Thunderbolts Set to Lose $100 Million and Second-Worst MCU Performer

Thunderbolts, starring Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova as an anti-hero, was billed as a pivotal entry in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With its high-profile cast and story that explored the MCU's morally grey areas, the film was expected to be a commercial and creative turning point. Box office reality has been less than ideal.

Thunderbolts earned $355 million by May 26, $174 million domestically and $181 million internationally. These numbers seem reasonable, but multiple reports indicate that the film's break-even point was $500 million, meaning Disney will likely lose at least $100 million on the project. Thunderbolts may not reach $400 million globally if current trends continue.

Phase Five has had several disappointing titles, and this one is no exception. "Captain America: Brave New World," another tentpole, grossed $415 million worldwide, which is underwhelming by Marvel's standards but better than "Thunderbolts."

Thunderbolts has not hit the level of "The Marvels," the MCU's lowest-grossing film with $205 million worldwide. However, it remains the franchise's second-worst performer, behind the much-criticized "Eternals," which grossed over $400 million worldwide.