‘Thunderbolts*’ Strikes Streaming Success After Becoming One of MCU’s Biggest Box Office Flops

Thunderbolts* is becoming a hit on streaming after struggling at the box office. The film is an important part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga, introducing the team as the new Avengers, which explains the meaning behind the title’s secretive asterisk.

Its post-credits scene also teased the arrival of the Fantastic Four’s spaceship in the MCU’s main universe.

Despite its significance, Thunderbolts* did not perform well in theaters. The film finished its global box office run with $382.4 million, falling short of the $425 million that Variety reported was needed to break even.

In the United States and Canada, it earned $190.3 million, while international markets added $192.2 million. This made it one of the lowest-grossing MCU films so far.

The film’s move to streaming is already showing promise. Thunderbolts* debuted at number three on Disney+’s Top Ten Movies chart, signaling strong interest from viewers who may have missed it in theaters. Its performance on streaming could help the film reach a wider audience and give it a new life beyond its box office numbers.

Thunderbolts* is the 36th film in the MCU. It was directed by Jake Schreier with a screenplay by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. The film features an ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

The story follows a group of antiheroes caught in a deadly trap who must work together on a dangerous mission.

Critics have responded positively to the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, 88% of 375 reviews were favorable. The site said, “Assembling a ragtag band of underdogs with Florence Pugh as their magnetic standout, Thunderbolts* refreshingly goes back to the tried-and-true blueprint of the MCU’s best adventures.”

Even though Thunderbolts* struggled in theaters, its success on Disney+ shows that there is still strong interest in the story and the characters. Streaming could give it a second chance to connect with fans and grow its audience.

It’s clear that Thunderbolts has more potential on streaming than it did in theaters. Marvel fans who missed it at the box office now have a chance to see it, and strong streaming numbers could make the film more appreciated over time. Do you think Thunderbolts* deserves a second chance on Disney+? Share your thoughts in the comments.