"WE WANTED THIS": Thunderbolts* Popcorn Bucket Design Using Bucky Barnes' Arm Is What We Should've Gotten
The official Thunderbolts* popcorn buckets are leaving fans underwhelmed, especially considering what the design could’ve been. Promotional content for the MCU’s next project has been majorly ramping up as Thunderbolts* is set to release in less than a month. On May 2, Marvel fans will finally get to follow the unconventional group of anti-heroes as they attempt to take down the Void. Though it initially seemed like this movie would fly under the radar in terms of the overall Marvel slate, the unique tone of the trailer and clever marketing has managed to draw anticipation.
One effective marketing strategy in recent years has been the release of collector popcorn buckets. With a particularly well-designed one, it’ll encourage fans to go see the movie in theaters just so they can get their hands on one. Marvel is no stranger to an eye-catching popcorn bucket, such as the Wolverine bucket for Deadpool & Wolverine that jumped on a hot internet topic, and a decently sized shield for Captain America: Brave New World. Because of the humorous tone of Thunderbolts*, it seemed like there was a lot of potential for the film to produce some excellent popcorn buckets.
The Thunderbolts* Popcorn Buckets Have Been Underwhelming
Fans Can Get Them At Major Movie Theater Chains
Several movie theater chains have teased their popcorn buckets in anticipation of the release of Thunderbolts* in May. Cinemark will feature a bucket with images of the Thunderbolts printed all around, topped with a lid in the shape of Red Guardian’s helmet. Regal Movies will also have a standard bucket with a team photo of the Thunderbolts on it, and their bucket can be purchased with some collectible Funko Pops. AMC’s bucket is the only one so far in a different shape, resembling a limo from Alexei Shostakov’s chauffeur service, presumably opening at the car’s front hood.
Although these popcorn buckets look like they’ll be good quality, it’s disappointing that they’re nothing special. Red Guardian seems to be the focal character in a lot of these sets, which is an odd choice considering some of the other fan favorites in the group, but perhaps it’s foreshadowing the role he plays in the film. Besides the limo, the popcorn buckets are a standard cup shape. Moviegoers have come to expect more elaborate vessels that have more originality than an actual bucket, especially with a franchise like the MCU where there is an opportunity for some truly whacky designs.
Thunderbolts* Popcorn Bucket Art Makes Bucky Barnes' Arm A Key Feature
BossLogic’s Popcorn Bucket Design Features Bucky
The underwhelming popcorn buckets feel even more disappointing knowing what could’ve been. A few days after the official designs were teased, one fan took matters into their own hands. Digital artist Kode Abdo, better known as BossLogic on social media, has previously worked with Marvel creating images and cover art. He posted his original design of the Thunderbolts* popcorn bucket on Instagram, and it blows the official merchandise out of the water. A sleek black bucket littered with bullet holes, the focal point is the Winter Soldier’s arm that wraps around the front.
The coolest part about BossLogic’s design is that the bucket could be multifunctional. Winter Soldier’s prosthetic arm wraps around the front of the vessel as if Bucky is really holding the bucket. Presumably, the arm would be an actual wearable piece that fans could put their hand into and hold the bucket that way. Fans who enjoy collecting popcorn buckets will find it cool either way, but there’s always an extra wow factor when there’s a level of interactivity to the product.
I Wish The Thunderbolts* Bucky Popcorn Bucket Was Real
Fans Seem To Prefer BossLogic’s Design
Bucky is undoubtedly the most popular character of the Thunderbolts thanks to his long history in the MCU. It would seem like the obvious choice for Marvel to make him the main focus of the Thunderbolts* merchandise, especially since Sebastian Stan’s confirmed participation in Avengers: Doomsday confirms that he’ll survive the film. BossLogic’s design would’ve been a great direction to go in, and many fans on social media seem to agree. On his Instagram post, user megthejedi commented, “I would buy this so fast”, while user doll.with.a.dagger commented, “I wish these were real, I need it.”
Sebastian Stan Reveals Why Bucky's Arm Has Never Been CGI In The MCU And How It Was His Decision
During a recent interview for Thunderbolts*, Sebastian Stan revealed a behind-the-scenes Bucky Barnes detail that makes his portrayal even better.
BossLogic’s popcorn bucket has even made it onto other social media platforms. X user hisvibraniumarm posted a picture of the design with the caption “We wanted this”, and other fans in the replies and quote retweets are either asking if it’s real or mourning what could’ve been. There’s nothing wrong with the official Thunderbolts* popcorn buckets as they are now, but a design based on the film’s most popular character would’ve been much more eye-catching. There’s no doubt that fans would flock to theaters to get a Bucky popcorn bucket, especially if there’s a level of interactivity to it.
Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
- May 2, 2025
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
- Director
- Jake Schreier
- Writers
- Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
- Producers
- Kevin Feige
Cast
Yelena Belova
Bucky Barnes
- Franchise(s)
- Marvel Cinematic Universe
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