Thunderbolts Movie: 10 MCU Easter Eggs That Blew Fans’ Minds

Summary

Valentina’s past in Captain America: Brave New World ties to Thunderbolts plot, addressing political themes.
Thunderbolts team name origin is humorously revealed, adding depth to characters and connections.
Sentry’s debut in intense action scene creates parallel with Winter Soldier, showing his overpowering strength.

In a more somber tone, “Thunderbolts” is a Marvel movie where a band of heroes confront the menace of Valentina Fontaine. By skillfully incorporating aspects reminiscent of films such as “The Avengers”, this addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe captivated viewers by showcasing an ensemble of unique characters who, together, form one of the most impressive hero teams ever conceived.

In the extensive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), brimming with movies and series, there’s a delightful habit of subtly nodding to its own creations, and some of the most impressive Easter eggs found in “Thunderbolts” pay tribute to the MCU by alluding not just to characters, but also to pivotal events from other heroes that shape their interconnected universe significantly. With the introduction of the multiverse, these Easter eggs could be hinting at the future trajectory of the MCU.

This text contains Thunderbolts spoilers and post-credit scenes — read with caution!

10. Captain America: Brave New World

One Of The First Easter Eggs In Thunderbolts* That Connects The Mcu Films

In the movie’s early scenes, Valentina de Fontaine notes that the ex-President of the United States has been transformed into the Red Hulk, tying the happenings in “Captain America: Brave New World” to the ongoing narrative. This political-themed story delves into moral and political dilemmas preceding the Thunderbolts’ formation, setting a tense stage and necessitating a fresh team of heroes.

The fact that Red Hulk is there strengthens the base of the Thunderbolts, a group linked to President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. This could imply that he might become part of or impact the team, although it’s not explicitly stated later on. The movie tackles themes of authoritarianism, power abuse, and character emotions, weaving these elements into its storyline.

*Note: I have used “Thunderbolts” instead of “The Thunderbolts” for a more natural flow in the sentence structure.

9. A New Origin for the Team Name

The Team Name Gains Comedic Depth In The New Marvel Film

In several jovial conversations, it comes to light that the group’s name, Thunderbolts, is derived from Yelena Belova’s youth football team, the West Chesapeake Bay Thunderbolts. This was a modest team she once fiercely led with her competitive spirit during her childhood. Red Guardian recalls this story following her rescue of him in a damaged limousine, a light-hearted incident emphasizing his affectionate connection to the heroine and highlighting their complex familial relationships within the movie.

Initially, the team’s name was just a humorous inside joke, but as time passed, it officially took shape under Valentina de Fontaine’s influence, giving the group a new significance. This squad, which once had strong ties to General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a character deeply connected to the team and the Hulk in the comics, now forms a different bond as portrayed in the movie.

8. The Winter Soldier’s First Appearance

The Hero’s Entrance Is A Strong Thunderbolts* Easter Egg That References Several Films

In an exhilarating chase scene on a wet highway, the Thunderbolts hastily try to outrun agents from OXE, who were sent by Valentina de Fontaine immediately after they escaped her secret warehouse. Suddenly, a mysterious character enters the chaos, disabling each pursuit vehicle with the iconic disc grenades, which fans adore. This tactic, reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, is a clever reference that quickly lets viewers know who’s involved in the rescue operation.

With a grenade launcher hanging low and a thunderous motorbike for company, Bucky Barnes makes an entrance akin to the Terminator, recalling Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous character from the classic movie “The Terminator”. Unwavering in his presence, he initially seems to be on the side of the Thunderbolts. However, in an unexpected twist, he shoots at their getaway vehicle, a move that mirrors his Hydra training and creates one of the film’s most debated action sequences.

7. Fantastic Four’s Arrival

Thunderbolts Reveals How The Heroes Will Join The Main Universe

First Steps.

The appearance of The Fantastic Four in the MCU, as hinted by this scene, signals potential interactions among heroes, fueling excitement for upcoming Marvel movies. This post-credits scene isn’t just an excellent Easter egg; it also solidifies the film’s significance and demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of its links within the expanding universe.

6. No Special Cameos

Marvel Sustains The Film By Only Mentioning Past Characters As Easter Eggs

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I couldn’t help but notice how subtly the latest film introduces some iconic characters by mentioning them instead of having them appear physically. Yelena, one of our main characters, frequently brings up her sister Natasha Romanoff, emphasizing their strong connection and the profound effect Natasha’s passing has had on her life. This emotional resonance is palpable right from the start.

In various scenes, Sam Wilson’s portrayal as Captain America is highlighted, either through events in his movie or the tension that surfaces when the latest Avengers team emerges. This frequently emphasizes his displeasure with Valentina de Fontaine’s decision and the possibility of a future confrontation between the teams. Similarly, Melina Vostokoff, Natasha and Yelena’s mother, is often referenced, stressing her significance to the main character and her role as Red Guardian.

5. Red Room

Explored In Black Window, Red Room Returns As A Strong Easter Egg In Thunderbolts*

In the storyline of Thunderbolts, Yelena Belova’s character frequently brings up the Red Room, a significant part of her past and the repercussions of her participation in this secret organization. During her debut mission as Black Widow, she encounters Void and is forced to grapple with her history. Tragically, her teammate Anya falls victim to a cold-blooded killing during this mission.

In the intricate narrative of “Thunderbolts*“, memories resurface frequently, delving into the troubled histories of the characters. This recurring theme forms a significant part of the storyline, focusing primarily on Yelena and Bob, who is unveiled as having dual identities: Sentry and Void. The Red Room’s influence over Yelena persists, echoing its effects on Natasha and shaping the narrative set in “Black Window“. This sets the stage for future Marvel appearances.

4. Another Hero Surpasses the Winter Soldier

The Easter Egg References One Of The Most Memorable Scenes From Avengers: Civil War

In a thrilling battle scene, the latest Marvel movie titled Thunderbolts pays homage to one of the most iconic Avengers instances. As Valentina de Fontaine reveals Bob as Sentry, he is assigned to restrain the Thunderbolts with his immense abilities, rendering them powerless against him. This leads to a poignant moment when Sentry casually grasps Bucky’s arm during their unsuccessful rooftop getaway, emphasizing his overwhelming strength.

In this moment, I can’t help but draw parallels to the epic clash between Winter Soldier and Spider-Man in “Avengers: Civil War”. Just like that fateful encounter, here, Spider-Man overpowers Bucky, even managing to secure his cybernetic arm effortlessly. While this scene is fleeting, its repetition of familiar dynamics serves a dual purpose: it pays tribute to the comics for keen-eyed fans, and underscores the dire straits Bucky and his companions find themselves in when faced with Sentry’s formidable power and tactical acumen.

3. Avengers Tower

This Easter Egg Is One Of The Most Emblematic Avengers Locations

Located in Manhattan, the Avengers Tower was bought by Tony Stark and became the base for Earth’s strongest heroes. First appearing in their initial film, it played host to a monumental battle where the Avengers joined forces against Loki. Later, ownership changed before it fell under Valentina de Fontaine’s control in Thunderbolts, as part of her secret power consolidation efforts.

On the upper level, Valentina relaxes at the bar, subtly referencing Tony Stark’s encounter with Loki. She also acknowledges the building’s historic significance. Previously serving as a setting for crucial Avengers moments, this tower now witnesses the Thunderbolts confronting Sentry, and later, Void. This could imply that the skyscraper might once more become the home of the new wave of Avengers.

*Thunderbolts and Sentry are fictional characters from Marvel Comics.

2. O.X.E. Group

The Company Was Founded By Valentina To Run Her Covert Operations In Thunderbolts*

One of the film’s intriguing hidden references, O.X.E., significantly influences each character’s journey. The storyline unfolds within the O.X.E. vault, where the main characters are imprisoned and narrowly escape being destroyed to prevent any more evidence of Valentina de Fontaine’s impeachment from reaching a wider audience and authorities. This drastic action was instigated in desperation by her inner circle.

Eventually, it comes to light that the company was concealing their role in illicit experiments resulting in numerous fatalities, with Bob’s metamorphosis into Sentry being the only survivor of these trials. The public remains unaware of this scandal due to Yelena’s covert actions, as she followed Valentina’s instructions to destroy all evidence related to the research, thereby safeguarding O.X.E.’s confidentiality while compromising justice and accountability for the deceased.

1. Avengers Theme Music

The Avengers Theme Finally Plays For The First Time Since 2012

Towards the movie’s conclusion, the original 2012 Avengers theme by Alan Silvestri echoes throughout the cinema as the credits unfold. In the initial film of the franchise, this score powerfully emphasized the historic uniting of the team, and subsequent adaptations like “Infinity War” and “Endgame” incorporated variations of it, tying each thrilling finale to the same iconic melody that has resonated globally as a cultural symbol.

The transformation of the team’s name from Thunderbolts to the New Avengers introduces several connections to the original squad, with the score serving as the most obvious clue so far. Additionally, Valentina’s decision triggers tension between Sam and Bucky, potentially foreshadowing a future storyline that might heavily reference the events of “Civil War,” where ideological disagreements once again drive a wedge among allies on a global scale.

2025-05-05 22:18