The film “Thunderbolts” kicked off the summer movie season strongly, debuting domestically with $76 million.
While this figure is somewhat lower compared to typical Marvel openings, which often exceed $100 million, “Thunderbolts” features lesser-known characters than the likes of Deadpool, Wolverine, and Thor. Its ticket sales align with other introductions of new Marvel heroes, such as “Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings” ($75 million) and “Eternals” ($71 million). Analysts anticipate that the film will benefit from positive reviews and an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a commendable “A-” from CinemaScore exit polls. This signals a potential turnaround after recent releases like “Captain America: Brave New World” and “The Marvels” received poor reviews.
David A. Gross, head of Franchise Entertainment Research, remarked, “This is a very good opening for a new superhero story. While it may not rank among the top-tier superhero launches, it is above average for the genre, and for this context, average is a significant figure.”
Worldwide, “Thunderbolts” grossed $162.1 million over the weekend, including $86.1 million from international markets. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film brings together a team of antiheroes, including Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Red Guardian (David Harbour), who unite for a perilous mission.
Produced at a cost of $180 million and approximately $100 million for marketing, the film’s critical reception and public word-of-mouth are expected to sustain its presence in theaters, validating its high production costs. Disney aims for “Thunderbolts” to signal a revival in superhero films, especially after familiar titles like “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” found success, whereas recent ventures like “The Marvels” fell short.
In the second spot, the film “Sinners” garnered an additional $33 million in its third week, only a 28% decline from its previous weekend. The vampire thriller, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, continues to perform robustly at the box office, accumulating $181 million domestically and $57 million internationally for a total of $236 million globally.
Overall, “Thunderbolts” marks the commencement of the summer movie season, which lasts from May to August, typically the most lucrative period for theaters. With the Memorial Day weekend approaching, additional blockbusters like Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” and Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” are expected to boost box office numbers.
