderbolts* Launches Summer Movie Season with Solid Box Office Debut

“Thunderbolts*” has launched the summer movie season with a notable domestic debut of $76 million, which falls short of typical Marvel openings that usually exceed $100 million. Nevertheless, as it features lesser-known characters compared to established heroes like Deadpool and Thor, its performance aligns more closely with previous Marvel films such as “Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings” and “Eternals.” Critics and audiences have responded positively, granting the film an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A-” CinemaScore, suggesting strong potential for ongoing ticket sales. Analysts regard the opening as a solid start for a new superhero narrative, marking it above average for the genre.

Globally, “Thunderbolts*” grossed $162.1 million over the weekend, bolstered by $86.1 million from international markets. The film, which features characters like Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova, had a production budget of $180 million and marketing costs around $100 million. Disney is optimistic that “Thunderbolts*” will signify a resurgence in superhero films featuring new characters, after recent underperformances in the genre. The film’s positive reception may help it sustain box office success, especially with blockbuster entries like “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and Warner Bros.’ “Superman” set for release later in the summer.

In the weekend box office rankings, “Sinners,” an R-rated vampire thriller, maintained its strong position with $33 million in its third weekend, while “A Minecraft Movie” followed at No. 3 with $13.5 million. Additional films like “The Accountant 2” and “Until Dawn” rounded out the top five, illustrating a competitive landscape as the summer season progresses. Overall, domestic box office revenues are up 15.8% compared to 2024, signaling a resurgence in theater attendance as the industry rebounds from recent challenges.

Source: VARIETY