Marvel’s Thunderbolts Causes Q3 Losses for Disney

Marvel's film Thunderbolts, the 36th entry in the MCU, has underperformed financially despite positive reviews and a notable cast of antiheroes, leading to a significant operating loss for Disney. The film, directed by Jake Schreier, centers on a dysfunctional team forced to unite against a powerful villain and explores mental health themes, a first for the MCU. Thunderbolts grossed approximately $382 million worldwide but is projected to lose money in the long term, with Disney reporting higher film cost impairments. The movie is set to debut on Disney+ on August 27, 2025, nearly three months after its theatrical release, marking the longest gap for a Marvel film's streaming debut. Its underperformance has raised concerns about the momentum of other Marvel projects, including Fantastic Four: First Steps, which experienced a steep drop in box office sales, increasing pressure on the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday to restore confidence in the Marvel brand. The New Avengers team introduced in Thunderbolts will appear alongside other key MCU characters in Avengers: Doomsday, slated to release in December 2026.