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Most media outlets initially spun the film’s modest opening as a victory, but the subsequent decline in revenue has forced a re-evaluation. Even outlets like Collider, typically sympathetic to Marvel, are resorting to cautious language, attempting to spin the poor performance as less damaging than it appears on paper.
Why Did Thunderbolts Flop?
Several reasons contribute to the film's disastrous box office showing, but one key factor is the disconnect between audience expectations and execution. The film is described as a short and somewhat flimsy tentpole—a cornerstone movie meant to support the franchise's future. Yet, it has failed to sustain interest, effectively causing the "tent" to collapse under its own weight.