Movies

Marvel Studios’ Box Office Crashes: The Shocking Failures of Recent MCU Films

BBG News

Lately, Marvel Studios has experienced a drop in box office success, with only one out of their last four movies generating substantial profits. Previously celebrated for its unbroken streak of blockbusters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is now confronting increasing difficulties as audience engagement decreases and reviews from critics have grown more varied.

As a movie aficionado throughout the 2010s, I can attest to Marvel Studios’ unrivaled reign at the box office. Each release from their stable was not just a success but a blockbuster hit that left audiences in awe and wallets lighter. The profitability of these titles was assured, with many crossing the $1 billion threshold effortlessly, solidifying the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) influence on pop culture. The decade reached its climax with Avengers: Endgame, which obliterated records and amassed an astonishing $2.7 billion globally, underscoring the MCU’s indomitable power in the world of cinema.

Over the past few years, the once unbeatable franchise has faced struggles, with several films not meeting expectations and one being a significant disappointment. Although various reasons contribute to this inconsistency, a crucial turning point took place in the late 2010s when Marvel Studios began expanding its projects to Disney+ series production, leading them to stretch themselves too thin. Despite this, some recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films that were anticipated as flops actually turned out to be unexpected successes.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t help but ponder the recent shakeup in Marvel Studios’ strategic direction and reflect on the impact it’s had on their latest four movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here’s my take on which film truly reigned supreme at the box office.

In retrospect, I believe “Avengers: Endgame” was the standout among these recent releases due to a perfect blend of storytelling, character development, and emotional resonance that left audiences craving more. The other films, while entertaining in their own rights, simply didn’t capture the same level of excitement, anticipation, or emotional investment that “Endgame” did – factors crucial for driving ticket sales and ensuring a film’s success at the box office.

The Marvels

Retrospectively, this was the biggest box office bomb in MCU history, and it’s not even close.

In a remarkable setback for Marvel Studios, The Marvels marked their costliest flop yet. Featuring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani, this sequel to Captain Marvel fell short of anticipation, earning only $84.5 million domestically and a total of $206.1 million worldwide. With a production budget of $275 million, the movie ended up costing Disney an estimated $237 million. Although its release during the SAG-AFTRA strike impacted promotional efforts, the poor audience turnout led Marvel to reconsider their strategy for both film and television productions.

In numerous aspects, “The Marvels” functioned as a warning that the MCU, once highly influential, could no longer solely depend on their established reputation. Significantly, none of the trio from “The Marvels” were part of the official cast for “Avengers: Doomsday“.

Deadpool & Wolverine

2024 saw Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” as their sole release for the year. This movie marked a significant comeback, shattering box office records to become the highest-grossing R-rated film in history and the sixth-highest earning MCU movie, surpassing 2018’s “Black Panther.” It also emerged as the highest-earning X-Men or Deadpool film, raking in a staggering $1.33 billion globally.

The movie’s triumphant performance strongly demonstrates the lasting appeal of the Deadpool series, the immense anticipation surrounding Hugh Jackman’s comeback as Wolverine, and the potency of narrative-focused storytelling. Most significantly, it hints at Marvel Studios’ intention to capitalize extensively on their recently regained X-Men rights as they move towards what is expected to be a soft reboot following Avengers: Secret Wars.

Captain America: Brave New World

In the fourth movie featuring Captain America, where Anthony Mackie’s character Sam Wilson assumes the role, the film titled “Brave New World” failed to leave a lasting impression. It received negative reviews from critics and only modest reactions from audiences. Despite earning $415.1 million globally, this is significantly less than the $719.8 million earned by the 2014 release, “The Winter Soldier.” This discrepancy becomes even more troubling when accounting for inflation.

The specifics of the budget are still vague because numerous reshoots occurred, which probably increased costs and made earning a profit more challenging. Even though it surpassed $400 million, it’s only the seventh-lowest-grossing Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, suggesting that Sam Wilson’s individual Captain America movies may not have a bright future. Although there could be revenue from streaming and merchandise, this film appears to be a misstep for a franchise that has been one of Marvel’s most successful since its debut.

Thunderbolts* / The New Avengers

Even as Thunderbolts* continues its successful run at the box office, beginning on May 2, Marvel Studios decided to make a daring marketing shift, renaming the movie to The New Avengers. This alteration, while revealing a significant plot twist prematurely, seemed to be effective as the film only dropped by 56.4% in its second weekend. So far, it has accumulated a total of $332 million globally, with over $162 million earned domestically. Analysts predict the domestic earnings will fall between $200–$210 million in the end.

The movie, titled Thunderbolts, received high praise from both critics and audiences, earning an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 94% audience score. Yet, despite this positive reception, the film hasn’t been a blockbuster at the box office. This could be due to its competition with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, one of the most successful original films in recent memory.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment as I predict that Thunderbolts might not reach the heights expected in the MCU earnings, given its theatrical momentum seems to be waning. With a hefty $180 million budget and a direct connection to Avengers: Doomsday, this team-up film had enormous potential. However, its moderate reception suggests that Marvel fans’ expectations are evolving, and the impact of Disney+’s content strategy is still being felt.

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2025-05-24 05:06

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