‘Thunderbolts*’ Finds New Life on Streaming After Becoming One of the Lowest-Grossing MCU Movies of All Time

Thunderbolts* is gaining attention on streaming platforms after struggling at the box office. The film is an important part of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, introducing the team as Marvel Studios’ new Avengers.

The meaning behind the title’s asterisk was also revealed through this connection. The movie’s post-credits scene teased the arrival of the Fantastic Four’s spaceship into the main MCU universe, setting up future stories.

Even with its significance, Thunderbolts* did not perform well in theaters. It earned $190.3 million in the United States and Canada and $192.2 million internationally, for a global total of $382.4 million.

Variety reported that the film needed $425 million worldwide to break even, making it one of the lowest-grossing films in the MCU.

Streaming has given the movie a second chance to reach viewers who missed it in theaters. Thunderbolts* debuted at number three on Disney+’s Top Ten Movies chart, showing strong interest from audiences. How long it stays on the chart could determine its long-term streaming success.

The film is the 36th installment in the MCU and was directed by Jake Schreier from a screenplay by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. The story follows a group of antiheroes who are forced to work together on a dangerous mission.

The ensemble cast includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Critics have given the film mostly positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, 88% of 375 critics gave favorable reviews. The site wrote, “Assembling a ragtag band of underdogs with Florence Pugh as their magnetic standout, Thunderbolts* refreshingly goes back to the tried-and-true blueprint of the MCU’s best adventures.”

While Thunderbolts* struggled at the box office, its success on streaming shows that the story and characters still have an audience. Fans who missed it in theaters now have a chance to catch up, and streaming could help the film gain the recognition it deserves. Do you think Thunderbolts* will become more popular on Disney+? Share your thoughts in the comments.