Warning! This submit incorporates SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*Marvel’s Thunderbolts* options loads of thrilling Easter eggs and references. Debuting a brand-new crew of acquainted MCU faces who finally attempt to see if they’ve what it takes to be heroes, Thunderbolts* is an action-packed journey that is additionally deeply character-driven. Alongside the way in which, there are some actually enjoyable connections to the unique comics and the larger cinematic universe.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* stars Yelena Belova, Purple Guardian, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Ghost, Taskmaster, Val, and Bob aka Sentry. Bringing all of those pre-existing MCU characters (and Bob) collectively, Thunderbolts* has a number of ties to the larger MCU. As such, listed here are the most important and most fun Easter eggs, references, ties, and enjoyable factoids we present in Thunderbolts*.
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The Void Takes Over The Basic MCU Opening
Whereas Thunderbolts* opens as traditional with the opening fanfare and Marvel Studios brand, the music progressively turns into distorted and all the colour is overtaken by black shadows, foreshadowing the Void.
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Some Basic Opening MCU Narration
As seen in a number of MCU film openings, Yelena Belova gives some opening narration. Nevertheless, relatively than breaking the fourth wall and speaking on to the viewers, it is revealed that Yelena is speaking to a scientist she’s tied up throughout her most up-to-date mission (mirroring previous MCU narrations).
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O.X.E. Group
Within the comics, the mysterious O.X.E. Group was an organization technically based by Valentina within the comics (particularly her Life Mannequin Decoy).
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Guinea Pigs In Mazes
Earlier than blowing up the OXE Group lab, Yelena saves a guinea pig that had been operating by a maze. This serves as some key foreshadowing for the tip of Thunderbolts* when the crew is proven operating by the maze of their varied “disgrace rooms”.
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Bucky Representing Brooklyn
First established in Captain America: Courageous New World, Thunderbolts* confirms Bucky is a congressional consultant representing Brooklyn, the place he and Steve Rogers grew up.
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Rogue Nations With Superior Tech
Throughout her impeachment proceedings, Valentina references her issues over a number of rogue nations with superior expertise, nations like Wakanda and Talokan with their shops of vibranium (Val was final seen in 2022’s Wakanda Endlessly).
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The Purple Hulk
Picture through Marvel Studios
Val additionally mentions that their final president not too long ago became “a large crimson superhuman rage monster”, referencing Courageous New World’s President Ross and his transformation into The Purple Hulk.
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“The Avengers Are Not Strolling By These Doorways”
Valentina confirms it has been fairly a while because the MCU has had its Avengers, and that they’ve but to reassemble by the beginning of this new film within the 4 years because the occasions of Avengers: Endgame.
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Wendell Pierce’s First 2025 Superhero Function
Actor Wendell Pierce performs Congressman Gary, who’s heading Val’s impeachment proceedings. Nevertheless, that is solely Pierce’s first superhero film position in 2025, as July noticed him enjoying Perry White in James Gunn’s Superman.
51
Purple Guardian’s Glory Days
When Yelena visits Alexei at his house, the Purple Guardian is watching previous footage from the Soviet Union the place he is proven standing subsequent to Stalin throughout a parade. A number of Purple Guardian propaganda posters may also be seen throughout Alexei’s house.