The President could cause multiple Disney movies to not reach their audiences.
With Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* shaping up to be a major player in the MCU’s current slate, the political storm swirling around U.S.–China relations is threatening to overshadow the film’s theatrical rollout. As the antihero ensemble film eyes a spring release, geopolitical tensions are raising new questions about its global box office prospects—especially in China, the world’s second-largest film market.
Directed by Paper Towns filmmaker Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* is currently scheduled to hit U.S. theaters on May 2, 2025, and close out Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film reunites Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, while introducing Lewis Pullman’s mysterious “Bob,” a late-stage replacement for Steven Yeun. Pullman is already confirmed for 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting a pivotal role ahead.
Despite a strong trailer response and returning fan favorites, uncertainty looms large overseas. According to @FLYT0WINTER, a new international poster confirmed an April 30 release date for Thunderbolts* in China—a notable development considering the country only recently lifted a years-long ban on Marvel films.
“The Marvel titles that were blocked from release in China include Black Widow, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eternals, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Thor: Love and Thunder*,” Euro News reported in 2023 following the end of the ban.
But just as Marvel seems to be regaining traction in the region, new complications have emerged. “Though nothing has been confirmed, a new report from Bloomberg notes that at least two major Chinese media outlets have posted an identical set of measures that authorities are said to be considering as a means to hit back at the latest tariff threats from President Donald Trump, including levies on American farm goods and a ban on Hollywood movies,” Comic Book Movie explained.
Among those proposed measures? “Reducing or banning the import of US films,” in addition to “investigating the intellectual property benefits of US companies operating in China,” and “imposing curbs on US services with China.” If enacted, these responses could significantly disrupt the current Hollywood pipeline into China.
The China Film Administration (CFA) has now gone on record regarding the growing tensions. The Hollywood Reporter outlined the CFA’s response, writing: “A spokesperson for the [China Film Administration] said that the U.S. government had made the wrong move to ‘abuse tariffs on China' and that the situation ‘will inevitably further reduce the domestic audience’s favorability towards American films.'”
Their statement continued: “We will follow market rules, respect the audience’s choice, and moderately reduce the number of American films imported. China is the world’s second-largest film market. We have always adhered to a high level of opening up to the outside world and will introduce more excellent films from the world to meet market demand.”
This fallout stems from President Donald Trump’s latest decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, prompting China to retaliate with its own 84% tariff hike on American goods. The implications go well beyond trade—the entertainment industry is now bracing for ripple effects, especially for studios with global distribution goals like The Walt Disney Company.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has acknowledged the broader consequences of these tensions, hinting that the company’s future plans may require recalibration. While Iger did not specifically name Thunderbolts*, the film—distributed by Disney and heavily reliant on international markets—now sits in a precarious position.
And it’s not just Marvel that may be affected. With James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, the highly anticipated sequel from Disney-owned 20th Century Studios, currently slated for a December release, Trump’s policy decisions may cast a long shadow over whether the franchise can maintain its foothold in China—where it has historically thrived.
Meanwhile, Thunderbolts* continues to build anticipation. The team lineup includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster—though the latter’s surprisingly limited trailer presence has sparked fan theories about her fate.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Marvel dropped a stylized new trailer in March with distinct A24-inspired visuals and a glimpse of Avengers Tower under mysterious new ownership. The teaser leaned heavily into atmospheric storytelling, setting Thunderbolts* apart from the typical Marvel template.
The intrigue escalated after Marvel’s livestream reveal of the Avengers: Doomsday cast. Of the Thunderbolts lineup, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Wyatt Russell are confirmed. However, Olga Kurylenko’s name was notably missing—further fanning theories about the trajectory of her character.
As Marvel barrels toward its Phase Five finale, Thunderbolts* finds itself at the intersection of blockbuster spectacle and international political drama. Whether it makes landfall in China as planned—or becomes collateral damage in a larger trade war—remains to be seen.
Are you excited for Thunderbolts*? Let us know in the comments below!
If China bans Marvel.films, Trump should be overjoyed. He hates Disney and has called for investigating the company over DEI.