Marvel’s Latest Release Faces Local Competition

Disney (NYSE:DIS) launches its new film Thunderbolts in Chinese theaters on Wednesday, marking the first American film to be approved locally amid recent U S-China trade challenges. The film’s release is timely, as local hits like Ne Zha 2 have thrived, grossing over 7 billion in early 2025, while past U S releases struggled to reach comparable figures.

Shifting Audience Preferences
The appeal of Hollywood films, long a staple for Chinese audiences, appears to have diminished among younger viewers. Local cinema-goer Pan Lei commented, “It’s hard to remember the last American film I watched… I think it was Dune four years ago,” pointing to the competitive local market landscape.

Investor Perspective: Disney Under Scrutiny
Disney’s foray into international markets, particularly through its streaming and theme-park businesses, hinges on the success of blockbuster films abroad. Those tracking DIS can utilize Entreprenerdly’s Price Target Summary API to gauge analysts’ outlook, with the consensus price target currently standing around 10% higher than its present share price.

Box Office Prospects
Essential metrics to monitor as Thunderbolts rolls out in China:

• Opening weekend grosses compared to local expectations

• Audience ratings on major review sites

• Subsequent availability on Disney+ in the region

If Thunderbolts finds favor with local audiences, it may signal a revival of U S films in the Chinese market. This would be a critical development for Disney’s global strategy and U S-China cultural relations overall.