Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*Marvel’s Thunderbolts*features plenty of exciting Easter eggs and references. Debuting a brand-new team of familiar MCU faces who eventually try and see if they have what it takes to be heroes, Thunderbolts* is an action-packed adventure that’s also deeply character-driven. Along the way, there are some really fun connections to the original comics and the greater cinematic universe.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* stars Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Ghost, Taskmaster, Val, and Bob aka Sentry. Bringing all of these pre-existing MCU characters (and Bob) together, Thunderbolts* has several ties to the greater MCU. As such, here are the biggest and most exciting Easter eggs, references, ties, and fun factoids we found in Thunderbolts*.
60 The Void Takes Over The Classic MCU Opening
While Thunderbolts* opens as usual with the opening fanfare and Marvel Studios logo, the music gradually becomes distorted and all the color is overtaken by black shadows, foreshadowing the Void.
59
Some Classic Opening MCU Narration
Florence Pugh as Yelena looking out at the horizon in Thunderbolts
As seen in multiple MCU movie openings, Yelena Belova provides some opening narration. However, rather than breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to the audience, it’s revealed that Yelena is talking to a scientist she’s tied up during her most recent mission (mirroring past MCU narrations).
58 O.X.E. Group
Valentina speaking to the Thunderbolts in Thunderbolts*
Before blowing up the OXE Group lab, Yelena saves a guinea pig that had been running through a maze. This serves as some key foreshadowing for the end of Thunderbolts* when the team is shown running through the maze of their various “shame rooms”.
56 Bucky Representing Brooklyn
First established in Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* confirms Bucky is a congressional representative representing Brooklyn, where he and Steve Rogers grew up.
55 Rogue Nations With Advanced Tech
During her impeachment proceedings, Valentina references her concerns over multiple rogue nations with advanced technology, nations like Wakanda and Talokan with their stores of vibranium (Val was last seen in 2022’s Wakanda Forever).
54 The Red Hulk
Red Hulk screaming angrily in Captain America Brave New World
53 “The Avengers Are Not Walking Through Those Doors”
Valentina confirms it’s been quite some time since the MCU has had its Avengers, and that they’ve yet to reassemble by the start of this new movie in the four years since the events of Avengers: Endgame.
52 Wendell Pierce’s First 2025 Superhero Role
Actor Wendell Pierce plays Congressman Gary, who’s heading Val’s impeachment proceedings. However, this is only Pierce’s first superhero movie role in 2025, as July saw him playing Perry White in James Gunn’s Superman.
51 Red Guardian’s Glory Days
When Yelena visits Alexei at his home, the Red Guardian is watching old footage from the Soviet Union where he’s shown standing next to Stalin during a parade. Multiple Red Guardian propaganda posters can also be seen all over Alexei’s home.
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