What's Happening?
Marvel has made significant changes to the promotional poster for the movie Thunderbolts, ahead of its release on Disney+. The edits include the removal of weapons previously held by characters Bucky and Yelena, and the complete deletion of the character Taskmaster. Fans quickly noticed these changes, sparking debate about the film's portrayal of its characters and Disney's marketing strategies. Taskmaster, originally promoted as a core member of the Thunderbolts, had a minor role in the final film, which was a deliberate misdirect to avoid spoilers. The new poster features a brighter, more light-hearted design, possibly to appeal to a broader audience and emphasize the comedic elements of the film.
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Why It's Important?
The edits to the Thunderbolts poster reflect Marvel's ongoing efforts to market the film to a wider audience, particularly families who might be deterred by the presence of guns. This move highlights the challenges Marvel faces in maintaining interest in its lesser-known characters, especially after the film's underwhelming box office performance. The changes also underscore the studio's strategy to rebrand the Thunderbolts as The New Avengers, aiming to attract viewers who are unfamiliar with the original comic book characters. The film's financial performance, pulling in $382 million against a $180 million budget, suggests that while it was profitable, it did not meet Marvel's usual expectations.
What's Next?
Thunderbolts will be available on Disney+ starting August 27, providing an opportunity for the film to reach a broader audience. Fans of the movie can look forward to seeing the Thunderbolts team again in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release next year. However, the prospects for a full Thunderbolts sequel appear slim, given the film's mixed reception and financial results. Marvel's focus may shift towards integrating these characters into other projects, leveraging their appearances in larger ensemble films to boost their popularity.
