Marvel’s latest cinematic release, ‘Thunderbolts*’, has set fan excitement ablaze across the globe. Early screenings in the U.S. and Europe have already revealed enough spoilers to keep the internet buzzing. But before getting into theories and credit scene reveals, let’s address the elephant in the room: the mysterious asterisk in the ‘Thunderbolts*’ title.
What’s the Asterisk in the Thunderbolts* Title?
Fans have been speculating about the asterisk, or star symbol, attached to the ‘Thunderbolts*’ title. One prevailing theory suggests that ‘Thunderbolts*’ is merely a placeholder name—one that conceals the group’s true identity. According to social media leaks and fan discussions, the title’s asterisk may signify the team’s evolving nature, hinting at a future rebranding akin to the Avengers. In fact, this theory gains further credibility in the end-credits scene (more on that below).
Thunderbolts* : Heroes, Antiheroes, and Plot
Unlike traditional MCU teams, ‘Thunderbolts*’ brings together antiheroes and former villains from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film features returning characters like:
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier
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
Lewis Pullman as “Bob”
This unorthodox team is manipulated into a deadly mission by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. To survive, they must face the darkest chapters of their pasts—each character getting significant screen time and development, as confirmed by fans who attended early screenings.
Plot Overview
‘Thunderbolts*’ is not your typical superhero flick. Instead of uniting for glory, these antiheroes are thrust into a mission of survival. Betrayed and outgunned, their journey is one of redemption, accountability, and reluctant teamwork.
The movie also cleverly sets the stage for the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, where the entire ‘Thunderbolts*’ cast is confirmed to return.
Don’t miss this epic team up ⚡️ Marvel Studios’ #Thunderbolts* arrives only in theaters May 2. Get tickets now: https://t.co/bFq0RNfp6K pic.twitter.com/4ueuW3UI0w
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) April 23, 2025
Post-Credit Scenes Explained: Mid-Credit & End-Credit Teases
Marvel is known for its tantalizing credit scenes, which have lost their charm in the past few films. But ‘Thunderbolts*’ doesn’t disappoint—offering two intriguing scenes:
🔸 Mid-Credit Scene: Red Guardian’s Grocery Store Gag
In a surprisingly comedic mid-credits moment, Red Guardian is seen in a grocery store, trying to convince a woman to buy a box of Wheaties featuring the ‘Thunderbolts*’ on the cover. Although she picks it up briefly, she quickly puts it back and hurries away—playing up the team’s lack of mainstream appeal and respect, at least for now.
🔸 End-Credit Scene: The New Avengers and the Fantastic Four
The end-credits scene has fans talking even more. ‘The Thunderbolts*’, now operating out of the Watchtower (New Avengers Tower), are debating their team’s official name. As Sam Wilson (Captain America) sues them for using “The Avengers” name, Red Guardian jokingly suggests alternatives—like New Avengerz (with a “Z”).
Mid-discussion, the team receives a computer alert. A ship is approaching Earth, emblazoned with the Fantastic Four logo. As per fan spoilers, the scene cuts to black with the iconic MCU Fantastic Four theme, confirming their arrival in Earth-616 and teasing their role in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.
The Journey Behind Thunderbolts*
‘Thunderbolts*’ marks the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The idea of forming this team was first teased back in 2021. After a series of production delays—ranging from script changes and casting revisions to Hollywood labor disputes—filming finally commenced in June 2024, with shoots taking place across the United States and Malaysia.
Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo, ‘Thunderbolts*’ is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 2, 2025.
With a compelling mix of humor, action, and introspective storytelling, ‘Thunderbolts*’ breaks the mold of traditional Marvel fare. The asterisk in its title may be more than a gimmick—it’s a breadcrumb, hinting at what’s to come. With the ‘Fantastic Four’, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, and a possible team rebrand on the horizon, the MCU’s next chapter is shaping up to be its most unpredictable yet.
