Movies

Is Thunderbolts a Sign of Trouble for the Future of the MCU?

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Guys, I’m really concerned about the state of Marvel, but it’s not for the reasons that you think.

Should you be acquainted with me, it’s evident that my affection lies with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In fact, for quite some time, I’ve been a devoted Marvel enthusiast, and even now, I eagerly anticipate any forthcoming MCU movie or Marvel TV series. Thus, it goes without saying that I was incredibly thrilled about the prospect of Thunderbolts*.

Given the latest updates on the movie, I must confess I’m quite anxious about where this cinematic world might be heading… and how it could affect the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the long run. So, let’s dive right in!

The Film Itself Has A Great Story, A Wonderful Cast, A Fantastic Message, And Awesome Effects

In essence, I won’t be using this piece to criticize the film heavily since I truly enjoyed Thunderbolts. You see, prior to watching it, I was already an admirer of the characters, particularly Bucky Barnes and Yelena. They seemed familiar to me in a way that made me feel like I knew them personally. My anticipation was high to witness their teamwork unfold on screen.

When the movie premiered, it turned out to be far superior than I had anticipated. Initially, my anxiety kicked in as reviews for “Thunderbolts” began surfacing, but once I noticed numerous people praising it as one of the top Marvel movies in a long time, I couldn’t help but listen. And let me tell you, they were right. It boasts an impressive ensemble cast, an engaging plot, and some exciting action sequences that feel more grounded rather than overwhelming with CGI effects, which is usually the case with most Marvel films.

But there’s one thing I need to talk about now that makes me super concerned for the future.

But What’s Been Going On With The Box Office?

This movie isn’t just about a single new Marvel character; instead, it features multiple characters from various Interconnected Marvel Universe (IMCU) properties joining forces. Essentially, it’s like an Avengers-style film, albeit on a smaller scale—it might remind you of DC’s The Suicide Squad, but with the added charm that these heroes are all a bit unlikable, yet we can’t help but adore them for it.

Despite the strong start during its opening weekend, the box office earnings of Thunderbolts* are leaving me quite apprehensive. To date, it has amassed approximately $328 million, which is still less than what was spent on production. This is surprising considering the film features beloved Marvel characters and yet isn’t generating significant revenue.

It’s true that other Marvel films in recent times, such as “The Marvels” or “Captain America: Brate New World,” haven’t made as much money as expected. Yet, I believe this could be due to factors outside the movies themselves, like their release timing and the online response to specific characters.

The film titled “Thunderbolts” was heavily promoted and, from what I heard, there was significant anticipation among viewers. However, its box office performance turned out to be quite low, which was unexpected given it didn’t have an R rating.

If This Super Well-Reviewed Marvel Film Doesn’t Do As Well, What Does That Mean For Future Marvel Films?

I’m not implying that Marvel won’t continue to thrive financially in the future, as I have confidence they will. With all the buzz surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, particularly with Lewis Pullman from Thunderbolts* already filming and Robert Downey Jr. sharing about it, they’re set to rake in a lot of profits.

* Note: Thunderbolts is a fictional team in the Marvel Universe, not an actual movie as of yet.

But I genuinely hope they still favor quality.

Among the recent Marvel movies, “Thunderbolts” stands out as one of the more compelling ones in quite some time. What makes it exceptional isn’t just the top-notch acting or impressive fight scenes, but the narrative feels remarkably relatable. It’s not about an epic cosmic conflict, and while superhero aspects are evident, the themes are straightforward enough for anyone to grasp. In essence, it’s a very good film.

I’m concerned that Marvel might interpret these figures as a sign that audiences aren’t interested in these types of films. However, what they seem to desire is the action, the excitement, and everything else that the grand Avengers movies offer. But every now and then, I crave a film like this one. (Informal)

Or

It’s possible Marvel could misconstrue these numbers as a lack of interest in these types of films, but what people truly seem to be after is the action, the chaos, and all the elements that make the Avengers movies so thrilling. Yet, on occasion, I yearn for a movie like this one. (Formal)

This film seems reminiscent of older Marvel productions, offering both entertainment and emotional depth due to its careful handling of material. However, unlike those earlier ones, it hasn’t garnered the same financial success. It appears as though we’re back in Marvel’s early days, a time when the franchise was born but box office returns aren’t what they used to be. These movies seem to require larger budgets to keep going.

As I ponder over this situation, I can’t help but speculate if perhaps I’m reading too much into it. Yet, my concern lingers about its potential impact on Marvel’s future. Fingers crossed that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will steer in a more promising direction when it hits the big screen as part of the 2025 movie lineup.

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2025-05-22 14:09

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