Disney’s Thunderbolts Debut in China Marks Return of U.S. Blockbusters

Marvel’s Latest Faces Stiff Local Competition
Disney (NYSE:DIS) rolls out Thunderbolts in Chinese cinemas on Wednesday, the first American film to clear local screens since the latest U.S.–China trade frictions. Approved before tit-for-tat tariffs hit, the movie launches into a market where homegrown hits like Ne Zha 2 have dominated—grossing over ¥7 billion in early 2025, while recent U.S. releases such as Snow White and Captain America: Brave New World managed only ¥9 million and ¥104 million respectively.

Evolving Audience Tastes
Once a Marvel mainstay, Hollywood’s novelty has waned among younger urban viewers. “It’s hard to remember the last American film I watched… I think it was Dune four years ago,” says Beijing cinephile Pan Lei. With Chinese studios investing heavily in local IP and production values, Thunderbolts will need more than special effects to reclaim attention.

Investor Lens: Disney’s Stock Under the Spotlight
Disney’s aggressive push into global markets—including its streaming and theme-park segments—rests partly on blockbuster performance overseas. Investors tracking DIS can see how analysts view the stock via the Price Target Summary API. The consensus 12-month price target currently stands about 10% above its share price, reflecting confidence in Disney’s diversified growth engines.

Box Office and Beyond
Key indicators to watch as Thunderbolts unfolds in China:

• Opening weekend receipts vs. localized forecasts

• Audience ratings on major review platforms

• Subsequent domestic drip-feed through Disney+ in the region

If Thunderbolts breaks through local preferences, it could signal a thaw in Hollywood’s China prospects—an important barometer for both Disney’s global strategy and broader U.S.–China cultural engagement.