Marvel Studios Launches 'Thunderbolts*' with Strong Box Office Projections

Marvel Studios is set to make a significant impact on the summer box office with its latest offering, "Thunderbolts*," which is projected to achieve a $175 million global opening weekend. Domestic forecasts estimate $70-75 million in the US and Canada, with international markets expected to contribute an additional $90-100 million.

The film assembles a team of morally ambiguous characters led by Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova and Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes, alongside David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as CIA head Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. This ensemble must confront a threat known as "The Void" in New York City.

Critics note that "Thunderbolts*" serves as important connective tissue for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, potentially setting the stage for future installments including Fantastic Four and a new Avengers film.

In other Marvel news, the studio is embroiled in a legal dispute with actor Justin Baldoni, who has subpoenaed information regarding the "Nicepool" character appearing in the upcoming "Deadpool vs Wolverine." Baldoni's legal team believes the character parodies him, while Marvel has asked a judge to quash the subpoena, with Marvel's counsel reportedly refusing to discuss the subpoena's demands.