Marvel’s Phase 5 has concluded with a notably disappointing box office performance, raising questions about the franchise’s recent trajectory. Despite featuring prominent titles such as Deadpool & Wolverine and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the overall revenue generated falls short compared to earlier MCU phases, particularly Phase 1.
Marvel Phase 5 Box Office Struggles Highlight Four Underperforming MCU Films
As of July 2025, Marvel’s Phase 5 amassed $3.66 billion globally, trailing behind Phase 1’s $3.81 billion total. While blockbuster hits like Deadpool & Wolverine surpassed $1.3 billion in earnings (SuperHeroHype) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 garnered approximately $845.6 million (Box Office Mojo), several Phase 5 entries notably underperformed both commercially and critically.
The Marvels Faces Massive Losses with Global Gross Well Below Budget
The Marvels earned only $206 million worldwide against a production budget exceeding $370 million (Forbes). Even after a $55 million subsidy, it failed to approach its break-even point. Critical reception was lukewarm, with a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a B grade from CinemaScore audiences.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Falls Short Despite Strong Brand Recognition
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania grossed $476 million globally, falling short of its estimated $300 million-plus production and marketing costs, which suggested a break-even point near $600 million (Variety). The film was met with mixed reviews, holding a 46% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B rating on CinemaScore. Fans criticized the portrayal of the villain Kang, especially following his early defeat.
Captain America: Brave New World Ends Box Office Run Below Break-Even Threshold
Captain America: Brave New World generated $415.1 million worldwide against a reported $180 million production budget, with additional expenses from extensive reshoots and marketing (SuperHeroHype). Its break-even point was estimated at $425 million, but it fell short. Critical response was mixed, reflected in a 47% Rotten Tomatoes score and a B- CinemaScore, with reviewers noting pacing and political storyline issues.
Thunderbolts’ High Critical Praise Contrasts with Box Office Disappointment
Thunderbolts grossed $381.9 million worldwide, more than doubling its $180 million production budget (SuperHeroHype). Despite an impressive 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an A– CinemaScore, it failed to meet the $425 million break-even point due to multiple contributing factors (SuperHeroHype analysis).
Phase 5 Indicates Marvel Fatigue Amid Shifting Box Office Landscape
Marvel Phase 5 is the first MCU phase to generate less total box office revenue than Phase 1, signaling a possible saturation of superhero content and waning audience enthusiasm. Looking ahead, Phase 6 faces significant challenges with a reduced slate of releases. However, the upcoming lineup features highly anticipated films such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars, and Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which could alter future box office dynamics.