Thunderbolts*'s mysterious asterisk gets a new update from a Marvel Cinematic Universe star. After mostly focusing on solo projects over the past few years in the Multiverse Saga, the MCU is heading in an exciting direction in the coming years. Thunderbolts*'s expansive cast includes many stars from past Marvel projects, giving supporting characters a chance to be in the spotlight and adding a new team entry to the MCU before the next Avengers movies come around. Thunderbolts* went through an intriguing title change, adding an asterisk that has yet to be explained.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, David Harbour addressed Thunderbolts*'s surprise title tweak. The Red Guardian actor could not reveal why Marvel decided to make the change, but Harbour spoke about the asterisk being retroactively added to the title, teasing that he can "understand why people might put an asterisk there" and that he is excited for fans to discover what it really means when the movie premieres. During the interview, the actor also revealed that he tries to stay away from all the Thunderbolts* updates in the rumor mill and that he has heard that "it's playing well internally." Harbour also commented on Thunderbolts* being comic book-accurate even though Red Guardian is not part of the team in the comics and other changes. Check out the full quote below:
"I mean, they retroactively put the asterisk [in]. The asterisk was an idea 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."
What The Thunderbolts* Asterisk Might Mean For The MCU Movie
The Mystery Could Lead To A Rebranding
With Harbour teasing that someone at Marvel had the idea to retroactively add the asterisk to the movie's title, meaning it was not planned originally, Thunderbolts*'s title change only becomes more intriguing. This is not the first time that someone involved with the movie has addressed the mystery surrounding its title. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously commented on Thunderbolts*'s asterisk. Feige did not provide any more detail than Harbour did, merely acknowledging that the asterisk was indeed part of the film's title and saying, "We won’t talk more about that until after the movie comes out."
The asterisk could mean that a rebranding will be in order for the team by the end of the movie, with "Thunderbolts" serving as a temporary title for the powerful squad.
With the reason for the Thunderbolts* asterisk only being revealed after the movie is released, the MCU film should feature a satisfying explanation for the mystery. The asterisk could mean that a rebranding will be in order for the team by the end of the movie, with "Thunderbolts" serving as a temporary title for the powerful squad. In Marvel Comics, the Thunderbolts comic book was renamed Dark Avengers, starting with issue #175, back in 2012. With the MCU having had a shortage of Avengers content in the Multiverse Saga, the shared universe could be pulling a page from the comics.
Our Take On The Thunderbolts* Title Mystery
The MCU Movie Is Better Off For It
I believe that the mystery surrounding Thunderbolts*'s asterisk can only help the film. It has generated an intriguing source of discussion to keep fans tied over in a year when the MCU has released only one movie. There are already many theories regarding what the asterisk means, but I'm convinced that a rebranding of the team by the end of the movie seems like the most plausible solution. With the MCU setting up the Young Avengers, Thunderbolts* leading to the creation of the Dark Avengers could result in multiple Avengers teams, and that would be perfect after a huge absence.
