Such is the uncertainty surrounding superhero movies these days, even a modest performance at the box office, like the one delivered by Thunderbolts*so far, is worth celebrating. The movie was a risky bet, especially considering the era that it is being released in. Films featuring far more popular characters have struggled commercially in recent times; only a few months ago, Marvel's own Captain America: Brave New World, was barely able to pass the $400 million mark worldwide. Thunderbolts* should be able to pass the $100 million milestone in its second weekend, having already become one of the 100 highest-grossing superhero movies in global box office history.

To achieve this feat, the movie overtook 2015's disastrous Fantastic Four reboot. Having survived a turbulent production, Fantastic Four was released in compromised form, earning terrible reviews and tanking at the box office. Directed by Josh Trank, the movie concluded its run with $167 million worldwide. It starred Miles Teller,...