What song is in the new Thunderbolts trailer* (and what it means)

The trailer released at D23 Brasil 2024 for the Marvel film Rays* features a popular alternative rock song from the 1990s, raising the question of what this means for the film. The history of Marvel Rays* has been one of the most anticipated in the franchise for some time, mainly because it’s the MCU team’s first film since Avengers: Endgame. As one of the three major Marvel films releasing in 2025, at least as far as the MCU is concerned, marketing for Rays* started together with Captain America: Brave New World.

The latest trailer for Rays* came at D23 Brasil, with Marvel Studios showing audiences an extended clip from the film followed by a new trailer. Not only did this trailer offer the best look yet Rays* cast of characters in action together, but also addressed some of the most theorized aspects of the film, from what the asterisk in the title means to who owns Avengers Tower in the MCU. All this accompanied by a distinct musical choice for the Rays* trailer, leading many to wonder what song it was and how it relates to the 2025 film.

The new song in the Thunderbolts* trailer is “Possum Kingdom” by Toadies

The music in Rays* new trailer is called “Possum Kingdom” by The Toadiesa song released in 1994. The song is a popular alternative rock track that is often associated with a genre of music that is certainly not as common in the modern day. This makes it an exceedingly interesting choice for the Rays* trailer, given that MCU trailers tend to be accompanied by orchestral scores. With Rays* Breaking the mold, the question is what this musical choice means for the story, characters and overall themes of the film.

Interestingly, “Possum Kingdom” works on a more superficial level to the vibe than the Rays* marketing is going. The trailer looks like a music video, with each member of the titular team being introduced as the song’s guitar riffs play. However, the lyrics and style of “Possum Kingdom” may also provide some insight into the aforementioned aspects of Rays*hinting at what the film will have to offer on a deeper level.

Why “Possum Kingdom” is actually perfect for the Thunderbolts trailer*

At every level, “Possum Kingdom” works for Thunderbolts*

As mentioned, the song’s eccentric guitar riffs already match Rays* somewhat eccentric tone. The film feels different from many other MCU projects due to the idea of ​​some of the most complex and morally gray characters forming a team. As such, the alternative rock style of the song suits this. When also looking at the lyrics, the choice of “Possum Kingdom” to Rays* it becomes clear. When the trailer starts, the lines “Decide, decide to walk with me” can be heard.

This could apply to each of the film’s main characters; Bucky, Yelena, Red Guardian, John Walker, Ghost and Taskmaster did bad things and Rays* it will be about the team members deciding whether they are good or bad, probably deciding to walk with each other as the titular group. Furthermore, the inspiration for The Toadies frontman Vaden Todd Lewis’ song may be linked to the messages in Rays* center.

Talking to American composer, Lewis explained that the song’s story is about loneliness, with a guy being attracted to a girl into a cult of sorts. Thematically, this could be linked to Rays* characters. Most, if not all, of these characters could be described as loners, given their history in the MCU, with Rays* offering them the chance to join this strange and eccentric team. Although it is not a cult like the inspiration for “Possum Kingdom”, the union of Rays* contains a link to the song featured in the recent trailer.