Marvel Studios is no stranger to box office success, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) constantly churning out blockbuster hits. But not every film in the franchise manages to hit the mark in theaters. Enter Thunderbolts*, the latest Marvel release, which hit theaters in May 2025.
The film aimed to introduce a new set of antiheroes to the MCU, featuring an unlikely ensemble cast and a storyline full of high stakes. However, despite its star power and connection to Marvel’s iconic universe, Thunderbolts* struggled at the box office.
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While the film grossed around $382 million, it couldn’t reach the threshold required to break even, leaving it among one of Marvel’s lowest-grossing films. Industry experts suggested that the film needed to make at least $425 million to recoup its production costs. But what may have seemed like a misstep at the box office has taken an unexpected turn on the streaming platform, Disney+.
Released on Disney+ on August 27, Thunderbolts* has quickly become one of the most-watched films on the platform. Within just a few days, the film soared to the top of the charts, securing a spot as the third most-watched movie behind hits like LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite (2025) and Incredibles 2 (2018).
This surge in popularity has prompted many to question whether the film’s streaming success can be credited to Marvel’s loyal fanbase or if Disney+ has become an essential outlet for movies struggling to find their audience in theaters.
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A significant reveal in the movie’s post-credits scene added fuel to the fire, linking Thunderbolts directly to upcoming MCU titles. Fans were introduced to the team’s new name — The New Avengers, positioning them at the heart of the MCU’s future, with connections to major upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
Not to mention, the post-credits scene introduced The Fantastic Four to the MCU, marking the arrival of the team’s spaceship in the main universe, setting the stage for even more excitement in the years to come.
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Though Thunderbolts faced a lackluster performance in theaters, it is far from the only Marvel or Disney film to find greater success on Disney+. Movies like Wish (2023), Elemental (2023), Haunted Mansion (2023), and Snow White (2025) followed a similar pattern: box office disappointments, but resounding popularity once they hit streaming services. It seems that streaming might be the saving grace for films that don’t meet the high expectations set by theatrical releases.
What are your thoughts on Thunderbolts*‘ journey from box office flop to streaming hit? Do you think Disney’s streaming platform could be changing the way we define success in the entertainment industry? Let us know in the comments!
