The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Thunderbolts* is rapidly climbing the box office charts, making waves in 2025 as it races past many superhero classics. With a dynamic cast and compelling story, the film has already made a solid debut and is within reach of overtaking the earnings of Batman & Robin (1997), long considered one of DC’s biggest missteps. This marks a significant moment for both Marvel and superhero cinema in general, showing how the landscape of blockbuster films continues to evolve.
Featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell, Thunderbolts* has reignited fan interest and placed Marvel back in the spotlight. As the movie’s box office momentum builds, it draws clear comparisons to the 1997 Batman venture and its much-criticized legacy.
Thunderbolts* Takes Box Office by Storm
Thunderbolts* burst into theaters during its opening weekend, quickly topping the US box office and pulling in $86 million domestically right out of the gate. This fast start signals strong word of mouth and a dedicated Marvel fanbase eager for a new kind of team-up film. Audience turnout exceeded early expectations, especially considering the crowded 2025 release schedule and increased competition for attention at the multiplex.
Produced by Marvel Studios and directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* delivers big action scenes, sharp dialogue, and a slate of familiar – but often underused – MCU characters. The movie’s box office climb demonstrates that audiences are still invested in the Marvel brand, especially when it comes to seeing characters from different corners of the MCU united under unexpected circumstances.
The quick success of Thunderbolts* also reflects the calculated marketing push from Disney and Marvel, which leaned heavily into the film’s distinct tone and more morally gray cast of characters. That gamble seems to have paid off handsomely.
This surge in attendance is a positive sign for superhero films, which many speculated were losing their box office clout. Instead, Thunderbolts* appears to be proof that there is still strong commercial and creative energy in the MCU as it closes out Phase Five.
Comparing Thunderbolts* and Batman & Robin’s Box Office Performance
During its 1997 theatrical release, Batman & Robin made $107 million domestically. Nearly three decades later, Thunderbolts* is on track to pass that total after only its first weeks in theaters. The comparison is striking because Batman & Robin, despite its star-studded cast, struggled to maintain momentum after opening weekend amid negative reviews.
Thunderbolts*’ debut numbers position it well ahead of the pace set by Batman & Robin. If current trends hold, Thunderbolts* will surpass the 1997 film’s box office earnings shortly, marking a notable achievement considering the 2025 movie landscape and increased competition from streaming and overseas releases.
For context, Batman & Robin held the spotlight as a summer tentpole nearly thirty years ago, with significant press and merchandising power. Despite this, it failed to win over critics or sustain its audience. Thunderbolts* not only matches but exceeds this reach in both financial and critical terms, signaling a shift in what superhero fans reward at the box office.
The head-to-head comparison illustrates how far comic book films have come. Audiences have become more discerning, now rewarding character-driven plots and nuanced antiheroes versus mere spectacle or recognizable costumes.
Thunderbolts*: Marvel’s Latest Team-Up Hits Big
Thunderbolts* is more than a typical superhero offering. It stands out by focusing on a lineup of villains and antiheroes, giving audiences a rare look into the motivations and struggles of characters typically seen as antagonists. This fresh approach is one of the film’s major draws, providing something different from previous Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy outings.
The film brings together Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell). Each character has a history of questionable choices, which adds new dynamics and tension to their interactions and missions.
This team-up format has been a major talking point in fan discussions, as it taps into unexplored relationships and character arcs within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The unpredictable nature of these characters’ loyalties and goals adds an element of suspense and keeps audiences guessing.
Thunderbolts* also benefits from a witty and irreverent script from Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. The film’s dialogue has been widely praised in initial reviews, cementing the movie’s reputation as a fresh entry in the MCU’s growing catalog of ensemble adventures.
With powerful moments of humor, action, and pathos, Thunderbolts* shows that audiences are ready for stories that focus more on character flaws and personal growth than straightforward heroism alone.
Batman & Robin: The Infamous DC Flop Revisited
When Batman & Robin arrived in 1997, it was positioned as a blockbuster follow-up to the successful Batman Forever. Starring George Clooney as Batman and Chris O’Donnell as Robin, the film also featured Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman, and Alicia Silverstone. Hopes were high for a hit, but the movie’s reception was harsh.
Many critics and fans focused on its campy tone, the over-the-top costume designs, and on-screen choices like the now infamous “bat nipples.” Despite solid initial attendance, negative reviews quickly caught up with the film. Batman & Robin soon gained a reputation as one of the worst superhero movies in history.
The film’s director, Joel Schumacher, and its stars, including Clooney, have publicly apologized for the film’s shortcomings numerous times over the years. Yet, for some, the film stands as a unique relic of 1990s comic book filmmaking – a time before superhero movies dominated Hollywood.
While considered a disaster by most standards, Batman & Robin found a curious second life in pop culture as a camp classic, referenced in memes and discussed for its sheer outlandishness.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Thunderbolts* vs Batman & Robin
Rotten Tomatoes paints a very clear picture of just how differently these two films were received. Thunderbolts* boasts an impressive critic score of 88 percent and a massive 94 percent audience approval from over 10,000 reviews. By contrast, Batman & Robin holds a “Rotten” rating, with just 11 percent among critics and 16 percent with audiences, out of more than 250,000 audience votes.
The sharp contrast in review scores hints at a real shift in superhero storytelling over the last three decades. Thunderbolts* has been praised for re-energizing Marvel’s formula with a darker, ensemble approach. Batman & Robin, meanwhile, is often cited as a prime example of what not to do in the genre – prioritizing style over substance and losing sight of the emotional stakes that make characters memorable.
These scores also show how much audience expectations have grown. Modern viewers reward strong character work, intelligent scripts, and a sense of continuity within shared universes. The surface-level spectacle and camp that defined the late ’90s have largely given way to more grounded and character-focused superhero tales.
Review aggregation sites like Rotten Tomatoes now play a key role in shaping public perception and can significantly affect a film’s financial performance from opening weekend onward.
Star Power: Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan Lead a New Era
Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan headline the cast of Thunderbolts*, bringing star power and depth to their roles as Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes, respectively. Pugh’s rise since Black Widow has made her one of the most sought-after actors of her generation, and in Thunderbolts*, she builds further on her antihero legacy with flair and nuance.
Sebastian Stan returns as the Winter Soldier, adding emotional weight and history to the story. These lead performances are a central reason for the film’s critical and commercial success, as both actors’ chemistry helps anchor the team’s sometimes chaotic energy.
Alongside them, David Harbour shines again as Red Guardian, providing comic relief and pathos. Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent is also singled out by critics for bringing a more threatening and unpredictable presence, rounding out a balanced and compelling central lineup.
This blend of established stars and rising talent has captured fan attention, drawing in viewers who may not usually rush to superhero films but are eager to see these particular actors in new types of roles within a blockbuster setting.
Villains and Antiheroes: Who’s on the Thunderbolts* Roster?
The Thunderbolts* lineup offers something different from the usual heroic Marvel ensemble. The team consists mostly of characters with complicated pasts and questionable morals.
- Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
- Red Guardian (David Harbour)
- Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)
- Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
- U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)
Each member brings unique skills and motivations that lead to internal conflict, making the dynamics within the group a highlight. The film explores what happens when people with dark histories are forced to work together, and whether redemption is possible in a world that has labeled them as villains.
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This roster is a departure from the traditional, clear-cut hero teams and instead leans into shades of grey, reflective of a contemporary appetite for more layered and morally ambiguous stories.
The Big Reveal: From Thunderbolts* to New Avengers
In a twist that surprised many audiences, the end of Thunderbolts* reveals that the team isn’t really the “Thunderbolts” after all, but are set up to become the New Avengers. This pivot is an important moment in the MCU’s ongoing saga, as it teases the future direction for Phase Six and sets the stage for bigger crossovers in the years ahead.
This reveal adds a new layer of excitement for viewers who are already speculating on what this means for upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday. The rebranding also signals Marvel’s willingness to shake up its established formulas and keep even the most devoted fans guessing.
By moving these characters into an Avengers context, Marvel is positioning its antiheroes as central figures in the next cinematic era, effectively tying up loose ends from earlier phases and rebooting the team concept for a new generation.
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Global Box Office and International Reception
Thunderbolts* has pulled in over $177 million globally in its first weeks, signaling strong international appeal in addition to its US success. Early indications suggest the film is drawing sizable crowds in Europe and Asia, two key markets for blockbuster success.
These international figures are especially telling since the superhero genre’s power has sometimes been muted across non-English speaking territories. Robust international marketing campaigns and positive reviews from worldwide outlets have played a major part in this success.
High ticket sales in major international cities have helped Thunderbolts* become one of Marvel’s fastest-grossing recent releases. This level of performance not only secures the film’s legacy but sets high expectations for Marvel’s slate heading into 2026.
Audience and Critic Reaction to Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* has been met with a wave of positive reviews from both critics and general audiences. Reviewers consistently praise the film’s fresh take on the superhero genre and the complexity of its characters. Fans are especially vocal online, sharing favorite moments and engaging in debates about character arcs.
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The movie’s tone, which balances humor with emotional storytelling, appeals to viewers who may have grown tired of more traditional comic book movies. That mix of seriousness and comic relief is frequently highlighted in both social media discourse and longform reviews.
With over 10,000 audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes rating the film at 94 percent, Thunderbolts* stands as one of Marvel’s most well-liked entries of the last several years, drawing comparisons to earlier long-running favorites in the genre.
This groundswell of support is expected to drive repeat viewings, further boosting both its box office and cultural profile.
Legacy of Batman & Robin: Cult Status or Missed Opportunity?
Despite its initial backlash, Batman & Robin has developed a kind of cult following among some DC fans. It’s still regularly referenced in pop culture, if mostly as campy nostalgia. Over the years, its exaggerated style and hammy performances have inspired memes, parodies, and internet debates about the highs and lows of superhero filmmaking.
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Many still view Batman & Robin as a missed opportunity, given the star power at the time and the legacy of previous Batman films. Yet there’s no denying its continued presence in the public consciousness nearly thirty years later.
Given the film’s poor ratings, influential cast, and its place at the end of a particular era in comic book films, Batman & Robin remains a curiosity for new generations who want to see how superhero movies once looked and felt before the modern boom.
Uma Thurman and the Lighter Side of Batman & Robin
Uma Thurman’s performance as Poison Ivy is often singled out as one of Batman & Robin’s few bright spots. Thurman herself has fond memories of making the movie and has stated in interviews, including on The Kelly Clarkson Show, that she sees it as a film intended for children.
She described the production as creative and fun, a sentiment that echoes in the film’s campy aesthetic. Audiences, especially younger viewers at the time, remember Poison Ivy as a standout among the movie’s larger-than-life villains.
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Thurman’s lighthearted reflections remind fans that even divisive movies can have value as entertainment, especially for families and younger audiences. For some, Batman & Robin was an introduction to superhero storytelling, helping to keep these stories in cultural rotation even as critical tastes changed.
The Next Chapter: Thunderbolts* Cast in Avengers: Doomsday
The future of the Thunderbolts* cast is already set, as David Harbour and Wyatt Russell have confirmed they will reprise their roles in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for a summer 2026 release. Both actors recently shared that Marvel’s secrecy is so intense that even they don’t always know when or if the other cast members have been on set.
Harbour revealed in promotional interviews that he looks forward to sharing scenes with Robert Downey Jr., hinting at possible big returns and major plot developments in the next phase of the MCU.
This level of secrecy and star power only increases excitement and speculation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday. For fans who enjoyed the Thunderbolts* team-up, the promise of more character crossovers has left expectations running high for the franchise’s direction over the next several years.
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Streaming and Viewing Options for Both Films
As of May 2025, Thunderbolts* is playing in theaters across the country and is expected to hit streaming later in the year. For those looking to revisit or check out Batman & Robin, the film is currently streaming on Max, alongside other classic Batman titles.
Availability on streaming platforms helps both films reach broader audiences. For Batman & Robin, in particular, new viewers can experience firsthand what made the film infamous. Thunderbolts*, on the other hand, is expected to draw high digital rental and streaming numbers after its theatrical window closes.
Streaming also makes it easier for fans to compare different takes on the superhero genre and see how audience tastes and Hollywood styles have changed across decades.
Key Facts and Trivia about Thunderbolts* and Batman & Robin
- Thunderbolts* is directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. Batman & Robin was directed by Joel Schumacher.
- Thunderbolts* runtime: 126 minutes. Batman & Robin runtime: 125 minutes.
- Thunderbolts* global gross (early weeks): over $177 million. Batman & Robin final domestic box office: $107 million.
- Thunderbolts* features a team of antiheroes and closes out MCU Phase Five. Batman & Robin belonged to the earlier, pre-DCEU era of superhero films.
- Thunderbolts*’ end credits confirm a new “New Avengers” direction. Batman & Robin is now widely viewed as a standout example of camp superhero cinema.
Both films stand as milestones in superhero film history, highlighting how much the genre has evolved and how audience preferences have shifted over the years.
