THUNDERBOLTS Strikes with Seventy-Six Million Dollars Debut, Igniting 2025 Summer Box Office

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
THUNDERBOLTS Strikes with Seventy-Six Million Dollars Debut, Igniting 2025 Summer Box Office
THUNDERBOLTS
Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah

Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS launched the 2025 summer movie season with a solid $76 million domestic opening weekend, securing the top spot at the box office from May 2-4, 2025. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film features a ragtag team of antiheroes, including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, and David Harbour’s Red Guardian, uniting for a high-stakes mission.

Globally, the film grossed $162.1 million, with $86.1 million from international markets like China ($10.4 million) and the UK ($7.7 million). While the debut falls short of Marvel’s more explosive openings, such as DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’s $211 million, it aligns with projections and outperforms last year’s summer kickoff, THE FALL GUY ($27.7 million), signaling a robust start for the season.

The film’s performance is bolstered by strong critical and audience reception, earning an 88% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, a stark contrast to the poorly received Captain America: Brave New World (48% on Rotten Tomatoes, B- CinemaScore). With a $180 million production budget and $100 million in marketing, THUNDERBOTS needs sustained box office legs to break even, but its positive word-of-mouth and lack of major competition until FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES on May 16 provide a clear runway. 

The film’s edgy, irreverent tone, amplified by promotional campaigns with brands like Tide and Harley-Davidson, resonates with its core demographic being 64% male and 61% under 35. While Pugh’s star power draws a broader audience. This debut sets an optimistic tone for Marvel’s summer slate, including THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS on July 25.
THUNDERBOLTS’ opening reflects both Marvel’s enduring appeal and the challenges facing the superhero genre in a post-Avengers: Endgame era. While the $76 million domestic haul is modest compared to Marvel’s historical blockbusters, it outperforms other MCU films introducing lesser-known characters, like SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND of TEN RINGS ($75 million) and ETERNALS ($71 million).

The film’s success is a critical step for Marvel to regain momentum after recent box office struggles, with analysts noting its strong reviews could drive repeat viewings and help it approach the $450 million global break-even point. As Hollywood banks on a robust summer led by titles like LILO & STITCH and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING, THUNDERBOLTS has laid a promising foundation, proving there’s still thunder in Marvel’s cinematic universe.

Comments

MORE FROM
entertainment

More From 3Music News

Claudia George Brings Art Home with MERIDIAN LOVE AFFAIR
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 10th, 2025

Claudia George Brings Art Home with MERIDIAN LOVE AFFAIR

British-Ghanaian artist Claudia George is bringing her artistry full circle with the upcoming MERIDIAN LOVE AFFAIR Exhibition, opening at the Ghana National Museum on Thursday, November 13, 2025, and running through November 18.

Lali X Lola Call for Bilateral Tax Treaties to Protect Ghanaian Artistes’ Royalties
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 10th, 2025

Lali X Lola Call for Bilateral Tax Treaties to Protect Ghanaian Artistes’ Royalties

Ghanaian music duo Lali X Lola have formally submitted a request to the Minister of Finance and Parliament, urging the government to negotiate bilateral tax treaties that would enable Ghana to recover withheld international royalties and strengthen the nation’s creative economy.

10th Edition of BHIM Festival Rescheduled to 24th December 2025
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 10th, 2025

10th Edition of BHIM Festival Rescheduled to 24th December 2025

The Burniton Music Group (BMG) and the BHIM Festival Secretariat have officially announced a change in the date for the 10th edition of the BHIM Festival. Originally scheduled for 26th December 2025, the highly anticipated event will now take place on 24th December 2025 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Fameye Lights Up London with 2 IN A GUY Tour Stop
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 10th, 2025

Fameye Lights Up London with 2 IN A GUY Tour Stop

Ghanaian music sensation Fameye delivered an unforgettable night of live music and culture in London as part of his ongoing 2 IN A GUY UK Tour, held at The Steel Yard on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Asake Makes History with Red Bull Symphonic
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 10th, 2025

Asake Makes History with Red Bull Symphonic

Nigerian music powerhouse Asake has made history as the first African artiste to headline the United States edition of Red Bull Symphonic. This globally acclaimed live-music series pairs leading contemporary artistes with full symphony orchestras.

Cina Soul Set to Light Up December with CINCITY Concert
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 9th, 2025

Cina Soul Set to Light Up December with CINCITY Concert

Ghanaian singer and songwriter Cina Soul has announced that she will be headlining her very own concert this December, promising an unforgettable night of live music, emotions and connection with her fans.

2026 GRAMMYs: Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Eddy Kenzo Nominated for Best African Music Performance
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

2026 GRAMMYs: Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Eddy Kenzo Nominated for Best African Music Performance

The Recording Academy has unveiled the nominees for the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, spotlighting some of the continent’s most influential and dynamic artistes.

Ed Sheeran is set to deliver a truly unique performance experience with One Shot.
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Ed Sheeran is set to deliver a truly unique performance experience with One Shot.

Premiering on 21 November, the new Netflix special captures the award-winning singer-songwriter performing his greatest hits across New York City all in one continuous, uninterrupted take.

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer to Star in August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE on Broadway
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer to Star in August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE on Broadway

Hollywood star Taraji P. Henson is officially heading to Broadway for the first time, joining comedy legend Cedric the Entertainer in a new revival of August Wilson’s acclaimed play JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE.

First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic MICHEAL Released
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic MICHEAL Released

The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew who steps into his uncle’s shoes to portray one of music’s most influential figures. Known for his striking resemblance and vocal likeness to the late icon, Jaafar brings a personal connection to the role that has already generated considerable excitement among fans worldwide.

“The Modern Church Is Losing Focus As Faith Has Become a Business of Needs and Noise” - Kojo Delong
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

“The Modern Church Is Losing Focus As Faith Has Become a Business of Needs and Noise” - Kojo Delong

The devil has never done anything original,” he noted. “He only fakes what God has already done. So, if you’re not discerning, you’ll fall for the counterfeit.”

Fashion is Not an Accessory in Music, It’s a Storyteller
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Fashion is Not an Accessory in Music, It’s a Storyteller

Fashion designer and CEO of Chapters Couture, Robert Raymond Cudjoe, has become one of the strongest advocates for this movement, arguing that fashion is far more than an accessory in music it is a vital storytelling tool that shapes an artiste’s identity, performance and legacy.

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper