The trailer released at D23 Brazil 2024 for Marvel’sThunderboltsfeatures a popular alt-rock song from the 1990s, begging the question of what it means for the movie. Thestory of Marvel’sThunderboltshas been one of the franchise’s most anticipated for some time, primarily given that it is the first MCU team-up movie sinceAvengers: Endgame. As one of three majorMarvel movies releasing in 2025, at least where the MCU is concerned, the marketing forThunderbolts*has gotten underway alongside that ofCaptain America: Brave New World.
The most recenttrailer forThunderboltscame at D23 Brazil, 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 atThunderboltscast of charactersin action together, but it also addressed some of the more theorized aspects of the movie, from what the asterisk in the title means to who owns Avengers Tower in the MCU. All of this was accompanied by a distinct musical choice for theThunderbolts*trailer, leading many to wonder what song it was and how it relates to the 2025 film.
The New Thunderbolts* Trailer Song Is “Possum Kingdom” By The Toadies
The music inThunderboltsnew trailer is called “Possum Kingdom” by The Toadies, a song released in 1994. The song is a popular alt-rock track that is often linked with a genre of music that is certainly not as common in the modern day. This makes it an overly interesting choice for theThunderboltstrailer, given that MCU trailers tend to be accompanied by orchestral scores. WithThunderbolts*breaking the mold, the question is what this musical choice means for the film’s story, characters, and overall themes.
Interestingly, “Possum Kingdom” works on a more surface level for the vibe theThunderboltsmarketing is going for. The trailer plays somewhat like a music video, with each member of the titular team being introduced as the song’s guitar riffs blare. However, the lyrics and style of “Possum Kingdom” can also provide some insight into the aforementioned aspects ofThunderbolts, hinting at what the movie will have to offer on a deeper level.
Why “Possum Kingdom” Is Actually Perfect For The Thunderbolts* Trailer
On Every Level, “Possum Kingdom” Works For Thunderbolts*
As alluded to, the offbeat guitar riffs for the song already matchThunderboltssomewhat offbeat tone. The film looks and feels different from many other MCU projects due to the idea of some of the more complex, morally gray characters forming a team. As such, the alternative-rock style of the song matches this. When looking at the lyrics too, the choice of “Possum Kingdom” forThunderboltsbecomes clear. As the trailer starts, the lines"Make up your mind, decide to walk with me,“can be heard.
This can apply to each of the film’s main characters; Bucky, Yelena, Red Guardian, John Walker, Ghost, and Taskmaster have all done bad things, andThunderboltswill be about the team members making up their minds about being good or bad, likely eventually deciding to walk with each other as the titular group. Furthermore, the inspiration for the song for The Toadies' frontman Vaden Todd Lewis may link to the messages atThunderboltscenter.
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Speaking toAmerican Songwriter,Lewis explained that the story of the song is about loneliness, with a guy being lured by a girl into somewhat of a cult. Thematically, this could be tied toThunderboltscharacters. Most, if not all, of these characters could be described as lonely given their history in the MCU, withThunderboltsoffering them the chance to join this offbeat, strange team. While not a cult as was the inspiration for “Possum Kingdom,” the teaming up of theThunderbolts*holds a link to the song featured in the recent trailer.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.
