Only a few weeks remain until Marvel’sThunderbolts*enters theaters, assembling a new group of anti-heroes and closing Phase 5 of the MCU. But it’s no secret that the MCU has been getting mixed box-office results lately. So, aside from its marketing campaign, it will also attempt to attract moviegoers into seats with the latest cinema trend - collectible popcorn buckets. And who better be the face of this film than the Soviet Union’s super soldier, the Red Guardian (David Harbour).
Cinemarkrevealed its popcorn bucket for the upcoming Marvel feature based on David Harbour’s character. However, this Marvel popcorn bucket isn’t like the others released. Instead of giving a head or a bust of the film’s iconic characters,Thunderbolts* fans are given a mask and a generic tin featuring decals of Red Guardian wrapped around it, making for a decently cool piece of cosplay.. But if you’re after something with a unique look,AMCtheaters is selling an “exclusive limousine popcorn vessel” that belongs to the Red Guardian. Sure, it’s not his head, but at least it doesn’t look like a bucket.
Thunderbolts*will be the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring a new set of characters introduced across different Marvel titles. Featuring a star-studded cast, such asFlorence Pugh,Sebastian Stan,and Harbour, they will be joined by other Marvel characters, such as John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and Bob/Sentry (Lewis Pullman), as they join forces for a chance of redemption. The film will close Phase 5 of the MCU, which started in 2023 withAnt-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.
What Started the Collectible Popcorn Bucket Trend?
In the past, collectible popcorn buckets were mainly distributed during press events and movie premieres. At the time, the closest thing fans would get to a limited bucket was a regular tin with movie decals wrapped around it. Meanwhile, some amusement parks, like Disneyland and Universal Studios, will sell uniquely shaped buckets based on their IP for a hefty price.
That all changed whenDune: Part Tworeleased itsinfamous Sandworm popcorn bucket that went viral in 2024. From then on, studios and theaters have been releasing and pushing out collectible buckets to attract moviegoers to their theaters, and lately, there’s usually more than one to collect. For example, while most films would stick with one design, likeDeadpool & WolverineandDog Man, the live-actionSnow Whitemovie had six buckets for fans to purchase, with each theater giving different shapes and variants of the collectible item.
Thunderbolts*will enter theaters on July 10, 2025. Follow Collider to keep up to date with the latest updates.
Thunderbolts*
Source:Cinemark
