Marvel's "Thunderbolts" Powers Through Box Office with $76M Opening Weekend

Marvel’s latest film, Thunderbolts, just launched the summer movie season with a strong debut, pulling in an estimated $76 million in ticket sales across the U.S. and Canada during its first three days in theaters. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of Captain America: Brave New World, which opened at $88.8 million, the numbers still reflect a solid turnout and plenty of fan interest.

International audiences also showed up, adding another $86.1 million to the total. That puts Thunderbolts at a global box office of $162.1 million right out of the gate, according to distributor Walt Disney.

This is the 36th installment in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it brings together a unique team of flawed heroes played by Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour. The storyline revolves around this group of unlikely allies being pushed to work together to face off against a major threat. It’s gritty, darker in tone, and filled with complex character dynamics, a refreshing shift from the usual superhero formula.

The movie industry has been slowly trying to climb back to its pre-pandemic glory days, and blockbuster season, which runs from early May to Labor Day, plays a huge role. Summer ticket sales typically account for about 40% of the year’s box office revenue, so the performance of films like Thunderbolts is a key indicator of how the industry might fare in 2025.

Whether you're a Marvel fan or just in the mood for an action-packed ride with some emotionally rich storytelling, Thunderbolts might be the film to catch this weekend.