At the box office, Marvel's Thunderbolts* is a success.

Again, Marvel Studios has done well at the box office, this time with a movie that started out with mixed reviews. Thunderbolts, a bold new installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has defied skeptics and industry forecasts to emerge as a genuine box office hit. The film has captivated audiences all over the world and is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about Marvel films of recent years. It brings together a team of anti-heroes and characters with morally questionable traits. Thunderbolts has grossed an impressive $185 million worldwide as of its opening weekend, with $92 million coming from domestic markets and the remainder from international audiences. The film is on track to surpass several of its more traditionally "heroic" MCU predecessors thanks to positive reviews, buzz on social media, and word of mouth. A chance that paid off The Thunderbolts are not well-known, at least not yet, like the Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy. By focusing on a team of anti-heroes and former villains, Marvel took a creative risk. Characters like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), John Walker aka U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), and Red Guardian (David Harbour) headline this gritty ensemble.

Thunderbolts brings these complex characters together under the watchful eye of Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) in the aftermath of Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and other Phase 4 titles. The film has received praise from both fans and critics for its darker tone, character-driven plots, and surprising emotional depth. It appears that Marvel's decision to move away from the more comedic or cosmic tones seen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 or Thor: Love and Thunder has paid off. Thunderbolts delivered on the promise of something grittier, more grounded, and morally nuanced for the audience. Star Power and Standout Performances

A large part of the film’s success can be attributed to its all-star cast. As Yelena Belova, Florence Pugh once more shines, displaying both action skill and emotional range. Her chemistry with David Harbour’s Red Guardian provides moments of humor and heart that balance the film’s darker themes.

With finesse, Sebastian Stan explores Bucky Barnes' ongoing redemption story and inner conflict with a haunted intensity. In the interim, Wyatt Russell as a U.S. Agent portrays a man torn between duty, ego, and morality, adding unpredictable energy and tension to the team dynamic. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, known for her comedic genius, plays Valentina with unexpected menace and manipulation, establishing herself as the next great power broker in the MCU. Even newcomers to the series, like Hannah John-Kamen reprising her role as Ghost, have their moments of brilliance. A New Kind of Movie with a Team The tone and structure of Thunderbolts set it apart from other MCU team-up movies. Rather than uniting for noble causes, the characters are brought together by necessity, coercion, and hidden agendas. The end result is a story that has more edge and complexity, which is a welcome change for Marvel fans who have long desired darker storytelling. Director Jake Schreier balances high-octane action with psychological depth, giving each character room to evolve while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high. The cinematography is more subdued and gritty than the usual Marvel sheen, reflecting the film’s grounded sensibilities.

Critics have pointed out that Thunderbolts often feels more like a spy thriller or war film than a traditional superhero movie — and that’s exactly what many fans were hoping for.

Box Office Breakdown

On its opening weekend, Thunderbolts exceeded industry expectations. Here’s a closer look at its financial performance:

$92 million for domestic opening Opening to the World: $93 Million Global Total (Opening Weekend): $185 million

The film performed especially well in key international markets, including the UK, South Korea, Australia, and Brazil. Analysts predict it could cross the $600 million global mark within its first month, especially if its positive momentum continues.

In terms of initial ticket sales, Thunderbolts is performing better than Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, both recent MCU entries. It’s a clear sign that audiences are eager for something different — a grittier, riskier kind of Marvel storytelling.

Critical and Audience Response

Rotten Tomatoes currently lists Thunderbolts with a critic score of 83% and an audience score of 91%, reflecting strong reception across the board. Reviewers have praised its tightly woven plot, emotional depth, and sharp performances, while fans have taken to social media to celebrate its bold direction.

Common praise includes:

“The best Marvel ensemble since Civil War.”

"Career-defining performances from Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan" "Finally, a Marvel film that once more feels dangerous." While the film isn’t without its flaws — some critics cite a slightly uneven second act or underutilized side characters — the overall reception is one of excitement and renewed faith in Marvel’s storytelling range.

What This Means for the MCU

Thunderbolts represents a significant turning point in Marvel’s Phase 5. After some fatigue from back-to-back cosmic adventures and multiverse narratives, this film anchors the franchise back on Earth, dealing with real-world consequences, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity.

It also lays the groundwork for several future storylines. With Valentina clearly pulling strings behind the scenes, and with lingering questions about certain characters' loyalties and fates, Thunderbolts opens the door for future spin-offs, sequel potential, and deeper exploration of the MCU’s shadowy underworld.

Moreover, the film successfully revitalizes several characters who had previously felt underutilized. Bucky Barnes gets the depth and redemption arc fans have long awaited, and Yelena firmly establishes herself as one of the MCU’s new leading figures.

Shopping, Streaming, and More Marvel is also expected to benefit from strong merchandising tied to Thunderbolts, particularly with figures and collectibles of the unique team. Tie-in comics and novels are reportedly on the way, and speculation is already building around a possible Disney+ spinoff series focusing on Valentina’s past and future agenda.

The film is expected to hit Disney+ later in the year, potentially boosting the platform’s subscriber numbers as fans return for rewatches and analysis.

Last Thoughts Marvel’s Thunderbolts may have begun as a risky bet, but it’s one that has paid off in a big way. With strong performances, a gripping narrative, and a refreshing tone, the film has carved out its own identity within the vast MCU — and audiences have responded with enthusiasm.

The success of Thunderbolts demonstrates, as Marvel looks to the future, a strong desire for darker, character-driven stories that push the boundaries of the superhero genre. If this film is any indication, the next phase of Marvel storytelling is shaping up to be its most ambitious — and perhaps its most exciting — yet.