The Thunderbolts* Title’s Asterisk Real Meaning Addressed By Director

by

Intriguing Insight: I, as a devoted fan, was fascinated to learn about the significance of the asterisk (*) in the title of the Thunderbolts movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directly from its director Jake Schreier. He unveiled the story behind this intriguing notation and shared how it came to be.

In a recent chat with the Phase Hero podcast, the director disclosed details about the enigmatic asterisk in the Thunderbolts title that turned out to be a nod towards the New Avengers. Interestingly, when Thunderbolts was first unveiled, the asterisk wasn’t included in the title and was only added during filming. When asked if the New Avengers twist was planned from the beginning, Schreier revealed that:

Since the initial concept for the film I proposed, that ending was set in stone, but the script evolved significantly from what eventually came out. However, one element remained consistent: they were to be introduced as such by Val. During my last pitch meeting, I suggested a potential twist – perhaps we could add an asterisk to the title somewhere, with a disclaimer saying “Until we come up with something better.

On the day of the photo session, which is part of the filming process where actors take photos for posters and other promotional materials, I walked in to find Kevin and Lou excited about the concept. They were on board with the asterisk element, and the marketing team was following suit! I recall saying something like, “Wow, you’re really using that star symbol, huh? Let’s hope it works out.”

What made this interesting was the possibility that the movie’s title could change on its release day. Such a bold move can only be executed by a studio with the unique position they find themselves in. We’ll have to wait and see how it unfolds when the film hits theaters.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but express my perspective on the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. While the cast is undeniably A-list, there’s been a common sentiment that these characters aren’t as widely recognized as icons like Superman or the Fantastic Four. Instead of shying away from this, I believe we should embrace it and have some fun with the unexpected twist!

People might say, “This isn’t my Thunderbolts!” due to its departure from the original Masters of Evil storyline. But what if we reimagine the Thunderbolts as a group of underdogs who rise to fame? What if they start off as a team no one takes seriously and gradually earn recognition, just like their characters in the comics?

In this movie context, we could introduce the Thunderbolts as a lesser-known team that’s struggling to make a name for themselves. As they embark on their first mission, they face challenges that highlight each character’s unique abilities and personalities. Along the way, they encounter setbacks, but through teamwork, they eventually triumph—earning them the respect of the public and establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

This approach allows us to pay homage to the original Thunderbolts while also offering something fresh and exciting for audiences. It’s an opportunity to challenge expectations and show that even B-list characters can become A-list heroes!

I agree that our conclusion seems to embody that concept, in a peculiar manner, as if they wind up in a position where they might not be the Masters of Evil, but rather individuals who, despite their circumstances, don’t quite fit within this tower. They may grow into it, yet it’s clear that their transformation will be awkward and disquieting given their new roles.

Read More

2025-05-02 19:59