24-9-2024 (LOS ANGELES) Marvel Studios has set the internet ablaze with the release of its first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film ‘Thunderbolts*’, slated to hit cinemas on 2 May 2025. This star-studded production, featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour, is poised to become the 36th instalment in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The teaser, which dropped on Monday, has already captured the attention of fans worldwide, particularly those with a keen eye for detail. At precisely one minute and four seconds into the trailer, viewers were treated to a surprising glimpse of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic cityscape. The scene in question features Florence Pugh’s character, Yelena Belova, standing on Lebuh Ampang, a historic street in the Malaysian capital. In a dramatic sequence, the former Menara HSBC South Tower can be seen imploding in the background, while a sign for ‘Kedai Kopi Kong Hoe’ (Kong Hoe Coffeeshop) is visible to Yelena’s right.
This unexpected Malaysian connection has sparked a flurry of excitement, particularly among Southeast Asian Marvel enthusiasts. The inclusion of Kuala Lumpur in such a high-profile production is seen as a significant nod to the city’s growing status as an international filming location.
Rumours of the film’s Malaysian connection had been circulating for months, fuelled by reports of Pugh being spotted filming in the country. These speculations gained traction when Pugh’s sister, Arabella Gibbins, shared a photograph of herself near the Petronas Towers, tagging the actress in the post.
Pugh herself seemed to confirm her Malaysian filming experience in a recent interview with American entertainment publication Variety. When questioned about the most significant stunt she performed for ‘Thunderbolts*’, the actress cryptically replied, “Jumping off the second tallest building in the world.” This statement aligns with the fact that Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur currently holds the title of the world’s second-tallest building, standing at an impressive 678.9 metres.
‘Thunderbolts*’ is set to build upon previous Marvel properties, including the 2021 film ‘Black Widow’ and the Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. The plot revolves around a group of mercenaries who embark on a mission, only to uncover deeper, more complex truths along the way.
