The much-anticipated Marvel antihero team-up film kicks off summer 2025 with global earnings projected between $160M–$180M. Can it revive the MCU’s box office magic?
April 30, 2025: Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts officially launches its global theatrical run today, igniting hopes of a box office comeback for the superhero franchise. Early projections suggest a domestic opening between $70–80 million and international numbers ranging from $90–100 million, putting the film in the same bracket as past Phase 4 debuts like Black Widow ($218M global) and Eternals ($161M global).
What’s Fueling the Buzz?
Directed by Jake Schreier and penned by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, Thunderbolts features an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It follows a band of misfit antiheroes forced into an uneasy alliance on a redemptive mission—blending Suicide Squad-style chaos with classic Marvel action.
Timeline & Production
- Development teased: 2021
- Official announcement: June 2022
- Filming: February–June 2024, spanning locations in Atlanta, Utah, and Kuala Lumpur
- Delays: 2023 Hollywood labor strike caused temporary setbacks
Can It Match Marvel’s Previous Benchmarks?
While the film benefits from a star-heavy lineup and strong early reviews, it faces stiff competition from high-profile releases like Sinners and Minecraft. Still, if it achieves its projected range, Thunderbolts could land a top-five MCU opening for the post-Endgame era.
- Black Widow (2021): $218M global opening
- Eternals (2021): $161M global opening
- Shang-Chi (2021): $128M global opening
- Thunderbolts (Projected): $160–180M global opening
The film releases in the U.S. on May 2, and strong domestic performance in the opening weekend will be crucial to building momentum.
Tags: Thunderbolts, Marvel Studios, Marvel Phase 5, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Box Office 2025, MCU Antiheroes, Black Widow, Eternals, Jake Schreier, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Summer Movie 2025