The Underappreciated Gem of the MCU
There's a growing buzz around the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, the highly anticipated superhero film set to debut in the 2026 movie schedule and serve as the conclusion to Marvel’s Multiverse Saga. As discussions swirl around Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Doctor Doom, the return of beloved heroes, and how this film might wrap up years of storytelling, one recurring thought keeps coming back: more people need to watch Thunderbolts (or New Avengers).
Thunderbolts is among my favorite Marvel movies in recent years, and I’m not alone in that sentiment. However, its box office performance was underwhelming, grossing just over $380 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo. With a production budget of $180 million and an additional $100 million spent on marketing, it's clear that the film didn’t reach the audience it deserved.
A Character-Driven Story That Stood Out
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts wasn't designed to be a billion-dollar blockbuster. Instead, it focused on a leaner, character-first narrative that brought together a group of antiheroes. The cast included Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost. This ensemble worked exceptionally well, delivering a story that leaned into themes of trauma and identity rather than constant CGI spectacle.
The film still featured plenty of action, but what made it stand out were the emotional arcs. Pugh brought a raw and vulnerable energy to Yelena, elevating every scene she appeared in. Ghost’s backstory and John Walker’s personal struggles added unexpected depth, making the characters feel more human. For the first time in a while, Marvel seemed to trust its characters to carry the story, rather than relying on the next multiverse gimmick.
Critical Reception and Audience Reception
The critical reception of Thunderbolts reflected its more mature and indie-style approach. Fans who gave the movie a chance found it moving, funny, and grounded in a way that the MCU hadn’t been in a while. However, the timing of its theatrical release played a role in its lack of success. Superhero fatigue was a major topic at the time, and audience priorities were shifting, which impacted the film’s box office numbers.
What Does Thunderbolts Mean for the MCU?
Despite its underperformance at the box office, Thunderbolts isn’t going away from the MCU. The team has already been confirmed to appear in Doomsday, which is set to arrive late in the 2026 movie schedule. Rumors suggest that Florence Pugh’s character, Yelena, will play a significant role in the future of the franchise.
This is where things could get really interesting. Marvel films branded as "Avengers" still hold massive appeal with general audiences. Even fans who skipped Thunderbolts in theaters are likely to show up for the next big team-up event. If Doomsday delivers as expected, it could drive more people back to Thunderbolts via their Disney+ subscriptions, giving the film the audience it deserves.
The Potential Ripple Effect
This would be a win for both Marvel and its audience. When characters you’ve just seen on the big screen have a whole movie together, it makes sense to go back and see how they developed in the first place. The MCU works best when every piece of the puzzle matters, and if Doomsday helps make Thunderbolts essential viewing, it could even spark a sequel.
A Hope for the Future
As Avengers: Doomsday approaches, my hope isn’t just that it delivers another massive spectacle, but that it shines a spotlight back on Thunderbolts. This film deserved more attention, and Doomsday could finally give it the second life it’s owed.
If the crossover nudges casual fans to revisit Yelena, Red Guardian, Ghost, and the rest of the crew, that’s a win for Marvel and for audiences who may have overlooked one of the MCU’s most character-driven stories in years. Plus, it’s a chance to appreciate Jake Schreier’s directing style, especially since he’s already tapped to helm Marvel’s first MCU X-Men movie.
In the end, the MCU thrives when every story contributes to the larger tapestry. If Doomsday helps make Thunderbolts essential viewing, that’s a ripple effect I’d love to see.
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