The answer to the Thunderbolts* asterisk could make an important Avengers 5 theory come true

A new Rays* The trailer has been released, and the big mystery surrounding the asterisk of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie title may not only have been revealed, but the answer to the burning question may be connected to a big Avengers: Judgment Day theory. One of the biggest problems the MCU has faced during its Multiverse Saga is that the franchise seemed directionless. While several new characters have been introduced in recent years, many of them only have a single appearance and no set plans for their return in future MCU films and series.

Rays* turns out to be a good solution to this problem. The reason for this comes Rays*The film’s expansive cast, which features many stars from previous MCU projects, like Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova. There are many questions surrounding the characters’ mission, why Valentina Allegra de Fontaine chose these specific members for her team, and most of all — Why Rays* Does it have an asterisk in the title? The asterisk was added to the title after some time after the film was announced and it looks like a new Rays* trailer may have revealed its meaning.

Thunderbolts meaning * Asterisk being Dark Avengers seems more likely

MCU Movie May Feature a Temporary Team Name

The main theory behind the reason Rays* has an asterisk in the title is that the team name is only temporary. At some point during the MCU film or when the credits roll, it would be revealed that the Thunderbolts’ real name in the MCU is much longer, with the team being called the Dark Avengers. This theory was helped by the new Rays* trailer, which featured some key moments that make it seem like Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s secret team won’t be called the Thunderbolts for a long time.

In the new Rays* trailer, it is clear that Valentina bought Avengers Tower. Previous filming for the MCU movie appeared to be set at the iconic location, but Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character outright asks the Thunderbolts: “How crazy is it to think about all the monumental fights that took place right here where you are?” Valentina also mentions that the location was not cheap, confirming that it is Avengers Tower. Adding to this, after Red Guardian calls the team the Thunderbolts in the trailer, Bucky, Ghost and Yelena do not like the choice, and the asterisk appears, suggesting it is a temporary name.

The Dark Avengers’ MCU debut would connect to Avengers: Doomsday Theory

The Thunderbolts could return in the next Avengers movie

With Val having purchased Avengers Tower, the Thunderbolts possibly operating from it, and the new MCU movie trailer teasing that the team will have a new name at the end of the film, it seems like the theory that the Thunderbolts will become the Dark of MCU The Avengers team from the comics will become a reality. This could lead to another major MCU theory also being accurate, which would make Avengers: Judgment Day even more exciting. The biggest complaint about the Multiverse Saga has been the absence of the Avengersand Rays*The asterisk of could lead to a story that resolves this in spades.

THE Avengers: Judgment Day theory states that Marvel Studios has been slowly assembling several Avengers teams so the heroes can split into different groups to take down Doctor Doom and any multiverse villains who appear in the next Avengers film, which would have made even more sense when the film was set to feature Kang the Conqueror and his many variants . The MCU has teased the debut of teams like the New Avengers, the Young Avengers, possibly the West Coast Avengers, and a street version of the team with Daredevil. The Thunderbolts becoming the Dark Avengers would be fitting for this.

The Dark Avengers’ Marvel Comics Connection to Doctor Doom Explained

Robert Downey Jr.’s character is the main villain of the Multiverse saga

Interestingly, the moment Rays* and Avengers: Judgment DayThe series’ releases tease that a possible connection to the comics could be repeated in the MCU. In Marvel comics, The Dark Avengers’ first mission was to save Doctor Doom after Norman Osborn, their leader, received a distress call from the Marvel villain. The MCU has not yet revealed what Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s ultimate goal is. However, the character is a shadowy figure whose motivations could very well align with those of master manipulator Doctor Doom, leading the Thunderbolts to aid Doctor Doom as the Dark Avengers.

The team could very well go through some changes before that happens. It was reported that an earlier version of Rays*The script saw the team die on their mission. This may still be partially true, with some characters dying in Rays*especially if Sentry ends up being a villain due to his Void persona. As such, only the characters most comfortable with something like working alongside Doctor Doom could remain until the end of Rays*. The Dark Avengers may also believe that Doctor Doom is trying to save the multiverse, leading to a misguided partnership.

Every Upcoming MCU Movie Announced