Marvel Studios’ much-anticipated film Thunderbolts* has officially landed in theaters, and fans are buzzing over its bold new tone, unexpected team-ups, and a wealth of MCU Easter eggs that reward the most devoted viewers. While the movie reintroduces several familiar faces—from Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova to Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes—it also plunges the Marvel Cinematic Universe into darker territory with new plotlines surrounding The Sentry, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and the ominous rise of The Void. With strong connections to earlier MCU phases, iconic comic references, and cleverly hidden details, Thunderbolts* may be the most reference-heavy Marvel film since Avengers: Endgame.
The Return of the Void and the Corruption of Heroism
Thunderbolts* opens with the Marvel Studios logo but quickly descends into a twisted variation: the iconic fanfare is interrupted by black shadows consuming the red and gold colors, signaling the looming threat of The Void. This haunting visual sets the stage for Bob Reynolds, aka The Sentry, a powerful but mentally unstable character who becomes both an asset and a liability to the Thunderbolts. The movie gradually reveals Bob’s complex history, including abuse, addiction, and delusions of grandeur, staying true to the character’s tragic comic origins. His transformation into The Void by the film’s climax marks a pivotal turn in the MCU, echoing catastrophic events in the comics where the Void obliterated cities.
The O.X.E. Group and Valentina’s Expanding Reach
A major subplot centers around the O.X.E. Group, a shadowy organization technically founded by Valentina in the comics through her Life Model Decoy. In Thunderbolts*, O.X.E. acts as both a research center and a prison-like vault where experiments on supersoldiers, weapons, and relics take place. Here, Yelena finds designs for The Sentry’s costume, referencing classic “S” logos from Marvel comics, while other team members discover relics from the MCU’s past—including Loki’s scepter, Chitauri cuffs, and the iconic “A” from Stark Tower.
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Valentina also reveals she’s renamed Avengers Tower to “The Watchtower,” a nod to Sentry’s comic book fortress. Her manipulation and control over the team signal her larger ambitions, ultimately culminating in her branding the Thunderbolts as “The New Avengers” for public relations purposes. This name shift, with its added asterisk, reflects both a marketing gimmick and an ironic contrast to the original Avengers’ nobility.
Comic-Inspired Character Beats and Classic MCU References
Bucky Barnes’ arc in Thunderbolts* is heavily influenced by his past trauma and search for redemption. Throughout the film, he’s seen using his signature knife flip from Captain America: The Winter Soldier and even rides a motorcycle while wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses—a visual homage to The Terminator. Bucky’s co-leadership with Red Guardian results in comedic banter and heartfelt moments, especially when Alexei insists the two are “basically the same person,” subtly referencing their team-up in Marvel’s What If…? animated series.
Meanwhile, Yelena delivers one of the most emotionally resonant moments when she says she lost her sister, Natasha Romanoff, twice: once to the Red Room’s conditioning, and once in Avengers: Endgame. Her grief fuels her actions, and her growth into a heroic figure is solidified when she performs a midair save reminiscent of Natasha’s own acrobatic feats in the Battle of New York.
Taskmaster and Ghost get significant character updates. Taskmaster’s role in the team includes cryptic callbacks to her time in Budapest, while Ghost is referred to as “a SHIELD reject,” emphasizing her rejection by the system and adding depth to her unpredictable loyalty. John Walker’s character arc continues from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, as he grapples with being labeled a “Dime Store Cap” and seeks redemption through reckless bravery.
Meta Humor and Cultural References
Thunderbolts* embraces its comedic roots with a surprising number of meta and pop culture references. For example, when Mel suggests the group should climb a vertical shaft by going back-to-back and using their legs, it’s nearly impossible not to recall a similar scene in The Emperor’s New Groove. The film also pokes fun at corporate branding, as Red Guardian receives a garish new suit covered in sponsor logos, mirroring a joke from Chris Evans’ Human Torch in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Another humorous moment comes when the Thunderbolts wear O.X.E. uniforms to sneak out of the facility—clearly inspired by classic disguise tropes from Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz. Even the music selection joins the fun: the movie ends with Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” used both in the first trailer and again in the grocery store post-credits scene where Red Guardian tries to sell a Wheaties box featuring the team.
Building the Future of the MCU
Thunderbolts* functions as more than a standalone film. It actively lays the groundwork for upcoming MCU projects. In the second post-credits scene, Sam Wilson’s Captain America expresses frustration that Valentina has rebranded her antihero team as “The New Avengers,” implying tension as he works to rebuild the real Avengers following the events of Captain America: Brave New World. Yelena also mentions a “space crisis” no one’s telling them about, likely alluding to events that will unfold in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Finally, a third post-credits scene hints at the future beyond Earth as a spacecraft bearing the Fantastic Four’s logo hurtles toward Earth, accompanied by Michael Giacchino’s “Fantastic Four: First Steps” theme. This confirms the arrival of Marvel’s First Family in July 2025 and suggests they’ll play a role in the multiversal saga ahead.
Conclusion: A Bold, Shadowy Step Forward
Thunderbolts* is both a reflection on Marvel’s darker antiheroes and a love letter to its sprawling cinematic universe. By embracing themes of redemption, identity, and trauma, the film distinguishes itself from its predecessors while expanding the universe in fresh and unexpected ways. Whether it’s the twisted promise of The Void, the rise of Valentina’s manipulative influence, or the emotional evolution of long-standing characters like Bucky and Yelena, Thunderbolts* successfully merges character depth with superhero spectacle.
With nods to every corner of the MCU—from Iron Man’s legacy to the cosmic horizon of the Fantastic Four—Thunderbolts* offers a gripping, layered experience for die-hard fans and casual viewers alike. Its 50+ Easter eggs aren’t just nostalgia; they’re a roadmap for where Marvel is headed next.
