After starting things off this year on a mediocre note withCaptain America: Brave New World, Marvel turned things around completely withThunderbolts*, one of their best-reviewed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s hard to believe that the film kicked off the summer movie season back in early May, as we’ve been gifted with a plethora of tentpole releases that defined summer moviegoing, but it still stands as one of the best films released during the action-packed season. With the summer coming to an end soon and more time likely being spent at home, fans ofThunderbolts*will be able to check out the film very soonfrom the comfort of their own couch.
It has officially been announced thatThunderbolts*will begin streaming on Disney+ on August 27. Kudos to Disney for not rushing the film onto the streaming service because the movie opened in theaters on May 2, which is a healthy gap between its theatrical debut and its streaming release. While some films seemed to be rushed out on digital or streaming before a movie’s box office tenure is completed, it’s refreshing to see that Disney wasn’t in a hurry to make it one of their streaming titles.
‘Thunderbolts*’ Deserved Better at the Box Office
Thunderboltswas a creative breath of fresh air for Marvel, reminding fans of what their films are capable of when the focus is on characters over spectacle. The filmearned rave reviews, registering an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes with a consensus that reads, “Assembling a ragtag band of underdogs with Florence Pugh as their magnetic standout,Thunderboltsrefreshingly goes back to the tried-and-true-blueprint of the MCU’s best adventures.” However, despite an impressive opening weekend, some might sayThunderbolts*ultimatelyunderperformed at the box office, despite its glowing reception.
The movie opened to $74.3 million during its opening weekend, beneath the $88.5 million opening ofCaptain America: Brave New World, although that film was aided by the Presidents' Day holiday weekend. By the end of its run, Thunderbolts* grossed $190.3 million domestically and $382.4 million worldwide, making it one of the lowest-grossing films in the MCU. Some box office analysts believed that the film needed to gross $425 million globally to break even due to its $180 million budget and marketing costs.
That being said,Thunderbolts*,or should we say,The New Avengers, did what it needed to do in terms of rebuilding goodwill with fans of the MCU who may have felt slighted by the creative direction of some of the recent films. It established a ragtag team of misfits that fans are likely dying to see again inAvengers: Doomsday, while also givingThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsa bit of momentum before it opened in July by achieving solid marks across the board with critics. Its performance at the box office, plus digital, and what’s sure to be a successful run on Disney+, should make Marvel Studios happy in the end.
Thunderbolts*hits Disney+ on Aug. 27.
Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* sees several MCU villains and anti-heroes return to join forces. This group of seven disillusioned individuals finds themselves caught in a lethal trap. Their only chance at survival lies in embarking on a dangerous mission, one that forces them to confront their troubled pasts and darkest secrets.
