Summary
One of the more prevalent updates surroundingThunderboltswas the addition of an asterisk to the MCU movie’s title, and I think I know what it means. In terms of excitement level, I have found myself to be anticipatingThunderboltsmore than most others. When theThunderbolts' MCU team memberswere announced, many criticized the lack of power due to the absence of Red Hulk or Abomination, while I found myself excited to see characters like Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and John Walker interacting on-screen in theupcoming MCU movie.
My anticipation for the film was only piqued, admittedly strangely, byThunderboltsnew title that was unveiled when production began.Thunderboltstitle update added an asteriskto the original team name, leading Kevin Feige to assure us Marvel fans that it was not a mistake and will become clear in due course. Naturally, I - among many others - began speculating about exactly what the asterisk could be included for, and my theorized conclusion is bad news for the MCU’s newest superhero team.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts*: Everything You Need To Know
With the MCU’s Thunderbolts* movie having now officially released, here’s everything you need to know about the Marvel film and its story.
The Thunderbolts* Asterisk Could Hint At Val’s Double-Agent Nature
Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Val Could Be The Sole Reason For Thunderbolts* Asterisk
One confirmed member of theThunderbolts* is Val, the mysterious MCU character introduced inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier.Val could be responsible for the asterisk inThunderbolts*title, linking both to her in-universe character and the real-world use of the symbol. In real life,asterisks are often used to direct attention to further information that is important to know, often for changes or differencesthat are not immediately visible.
The asterisk could hint that Val is the hidden villain ofThunderbolts*, as the title is not what it seems and has more information beneath the surface…
What has been made clear about Val in the MCU thus far is that she is an incredibly secretive character. She often plays both sides to manipulate characters, as evident when she sent Yelena Belova to murder Clint Barton for an unknown reason or when she was revealed as the CIA’s director inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever.Since her introduction, it has not been clear what Val’s goals or motivations are. As such, the asterisk could hint that Val is the hidden villain ofThunderbolts*, as the title is not what it seems and has more information beneath the surface.
If my theory turns out to be correct, andThunderboltsasterisk is used to symbolize Val’s sinister, ulterior motives, it would be bad news for the other team members. For the most part, the Thunderbolts roster is full of people who want to do good, but are more morally gray than the Avengers. This means that it is difficult to see any of the team members siding with Val if she were to uncover dark motives inThunderboltsstory.
While this could see the heroes team up to stop Val,the latter’s subterfuge essentially destroys the Thunderbolts before they even begin. The Thunderbolts may not even have an entire MCU story before their figurehead Val - who connects most of the characters - reveals herself to be evil. By the end ofThunderbolts*story, the wider MCU may not accept the team due to Val’s deception, despite the heroics of the many characters involved as they likely try to stop her.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.
