Summary
The sudden title change for Marvel’sThunderbolts*has sparked debate for some time. Fans have been speculating about its significance, and now, one actor may have dropped a clue that sheds light on the mystery.
Although not much is known about the upcomingThunderbolts*movie, the mysterious asterisks in the title have kept Marvel fans intrigued. With little explanation from Marvel, the meaning behind the symbols remains unclear. However, a recent comment from one of the movie’s actors has given fans a potential hint, reigniting speculation about what the asterisks could signify in the broader storyline.
In an interview with ComicBook, David Harbour, who plays Marvel’s Red Guardian, hinted at the meaning behind the mysterious asterisk in theThunderbolts*title. Although others have been asked about it before, Harbour is the first to drop a clue. Careful not to reveal too much, he explained that the change was not part of the original plan and was made during production by an unnamed person. According to Harbour, the asterisk has a purpose, and fans will uncover the full story once the movie is released.
“I mean, they retroactively put the asterisk [in],” Harbour explained. “The asterisk was an idea that that someone had…..What can I say that’s not going to get me in trouble? …The asterisk is very cool. I understand why people might put an asterisk there. I’m excited for the viewers to see that as well. But I, again, I just can’t say anymore.”
Ever since the title change, Marvel fans have been scratching their heads, trying to figure out the purpose of the mysterious asterisk inThunderbolts*. While it might seem like a minor alteration, it has sparked enough intrigue to keep fans engaged as they eagerly await the movie’s release. Harbour isnot the first to be asked about the asterisk. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously addressed the subject but, like Harbour, refrained from offering much insight. Feige simply advised fans to be patient and wait until the movie is released to uncover the full story. However,Harbour did slip a small but significant detail. While many fans believed the asterisk was merely a temporary placeholder for another title that would be revealed before release, Harbour clarified that this was not the case. Instead, the change was an intentional decision made during production by someone, hinting that there is a deeper meaning behind it. Although he did not offer any further clues, his comments have reignited fan theories and speculation about what this change could signify.
A large portion of the Marvel fanbase believes the asterisk inThunderboltshints at a rebranding strategy for a new team that will be revealed in the movie — potentially a more powerful squad. If the movie follows the Marvel Comics storyline, there is some truth to this theory. In 2012, theThunderboltscomic was renamedDark Avengersstarting with issue #175, and this could be a nod to that. Harbour recently mentioned that the movie will be “comic book accurate” while adding some new elements not found in the source material. Although Red Guardian does not appear in any of theThunderboltscomics, Harbour hinted that some unexpected additions will remain faithful to the overall canon. There is also speculation that the team revealed in the movie could be the so-called New Avengers. While it is unlikely this will be a directrevival of the current Avengers team, it could signal the emergence of a new group that steps in after the events ofAvengers: Secret Wars. Another theory gaining traction is that this might be Marvel’s way of laying the groundwork for theintroduction of the Young Avengers to the MCU. Though these are just fan theories for now, the true meaning behind the asterisk and the title’s significance will remain a mystery untilThunderboltsis officially released.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Marvel’s Thunderbolts is a superhero movie based on the comic team of the same name. The movie acts as a part of the MCU’s fifth phase of films. The film sees the likes of Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Wyatt Russell, the Red Guardian, and more as an unlikely group of heroes and villains brought together to fight for good.
