Key Takeaways
- The asterisk in Thunderbolts* is intentional, hinting at a hidden meaning teased by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
- The title could change by the end of the movie to reveal the superhero group’s new name, potentially linking to Dark Avengers.
- Thunderbolts* may transform into Secret or New Avengers.
As a lifelong Marvel fan who’s seen more than my fair share of comic books and movies, I can’t help but feel intrigued by this new twist on the classic Thunderbolts team. The asterisk (*) in *Thunderbolts* is definitely more than just a placeholder – it’s a tantalizing teaser that leaves us fans guessing what’s to come.
The first trailer for Thunderbolts* just dropped, and it looks like the MCU’s new team of anti-heroes is here to stay. But will the asterisk (*) in the title stick around as well? The cast and crew of the upcoming Marvel movie have been careful not to give away what the stylized title implies, which has only increased speculation among fans.
Under the guidance of director Jake Schreier, the upcoming MCU production titled Thunderbolts is currently generating significant buzz, with Phase Five’s conclusion adding to its anticipation. Since 2021, updates on this project have been keenly tracked at every developmental step. However, the asterisk (*) in the title has sparked numerous theories and discussions ever since it was unveiled in March 2024.
What Has Been Said About The Asterisk?
The latest trailer for “Thunderbolts” features an asterisk in its title, which isn’t subtle and seems designed to spark conversation among fans. Initially, it was thought that this asterisk indicated the movie’s title was a temporary one, set to be changed before release. However, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that the asterisk is intentional and “Thunderbolts*” is the final, official title. He also hinted that the significance of the asterisk will only become clear after watching the film. At CinemaCon 2024 in April, Feige stated: “[The asterisk] holds a meaning that fans will fully grasp only upon viewing the movie.
Indeed, you’ll spot an asterisk next to Thunderbolts in our conversation. It’s just a formal way of referring to this title, and we’ll delve deeper into it once the movie has been released.
Credit is due to Feige for his marketing brilliance; Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts swiftly donned their sleuthing caps, diving into the hidden message of the asterisk next to Thunderbolts\*\*.
The Title May Change By The End Of The Movie
It seems highly plausible that the title we see now is just a temporary name. There’s a strong possibility it remains a placeholder, but will transform into another title by the end of the movie to coincide with the new moniker of the superhero team. This change mirrors how the Disney+ miniseries “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” was later renamed to “Captain America and the Winter Soldier” towards the end of its six-episode run. The new title is likely to unveil a significant aspect about their involvement in Phase Six of the MCU.
Possibility 1: The Dark Avengers
According to the original Marvel Comics stories, the Thunderbolts could transform into a team that pretends to be heroes while secretly being villains – taking advantage of the gap left by the genuine Avengers. This scenario appears fitting for the current state of the MCU, as the Avengers disbanded following their victory over Thanos in “Endgame”.
The trailer for Thunderbolts* subtly hinted at something significant when it depicted CIA Director Valentina (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her team gathered at the Avengers Tower, a location previously known as Stark Tower. However, unlike their comic book counterparts, the characters in Thunderbolts* feature names not typically associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as Norman Osborn and Venom.
| Thunderbolts Member | Actor |
|---|---|
| Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian | David Harbour |
| Yelena Belova | Florence Pugh |
| Bucky Barnes | Sebastian Stan |
| Ava Starr / Ghost | Hannah John-Kamen |
| John Walker / U.S. Agent | Wyatt Russell |
| Bob / Sentry | Lewis Pullman |
| Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster | Olga Kurylenko |
Possibility 2: The Secret/New Avengers
Another option for a title change would be the Secret Avengers or the New Avengers, teams with more noble intentions who operate covertly. Judging by the trailer, Bucky Barnes leads the Thunderbolts, and he might be the one to make this name change happen by bringing in Sam Wilson to reform this group of anti-heroes. The Thunderbolts* becoming the Secret Avengers would also tie in with the Secret Invasion event, as well as the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars.
If the name adjustment for the group is unavoidable, one might wonder why they were initially called the Thunderbolts. This question will be addressed in the upcoming MCU film, Captain America: Brave New World. While Valentina gathers the team, she may be following orders from President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford. The team could have been named after him, but due to his actions as Red Hulk, they might later adopt a different name.
The Asterisk Can’t Just Be A Placeholder
Marvel Studios is determined to seize every chance and avoid turning the working title or potential spoiler of “Thunderbolts*” into something revelatory. It’s likely that there will be additional layers to it. The trailer showcases the characteristic humor typical of the franchise, and it appears that the Thunderbolts* shares similarities with DC’s Suicide Squad. Marvel might take inspiration from DC in this regard. In a playful nod to DC’s “Task Force X” rebranding using a popular Will Smith quote, Marvel could also incorporate a witty, self-referential joke into the title or concept of “Thunderbolts*“.
So, what? We some kinda suicide squad?
Additionally, the asterisk could serve as a witty inside joke within the film itself. It might function as a “To Be Determined” or “subject to change” symbol, suggesting that the team is in need of more heroes beyond the ones already introduced. For example, Lewis Pullman’s character Bob appears ordinary with no apparent powers, but he could potentially be the powerful Sentry from Marvel Comics. In any case, Thunderbolts* will reveal the meaning behind the asterisk when the movie premieres in theaters on May 2, 2025.
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2024-09-27 19:05