‘Thunderbolts*’ Has a New Title (Again)

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The upcoming post may reveal SPOILERS for Thunderbolts* – surprises that even the cautious Marvel team is unveiling on their official social media platforms. In case you get caught off guard, remember it’s not me giving away these secrets; it’s Marvel themselves!

For the second time, Thunderbolts* has a new title.

The movie is generating excitement with its title, which matches the one used in the closing credits scene – “Thunderbolts,” a name that, within the storyline, represents the team that takes over as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the Avengers. Interestingly, this “Thunderbolts” label is replaced in the credits with “*The New Avengers” – a title echoed in various posters, images, and videos related to the film.

So if you were waiting to see the film until next weekend and stay spoiler-free, well, uh, bummer.

There’s also a video of the Thunderbolts* (or *New Avengers) cast revealing the new title.

Marvel too posted an entertaining video showing Sebastian Stan, in real life, swapping out posters displaying his character, Bucky Barnes. Seems like this man is not just a superhero on screen, but off screen as well, handling his own promotional tasks!

The uproar over the film’s numerous titles, initiated by adding an asterisk to “Thunderbolts* ” in spring 2024, was bound to happen. Initially, it was simply known as “Thunderbolts“, but at CinemaCon that year, Marvel’s Kevin Feige revealed they were calling the film “Thunderbolts*“. He didn’t explain why until the movie was released. Many predictions at the time (including mine) assumed that Marvel would unveil these characters as the MCU’s new Avengers. In reality, they turned out to be *The New Avengers*.

Given that a popular Marvel comic with the title was highly successful during the 2000s and 2010s, I’ve always anticipated that Marvel would eventually produce a film based on it. Similarly, it seems likely that they will adapt some of the other Avengers team book titles, such as “Dark Avengers,” “Mighty Avengers,” “Avengers Forever,” “Secret Avengers,” and “Avengers Assemble.” If time continues, we might even see adaptations like “West Coast Avengers” and “Great Lakes Avengers.

kThunderbolts* *The New Avengers is now playing in theaters everywhere.

The Best Performances in Marvel Movies

15. Jeff Goldblum, Thor: Ragnarok

As a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the most intriguing extraterrestrial character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster from Thor: Ragnarok. This guy just oozes otherworldliness with his quirky weapons and cosmic DJ gear. The way he pronounces “Asgard” with a chuckle, as if amused by his own oddball version, is pure genius. Goldblum’s delivery of the line, “Time works real different around these parts. On any other world I’d be like millions of years old, but here on Sakaar…” is nothing short of artful.

14. Iman Vellani, The Marvels

Almost nothing prevents “The Marvels” from residing at the bottom of my rankings for Marvel Cinematic Universe films. The captivating portrayal of Ms. Marvel by Iman Vellani is nearly its only saving grace, as she becomes embroiled with her hero, Captain Marvel, and subsequently embarks on a cosmic adventure alongside her and Monica Rambeau. It’s high time Monica had a code name! Although the plot idea has potential, its execution was draining and overly reliant on the characters’ quirky powers that resulted in their frequent position swaps. Despite the film being chaotic and disorganized, Vellani’s exuberance is evident; in such a hectic and confusing movie, that stands out as a remarkable feat of acting.

13. Stanley Tucci, Captain America: The First Avenger

In the film “Captain America: The First Avenger,” the cast is exceptional, boasting notable actors such as Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, and Toby Jones. However, among these talented individuals, my personal favorite is Stanley Tucci, who plays Dr. Erskine, a unique character in the Marvel Universe. Unlike most Marvel scientists who are reckless at best or mad at worst, Dr. Erskine serves as the moral compass of the film and perhaps the entire Marvel Universe. One of the most memorable scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) features his speech about the distinction between goodness and power, which is a profoundly quiet yet impactful moment.

12. Michael Peña, Ant-Man

In the first two Ant-Man films, it’s not the title character or his shrinking abilities that steal the spotlight during the most memorable scenes. Instead, these moments are the extended monologues delivered by Michael Peña as Scott Lang’s friend Luis. Each time Peña delivers one of these Rube Goldberg-like speeches, where different characters hilariously lip sync his words and rapid-fire delivery, it is uncontrollably amusing. The rest of Peña’s performance in the films is just as captivating. Unfortunately, the latest film, Quantumania, was significantly less enjoyable due to his absence.

11. Sam Rockwell, Iron Man 2

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sam Rockwell’s character Justin Hammer has been absent since a short film in 2014. It’s unfortunate because he was my preferred villain from Phase One, mainly due to Rockwell’s unique acting style that embodied two key aspects of a true antagonist: an over-tanned complexion and humorous dance moves. Let’s hope Justin Hammer makes a comeback!

10. Andrew Garfield, Spider-Man: No Way Home

Even though Marvel repeatedly stated otherwise, it wasn’t entirely unexpected when Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield appeared in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” What was somewhat surprising, however, was the extent of their involvement. Particularly Garfield, who seemed deeply committed to providing some resolution for his interpretation of Peter Parker. His Peter Parker never got a chance to make a third “Amazing Spider-Man” film where he could have delved deeper into Peter’s reaction to Gwen Stacy’s death. He poured all those unexpressed feelings into “No Way Home.” When he saves Zendaya’s MJ and becomes visibly emotional… that’s the good stuff, right there.

9. Hugh Jackman, Deadpool & Wolverine

In the film “Deadpool & Wolverine“, the primary purpose seems to be poking fun at superhero movies and self-parody. However, it boasts an exceptional performance from Hugh Jackman, who is widely regarded as the finest actor in comic book movie history. Once again, Jackman delivers a tormented, profound portrayal of Logan, a mutant burdened with immortality and a conscience that weighs heavily on him due to a long list of questionable deeds. He believes he’s beyond redemption. Although this performance might not be Jackman’s best as Wolverine – that title likely goes to “Logan” – the fact that his acting here seems genuine, rather than just a money-making scheme, is quite remarkable for a character typically associated with such schemes.

8. Clark Gregg, The Avengers

As a devoted fan, I must confess that the true standout of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe’s initial phase wasn’t one of the superheroes; it was the ever-present S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson. His appearances in each film served as a refreshing human touch, allowing us viewers to connect with a relatable character amidst Marvel’s pantheon of gods, iron men, and guardians of liberty. It’s no surprise that Marvel made Gregg the focus of their first network TV series, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., even after his untimely demise in The Avengers.

7. Tom Hiddleston, Thor

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Tom Hiddleston’s exceptional Marvel performances; he truly stands out as the most consistently solid actor in their impressive cast. It all began with the very first Thor back in 2011, where he breathed life into Loki, showcasing his cunning deception, jealousy, lust for power, and desperate yearning to gain his adoptive father’s approval. Since then, the character has evolved, continuing to bedevil his thunderous brother time and again.

6. John Brolin, Avengers: Infinity War

It’s important to acknowledge that while Josh Brolin brought Thanos to life through motion capture and voice acting, the role of visual effects artists, writers who scripted this complex villain, and the collaboration as a whole cannot be overlooked. Together, they created Marvel’s most formidable antagonist – a character both terrifying and intriguingly motivated. Although Thanos’ actions might not have been justified, he certainly presents a compelling argument.

5. Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate why Marvel chose not to replace Chadwick Boseman following his heartbreaking passing in 2020 due to colon cancer. The reality is, no actor could step into the role of T’Challa, the profoundly wise king of Wakanda and the iconic superhero Black Panther, with the same depth and resonance as Chadwick did. In the grand tapestry of Black Panther, he stood out like a beacon, his stoic strength at the core. Regardless of who dons the Black Panther’s mantle in the future, it’s undeniable that there was only ever one T’Challa, and only one Chadwick Boseman.

4. Bradley Cooper, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Rocket Raccoon, a character who debuted in ten Marvel comics over his first three decades, transformed from a secondary figure into a memorable standout and one of Marvel’s most emotionally profound heroes throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Despite his often gruff demeanor, it’s hard not to adore Rocket, thanks largely to Bradley Cooper’s exceptional voice acting that infuses this small space creature with a deep sense of wounded empathy, particularly in Guardians Vol. 3, which delves into Rocket’s harrowing past and places him at the heart of the Guardians’ narrative.

Rocket Raccoon was just a character in ten Marvel comics for three decades but became popular through the Guardians of the Galaxy series. His grumpy personality, voiced brilliantly by Bradley Cooper, makes audiences love him even more. In the latest movie (Guardians Vol. 3), we learn about his sad past and find out he’s very important to the Guardians’ story.

3. Florence Pugh, Thunderbolts*

Marvel will persist as long as it locates fresh, gifted actors to succeed its initial cast. The departure of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow was tough, but the pain is significantly reduced now that Florence Pugh has taken over the role of the MCU’s new Black Widow, Yelena. In her portrayal of Yelena, Pugh infuses a profound sense of empathy into Yelena’s transition from disheartened mercenary to head of an outlaw band of anti-heroes, and she enriches this transformation with a dark wit that suits the Marvel one-liners perfectly.

2. Michael B. Jordan, Black Panther

In the collaborative efforts of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, extraordinary outcomes unfold. As I witnessed in Black Panther, Jordan masterfully portrays a villain, Erik Killmonger, with such captivating charm and intricate character development that it’s hard not to become engrossed in his ambition to seize the Wakandan throne from T’Challa, driven by his thirst for vengeance. Remarkably, Jordan pulls off this riveting performance under the guise of a character named Erik Killmonger, even going so far as to plead, “Mr. Killmonger was my father. Call me Erik!

1. Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man

It’s a valid inquiry: If director Jon Favreau hadn’t managed to persuade Marvel to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark (and they initially resisted him for quite some time), would the movie have succeeded at all? And if the movie didn’t succeed, could that have spelled the end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe right then and there? Downey played a crucial role in shaping the entire MCU, using his witty comebacks as armor to hide his wounded heart during Tony Stark’s transformation from reckless arms dealer to selfless superhero. Even though Tony is no longer around, Downey continues to serve as the benchmark against which all other Marvel actors are compared.

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2025-05-05 22:25