Disney+ Release of Thunderbolts Shows MCU Learning from Past Mistakes

Thunderbolts is getting ready to debut on Disney+, and it looks like Marvel Studios is taking some important lessons from past mistakes. Despite having a star-studded cast including Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and more, Thunderbolts didn’t do as well as expected in theaters. With a global box office take of just $382 million, it ended up being one of the lowest-grossing films in the MCU, surpassing only Black Widow but falling short of Eternals. After its run in theaters, Thunderbolts became available for digital and physical purchase before ultimately making its way to Disney+.

Fans can mark their calendars because Thunderbolts will officially be hitting Disney+ on Wednesday, August 27, following its initial premiere in theaters on May 1. This marks a shift in Marvel Studios’ strategy, as the streaming release of Thunderbolts comes 119 days after its theatrical debut, continuing a trend of longer windows between theatrical and streaming releases that started with Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.

In the past, Marvel Studios was criticized for releasing movies to Disney+ too quickly after their theatrical run, which was believed to have negatively impacted box office results. By extending the time between theatrical and streaming releases, Marvel Studios is aiming to make its movies special events once again, encouraging audiences to experience them in theaters for the full effect. With rising ticket prices and competing streaming services, many fans have opted to wait for home releases, affecting box office numbers.

This change in strategy also reflects a shift in the industry as a whole, as superhero fatigue and other factors have contributed to box office disappointments in the Multiverse Saga. By delaying Disney+ releases, Marvel Studios is hoping to build more anticipation and excitement for its movies, ultimately leading to better results at the box office. Looking ahead, this trend is likely to continue with future releases like The Fantastic Four, further emphasizing the importance of the theatrical experience for MCU fans.