I Think The New Thunderbolts Popcorn Buckets Are Fine, But This Fan Art Using Bucky’s Arm As The Container Would Have Been A+

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Enthusiasts eagerly anticipate new Marvel films, and what better way to celebrate than with collectibles! With the much-awaited “Thunderbolts”* set to debut on May 2, 2025, both on big screens and in movie schedules, major retailers are introducing themed popcorn containers and cups to commemorate the event. While I think all officially designed buckets are great, a single fan-made artwork has raised the bar to an extraordinary level that’s hard to overlook.

Posted to the Instagram account of popular digital artist BossLogic, the bucket features a sleek, matte-black base wrapped in a perfectly sculpted version of Bucky Barnes’ cybernetic vibranium arm, mid-squeeze, as if the super soldier himself is protecting your popcorn with all the intensity of a Sokovia mission. The post’s caption, which you can see embedded below, reads: “Never drop your popcorn again with the help of Winter Soldier.”

A post shared by Kode Abdo (@bosslogic)

A photo posted by on

It’s not a real popcorn bucket, but, man, oh man, it should be.

Let’s take a look at the official popcorn buckets headed to theaters. Regal Cinemas is offering a collectible combo that features sleek, logo-stamped buckets and cups plastered with the fantastic ensemble cast (think Yelena, Red Guardian, Bucky, and more), plus a set of Thunderbolts-themed Funko Pop figures. It’s flashy and collectible, sure, but nothing that reinvents the wheel.

AMC really pulled out all the stops by designing an extraordinary popcorn bucket modeled after Red Guardian, resembling a battered stretch limousine seen in that intriguing art-house film trailer riddled with bullet holes. Impressively large and eccentric, this creation is sure to earn its share of admiration for creativity and being on par with some of the more outlandish popcorn designs from days gone by. If you’re after an enjoyable experience, AMC certainly has you taken care of.

Cinemark is taking a more traditional approach while still staying true to its brand. They are teasing a full lineup of cups and buckets, including a standout Red Guardian helmet-shaped bucket that looks menacing enough to make your buttery snack feel more heroic. Honestly, this is my favorite among the “official” buckets. If I can’t have Bucky’s arm, I’ll settle for the Red Guardian’s head… although that sounded worse than I intended. Check it out below:

All of the popcorn buckets are fun, but they’re not quite as fun as The Winter Soldier’s arm keeping your snacks safe in the theater. Fans packed the comments on Boss Logic’s post with praise, and a lot of them were bummed that the design isn’t part of Marvel’s official promo stuff. One user, @doll.with.a.dagger, commented:

I wish these were real 😍😩 I need it.

To put it plainly, it’s hard not to feel that the Bucky Arm bucket seems more suited for a high-end collector’s shop or as part of the Marvel Studios set pieces, rather than being found among the snacks at a movie theater.

To clarify: The AMC limo is oddly entertaining, Funko cups are adorable, and the Red Guardian helmet is a decent novelty item. However, BossLogic’s design has a unique quality: it embodies character-focused creativity. It seems like an integral part of the Marvel Universe rather than merely being stuck on merchandise. Given Bucky’s growing popularity (and considering his likely significant role in this film), not utilizing this opportunity is unfortunate.

We’ll simply make do with what’s authentic for now, but don’t fret, there’s still a chance for “Thunderbolts 2”. The motley crew of unsung heroes will grace the big screen on May 2nd. In the meantime, you can reacquaint yourself with all the Marvel films in sequence by subscribing to Disney+.

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2025-04-14 18:38