Decoding the Asterisk: what ‘Thunderbolts’ means for the MCU

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The mysterious asterisk in the title of Marvel Studios’ upcoming film “Thunderbolts*” has sparked a wave of speculation and intrigue among fans and critics alike. Social media scoopers have suggested that the asterisk stands for “*New Avengers,” implying that the team of misfits might evolve into a new iteration of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. This theory gains traction from the confirmed appearance of The Sentry in the movie and the subsequent role of the Thunderbolts in “Avengers: Doomsday.” The idea that the Thunderbolts could become the new Avengers is tantalizing, especially given the context of the Super Bowl trailer, which hints at the dissolution of the original Avengers team.

The notion that the Thunderbolts might adopt the Avengers mantle is further supported by the narrative setup in “Captain America: Brave New World.” In this film, President Ross’s attempt to reassemble the Avengers is met with resistance, suggesting that the classic Avengers team is no more. This creates a vacuum that the Thunderbolts could fill, especially after proving their worth by saving New York City. However, it’s also possible that the Thunderbolts will retain their unique identity while stepping into the role traditionally held by the Avengers. This duality could be the key to the asterisk’s meaning, symbolizing both a new beginning and a continuation of the Avengers’ legacy under a different banner.

Sebastian Stan’s description of “Thunderbolts*” as “its own thing” adds another layer to the mystery. He emphasizes the unique chemistry and dynamic of the cast, comparing the film to “The Breakfast Club” in terms of its character-driven narrative and tone. The practical effects and stunts used in the film also set it apart from typical Marvel fare, suggesting a more grounded and realistic approach. This distinctiveness could be what the asterisk represents—a departure from the traditional Avengers formula and the birth of something new and different within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The cast of “Thunderbolts*” is a blend of familiar faces and new characters, each bringing their own unique flavor to the team. Led by Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, the ensemble includes Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Lewis Pullman as “Bob.” With a script penned by Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo, and direction by Jake Schreier, the film promises to be a fresh and irreverent take on the superhero team-up genre. As fans eagerly await its release on May 5, 2025, the true meaning behind the asterisk in “Thunderbolts*” remains one of the MCU’s most intriguing mysteries.

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