Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” remained No. 1 at the box office, collecting $33.1 million in its second weekend of release. Ticket sales declined by 55% from its $74 million debut, marking a far better hold than recent Marvel adventures that slid significantly in their second weekends,

The major studios have learned not to put out high profile titles in the wake of a Marvel movie – hence why Eli Craig's Clown In A Cornfield, Joe Carnahan's Shadow Force, and James Madigan's Fight Or Flight were Friday's big new arrivals – and that set the box office up for another big showdown between Jake Schreier's Thunderbolts* and Ryan Coogler's Sinners.

Memorial Day weekend typically sets the standard for summer box office sales, and the successful opening for “Thunderbolts*” is the start of an impressive holiday box office, experts say.