Thunderbolts, the latest movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has officially hit theaters and ended its opening day with a moderate performance. While it was expected to earn more due to the Marvel brand, it opened to lower numbers than expected, especially when compared to the last MCU film, Captain America: Brave New World. Still, it’s getting positive reactions from critics and viewers alike.
Thunderbolts Opens to Good Reviews
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts is the 36th film in the ever-growing MCU. The superhero movie was released in North American theaters on May 2, 2025, and has received mostly positive reviews. Critics have praised the direction and performances, especially by Florence Pugh, who is being highlighted as one of the film’s strongest aspects. Many are calling it one of the better Marvel films in recent times.
Even among regular moviegoers, Thunderbolts is enjoying positive word-of-mouth. Fans appreciate the fresh take and action-packed storytelling, which could help the film perform better in the long run.
Day 1 Box Office Collection: A Mixed Start
From Thursday night previews alone, Thunderbolts earned $11.5 million. On Friday, its first full day in theaters, the film brought in $31.5 million in North America. While that might sound like a solid number, it’s a bit underwhelming by MCU standards.
Unlike other Marvel movies that are directly connected to the Avengers or are part of a sequel chain, Thunderbolts doesn’t carry those advantages. This could explain why the opening is decent but not record-breaking.
How It Compares to Captain America: Brave New World
When compared to Captain America: Brave New World, which was the last MCU release, Thunderbolts has earned much less. Brave New World made $40.91 million on its opening day, including previews. That means Thunderbolts earned around 23% less than its predecessor on day one.
International Numbers and Global Collection
Outside of North America, Thunderbolts collected $18 million on Friday alone. Adding that to its earlier overseas earnings, the film’s international 3-day total now stands at $47.2 million.
When you combine the North American gross ($31.5 million) with the overseas collection, the movie has so far made $78.7 million worldwide.
Weekend Box Office Predictions
Based on the current trend, Thunderbolts is projected to earn between $74 million and $79 million in North America by the end of its opening weekend. Globally, it’s expected to reach somewhere between $159 million and $169 million.
Final Thoughts
While Thunderbolts hasn’t set the box office on fire, it’s still a solid opening for a non-Avengers Marvel film. With good reviews and positive buzz, the movie might hold well in the coming days. Fans of the MCU and newcomers alike seem to be enjoying this fresh entry, which could lead to better results in the long run.
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