The Mystery of the Thunderbolts* Name and Asterisk Finally Solved
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Thunderbolts*
The asterisk became a prominent feature in Marvel Studios’ marketing for the new film, prompting speculation about its meaning. After the movie’s release, the reason behind the team’s brief adoption of the “Thunderbolts” name, and the significance of the asterisk, is finally revealed.
Thunderbolts* explores the struggles of various superheroes dealing with depression and seeking purpose. Yelena, Natasha’s sister from Black Widow, grapples with dark thoughts following her sister’s death. Red Guardian longs for his past glory as the USSR’s counterpart to Captain America. John Walker is haunted by his failed tenure as Captain America, leading to the dissolution of his family. Ghost and Winter Soldier both carry dark pasts marked by experimentation. And Bob, has documented mental health issues, was the victim of abuse, and struggled with addiction.
As a team, they discover meaning. The film revolves around their discussions about the team’s name. The “Thunderbolts” name isn’t connected to Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by William Hurt and later Harrison Ford. While Ford was initially announced as part of the cast, suggesting a significant role in forming the antihero team in earlier scripts, he ultimately left the project. Ford’s Ross appeared in this year’s Captain America: Brave New World, undergoing a transformation that included becoming president, turning into the Red Hulk, and being imprisoned for holding a scientist hostage.
The writers of Thunderbolts* devised a different, more lighthearted origin for the name: it comes from Yelena’s childhood soccer team, the West Chesapeake Bay Thunderbolts. Coached by Red Guardian during their time as undercover spies posing as a suburban American family, the team never won a single game.
Despite its charm, the name lacks the branding appeal desired by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the CIA director responsible for Bob’s powers. After Bob accidentally unleashes a dark alter-ego called the Void and the Thunderbolts have to save everyone in the Big Apple from the new villain, Val decides the team has worth. She orchestrates a press conference, introducing Yelena and the team as the New Avengers.
The film’s credits feature numerous press clippings that either celebrate the new super-team of sidekicks and antiheroes or question the suitability of this group of underpowered individuals to assume the mantle of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. A mid-credits scene reveals that Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, is suing the New Avengers for copyright infringement. Red Guardian suggests changing the name to New Avengerz with a “z” as a solution.
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