- Meaning of the asterisk has been speculated about for months
- Thunderbolts* has been a hit with fans and critics
- Reveal provides major spoiler for the movie – and future in the MCU
Ever since the title of the movie was revealed, fans have been speculating on what the asterisk in Thunderbolts* means – and the cast have revealed the answer.
With the movie now in theaters – and being lauded by critics and fans alike – Marvel and the cast of the film have now ended the speculation in a big reveal.
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WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Thunderbolts*
There were various theories circulating around the internet of what the asterisk meant, but, as usual, Marvel were tight-lipped – as were the cast members when they were talking about the movie.
Marvel misdirection
It was thought the mystery had been solved in February, with it being claimed that the asterisk meant ‘The Avengers are not available’ – thanks to Marvel Studios Japan, which tweeted (do you still tweet on X?) an international Thunderbolts* poster, which has, in small lettering at the bottom that tagline.
But that now appears to have been another case of Marvel misdirection. Marvel has revealed that while backstage at the Hollywood premiere, the cast recorded a video where they ripped off the Thunderbolts* title from a poster to reveal a new title: The New Avengers.
For those who haven’t seen Thunderbolts* yet, this provides quite a big spoiler for the movie and particularly its denouement. The roster for the New Avengers comprises all the major characters in Thunderbolts* – minus one, who meets their end early on in the movie. While they might not be the Avengers people were expecting, they have proved themselves.
Thunderbolts* reveal sets up next movies
This reveal also gives hints at what could come in future MCU movies. It also nicely sets up a post-credits scene featuring Sam Wilson/Captain America, who at the end of Captain America: Brave New World is tasked with reassembling the Avengers.
Now there will be two Avengers teams in the MCU – will they collaborate or compete? From history in the comics – and the post-credit scene – then it is usually one rather than the other.
This just adds to the questions that Marvel are putting out there as we build up to Avengers: Doomsday next year. In addition to this, there is how the Fantastic Four will enter into the MCU – and what will happen to their own universe? Also, how will the X-Men fit into all of this?
Marvel are certainly putting their all into hyping Avengers: Doomsday, that’s for sure.
