KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian capital was abuzz with excitement these last two weeks as a Marvel film was shot in the heart of the city.
Thunderbolts, an upcoming superhero blockbuster set to hit silver screens May 2025 was filmed in various parts of Kuala Lumpur including Medan Pasar and the Merdeka 118 – the world’s second tallest building.
The scenes shot in Kuala Lumpur included those of Oscar-nominated actress Florence Pugh, starring as Yelena Belova – the sister of Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow.
While Marvel Studios under Walt Disney spearheads the production of Thunderbolts, filming in Malaysia was done with the assistance of Biscuit Films popular for their involvement in films such as Blackhat, Crazy Rich Asians, and the television series Marco Polo.
When contacted last week, local production house Biscuit Films, which was involved in the production, declined comment.
Its principal Megan Apputhurai said their lips were sealed as everyone involved were bound by non-disclosure agreements.
Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman told Scoop last week that the film is not part of the Film in Malaysia incentive scheme as they were filming for less than 14 days. However, he expressed gratitude that the filmmakers chose Malaysia anyway.
“By coming here to shoot, there’s evidence Malaysia still has locations international companies look for.
“The last survey we did showed that by shooting in Malaysia, they will be generating 2.36 times the economic contribution by spending on local amenities and creating jobs – albeit on jobs that aren’t too technical – for the industry,” he said.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts differs from the usual Marvel trope of superheroes against villains.
Instead, it features a group of antiheroes going on missions for the government.
Thunderbolts’ A-list cast also includes Harrison Ford, Rachel Wize, Julia-Louis-Dreyfus, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan and Olga Kurylenko.
The movie will be the 36th film in the globally successful Marvel Cinematic Universe which has made US$3 billion (approximately RM14.16 billion) at the global box office. – June 27, 2024