As summer approaches, the excitement for blockbuster films is palpable, with Marvel’s latest offering, Thunderbolts, taking center stage. Not only has it received strong praise from both critics and fans, but it’s also making significant waves at the box office.
In its opening weekend, Thunderbolts grossed an impressive $76 million (approximately €71 million) in the U.S., surpassing initial projections of $70-75 million. This impressive debut places it ahead of other notable Marvel titles, such as Shang-Chi ($75.4 million) and Eternals ($71.3 million), while slightly trailing behind Black Widow‘s $80 million opening. Globally, the film has amassed a total of $162.1 million (around €153 million), with an international intake of $86.1 million (about €81 million).
Marvel’s aggressive marketing strategy has certainly paid off, with trailers, advertisements, and creative promotions highlighting the unconventional team of both new and familiar antiheroes. The buzz surrounding the film’s connection to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday has further piqued audience interest, and Marvel’s confident marketing approach—complete with IMAX pre-release screenings—reinforces the film’s status as a significant cinematic experience rather than a throwaway offering.
How Did Other Films Perform?
This weekend saw Sinners slip to second place, earning $33 million (about €31 million), marking a 28% drop from the previous week. With a domestic total of $179.7 million (around €170 million) and a global gross of $236.7 million (approximately €224 million), it’s set to return to select IMAX screens, which may bolster its final earnings to a projected $330-400 million (about €313-379 million).
Likewise, Minecraft, another recent release from Warner Bros., is on track to reach or surpass $1 billion (around €947 million), bolstered by strong numbers from Japan’s Golden Week, now sitting at $873.4 million (approximately €826 million).
Are Lesser-Known Films Managing to Hold Their Own?
Speaking of impressive endurance, Until Dawn has shown remarkable staying power since its late April launch. With a domestic haul of $3.8 million (roughly €3.5 million), it experienced a 52.5% decline from last weekend. However, its international earnings of $6.4 million (about €6 million) show a more modest decline of 36.6%, bringing its total to $34.8 million (around €33 million). With positive word of mouth, it’s poised for a solid run in theaters.
What Films Are Coming Up This Month?
Fans of the genre have plenty to look forward to this May. Here’s a quick overview of the films set to release:
- Clown in a Cornfield – May 9
- Final Destination Bloodlines – May 16
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Lilo & Stitch – May 23
- Karate Kid: Legends – May 30
Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel aficionado or just enjoy a good film, the summer lineup is shaping up to be an exciting time to hit the theaters. Keep exploring our blog for insights on the latest films, beloved franchises, and trending topics in the cinematic universe.