New York — Marvel Studios’ latest release, “Thunderbolts,” debuted at the top of the domestic box office, grossing an estimated $76 million over the weekend. This opening marks a significant launch for the film, although it did not reach the blockbuster heights that many of Marvel’s previous films have achieved. Industry experts had speculated whether “Thunderbolts,” featuring an ensemble of antiheroes akin to the “Avengers,” could rejuvenate the studio’s box office fortunes.
Despite positive critical reception, including an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a strong “A-” from CinemaScore audiences, the film’s performance mirrors that of earlier Marvel entries like “The Eternals” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” which opened with $71 million and $75 million respectively. The mixed results have prompted discussions about Marvel’s struggle to recapture its past momentum, as franchise fatigue seems to be setting in.
Directed by Jake Schreier and featuring stars such as Florence Pugh and David Harbour, “Thunderbolts” benefitted from good word-of-mouth, potentially aiding its performance in the coming weeks. Many in the industry believe that the film could gain traction as it continues its theatrical run, despite recent competition flush with massive hits.
With a production budget of approximately $180 million, “Thunderbolts” also earned an additional $86.1 million from international markets. The film serves as a precursor to the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which will include the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” slated for release in late July.
However, the opening weekend was not without its challenges, as rival films brought strong performances as well. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” held up impressively in its third weekend, collecting $33 million and pushing its domestic total to $179.7 million. This 1932-set vampire film has continued to resonate with audiences, indicating that moviegoers are still excited about original content in theaters.
In addition, “A Minecraft Movie,” a successful adaptation of the popular video game, secured third place with $13.7 million this weekend. This film has been particularly popular, bringing its North American earnings to nearly $400 million, with a worldwide total exceeding $873 million. The studio even added special screenings to enhance the viewing experience, catering to dedicated fans.
Meanwhile, “Rust,” the drama that has become emblematic of significant industry tragedies, had a muted opening. Following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set, its release attracted attention for different reasons. Estimates suggest the film earned about $25,000 from 115 theaters, offering closure to a painful chapter for the production team but showing that audience interest may be limited.
Adding to the weekend’s mix, new release “The Surfer,” featuring Nicolas Cage, brought in a modest $674,560 from 884 theaters, highlighting the competitive landscape for new films.
As box office results are finalized, industry analysts will be keeping an eye on “Thunderbolts” to see if it can convert strong reviews into enduring success, while hoping to gauge if Marvel can pull itself back to its former box office glory. The weekend’s results underline the challenges facing studios while competing for the attention of moviegoers eager for fresh content.