‘Thunderbolts*’ Scores Record-Breaking Tuesday Opening for MCU Film
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest release, ‘Thunderbolts*’, is making waves at the box office. On its first Tuesday, the film pulled in a strong $7.6 million domestically. That’s a 48% leap from its Monday earnings, setting a new high for the biggest Monday-to-Tuesday jump in MCU history. This achievement stands out, especially for a movie featuring a team of lesser-known antiheroes.
Directed by Jake Schreier, ‘Thunderbolts*’ brings together a gritty ensemble led by Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, alongside Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and others like Wyatt Russell and Hannah John-Kamen. The story follows these misfits, caught in a deadly trap, forced to team up for a high-stakes mission. Its fresh take, blending dark humor with grounded action, has resonated with audiences, earning an ‘A-’ CinemaScore and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
To put this in context, I looked at other MCU films and their first Tuesday jumps. ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in 2021 saw a 36% increase, pulling in $24.1 million, driven by its massive fanbase and multiverse hype. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ in 2019 had a 32% jump with $33.1 million, fueled by its status as the culmination of a decade-long saga. Both were juggernauts, but their percentage gains pale next to ‘Thunderbolts*’.
On the flip side, ‘Eternals’ in 2021 managed only a 22% uptick, earning $7.1 million, as its dense mythology struggled to connect. ‘The Marvels’ in 2023 fared worse, with a meager 18% rise and $4.8 million, reflecting its lukewarm reception.
What makes ‘Thunderbolts*’ unique is its focus on characters who aren’t traditional heroes. Unlike the star-studded ‘Avengers’ or iconic leads like Iron Man, this team includes figures like Taskmaster and Ghost, previously seen in supporting roles in ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. Yet, the film’s strong word-of-mouth and critical praise—boasting an 88% ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes—suggest it’s striking a chord.
The movie’s $76 million opening weekend was solid but modest by MCU standards, trailing behind ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ ($88.8 million) and far from ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ ($211 million). Still, its Tuesday surge hints at staying power, especially with minimal competition until ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’ hit later in May. Marvel’s unconventional move to rebrand billboards as ‘The New Avengers’ might also boost interest, tying it to the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.
For now, ‘Thunderbolts*’ is proving that even the MCU’s underdogs can pack a punch. Its record-setting Tuesday jump shows audiences are showing up, and I’m curious to see if it can keep this momentum going.