Latest news with #MarvelThunderbolts
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Why is there an asterisk after Thunderbolts in the title? Know the meaning
Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts is scheduled for a worldwide release this May, and with that the mystery of the asterisk in the film title sees some highlight. The asterisk (*) signifies the team's role as substitutes for the Avengers, who disbanded post-Endgame. A Japanese poster for the film states: 'The Avengers are not available'. Film character CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) reinforces this in the trailer, declaring, 'The Avengers are not coming'. ALSO READ | Marvel Thunderbolts movie cast: Meet the full lineup of actors and actresses According to a Variety report, the asterisk resolves as both a joke (Avengers unavailable) and a narrative device (team identity shift). Whether it lands depends on how invested viewers are in Marvel's expanding universe. Another reason could be that the team struggles to adopt the Thunderbolts name in the film, looking at their vivid differences. Fans speculated the asterisk linked to Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross (Harrison Ford), a Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. But Marvel clarified the name is coincidental . Ross's dark past made any form of association unlikely for the antihero squad. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has already teased the asterisk's significance would only be clear post-release. While the Avengers explanation seems straightforward, the film's post-credits scene hints at a dual purpose: the team's official rename to 'New Avengers'. In comics, Thunderbolts are villains posing as heroes. The MCU version diverges, focusing on redemption arcs for flawed characters like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) . The asterisk also nods to Marvel's playful marketing, leaning into humor over comic accuracy. The Thunderbolts or the New Avengers as we may call it, are again slated to return in Avengers: Doomsday (2026). Their rebranding sets up alliances with Marvel's core heroes. Lewis Pullman's 'Bob' (Sentry) and his alter-ego 'Void' add stakes, hinting at cosmic-level threats. Some fans criticized the asterisk as a gimmick, while others praised its meta-commentary on superhero team dynamics.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Marvel's Thunderbolts full cast: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan returning with other newbies
Marvel is officially done with squeaky-clean superheroes. In Thunderbolts, it is unleashing a crew of emotionally unstable, questionably loyal, and dangerously powerful misfits. The film, directed by Jake Schreier, drops worldwide on May 2, and the character lineup is everything fans of dark Marvel chaos could hope for. Who all are returning for Marvel Thunderbolts Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova, the sassier, snarkier, and trauma-packed sister of Black Widow. Still grieving Natasha Romanoff's death and nursing a solid distrust of authority, she somehow ends up leading this squad of unhinged antiheroes. Good luck to her. Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes, yes, our long-suffering Winter Soldier, is also back, brooding as ever. He is the team's battle-scarred conscience, but his inner guilt is almost as heavy as his vibranium arm. Wyatt Russell's John Walker, aka U.S. Agent wants redemption Wyatt Russell's John Walker, aka U.S. Agent, is basically a ticking time bomb with a Super Soldier serum addiction. He wants redemption, but his anger issues might just torch that dream before it begins. David Harbour is Red Guardian, Yelena's dad and Russia's Captain America knock-off. He brings biceps, dad jokes, and more emotional baggage than an international airport. Ghost is back too! Played by Hannah John-Kamen, Ava Starr has learned to somewhat control her phasing powers after going full villain mode in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Still, nobody's betting on her playing nice. Olga Kurylenko's Taskmaster (Antonia Dreykov), once under mind control, is now doing her own thing. She can copy anyone's fighting style—which is cool—but her motives? Still very sus. Lewis Pullman joins the cast as Sentry, a last-minute switch-up after Steven Yeun exited the project. His character Bob may look innocent, but his alter ego Void? Yeah, let's just say we could be dealing with god-tier destruction. Julia Louis-Dreyfus coming back as the mysterious Valentina Allegra de Fontaine Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back as the mysterious Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the shadowy string-puller pulling this whole circus together for what can only be described as deep state drama. And yes, there are wildcards too, Geraldine Viswanathan as Valentina's assistant Mel, Chris Bauer and Wendell Pierce in top-secret roles, and rumours still swirl around Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross. The film is releasing on May 2 in theatres.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fortnite unveils free ‘Thunderbolts' collab skins—but there's a catch
Epic Games has announced a new Fortnite x Marvel Thunderbolts collaboration, bringing two iconic characters—Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) and White Widow (Yelena Belova)—into the game. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, while the skins are technically free, players will need to compete in the Thunderbolts Cup to unlock them without spending V-Bucks. Fortnite: Comic-inspired skins, not movie versions Unlike previous Marvel crossovers that featured skins based on film characters, the Thunderbolts skins take inspiration from comic book designs rather than the upcoming movie. The Winter Soldier skin resembles his look from Captain America: Brave New World, while White Widow's outfit is a stylised version of her comic appearance rather than her Thunderbolts film costume. How to unlock the skins Players can earn the Winter Soldier and White Widow skins by competing in the Thunderbolts Cup, scheduled for April 30 at 8 PM ET. Those who rank high enough will receive the skins for free, while others can purchase them in the Fortnite Item Shop , likely starting April 25. A unique 'Pen & Ink' art style The skins feature a distinct 'Pen & Ink' visual style, giving them a bold, comic-inspired aesthetic that stands out from previous Marvel collaborations. This new animation style has intrigued players, with many eager to see how it looks in action. While the Thunderbolts crossover offers exciting new content, the requirement to compete for free skins has sparked mixed reactions. Some players appreciate the challenge, while others would prefer direct access through the shop.
