FOR whatever reason, many Malaysians often feel a sense of deep pride whenever the country is featured – or even mentioned – in a foreign film.
This is more so in a high-profile Hollywood production which guarantees a certain amount of hyperbole and media coverage, not to mention a global audience.
Such is certainly the case with Marvel Studio’s big budget Thunderbolts* which had key scenes filmed in Kuala Lumpur, not least the breath-taking opening sequence.
Editor’s note: The Malaysian government did not specifically entice Marvel Studios to film Thunderbolts* in Malaysia.
The government expressed gratitude for the filmmakers choosing Malaysia despite not being eligible for the “Film in Malaysia Incentive Scheme” because the filming duration was under 14 days.
This feeling of pride was definitely felt by digital creator Richard Ker (@richardker) who believed the spotlight shone on the country will be hugely beneficial.
When I watched the Thunderbolts movie trailer, I didn’t expect to feel anything.
Then I saw her, standing on a ledge, wind in her hair,
and behind her… a building I’ve seen.That wasn’t New York. It was Kuala Lumpur. 🤯🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/ZuYziITIG0
— Richard Ker (@richardker) May 17, 2025
The business, marketing, tech & mindset storyteller believes having such an iconic cinematic moment filmed atop Merdeka 118 – the second tallest building in the world – is bound to have a positive impact.
Having KL repeatedly mentioned throughout the film also reinforces the notion that this is a real city with real people – and definitely one worthy of being a setting for a high-profile film.
The poster also alludes to grumblings about the film being a waste of public funds from ill-informed netizens.
In his reckoning, such doubters will be turned into believers once they see the benefits such exposure can bring.
The poster who claimed to have 430K+ social media followers further noted that the leap by 29-year-old British actress Florence Pugh who played Yelena Belova from Merdeka 118 – she did not fake the jump – was not just a stunt but has become a moment of pride for all Malaysians.
Kuala Lumpur wasn’t just in the background but was the main setting for the film.
The Malaysian capital has surely been in the spotlight for the right reasons given that the movie costing US$180 mil to produce and some US$100 mil to market has thus far grossed US$325.7 mil at the Box Office in just two weeks to surpass Marvel Cinematic Universe’s The Incredible Hulk at US$264.8 mil.
The poster also shared that over 31 million people have watched the film thus far which underlines the impact Thunderbolts* will have on raising Malaysia’s international profile.
If Marvel Studios believes in the city to provide the necessary backdrop and setting for such a high-profile production, perhaps Malaysians need to show similar belief in their own city.
In this regard, the poster urged Malaysians to watch the film again and feel their pride swell.
Affirming the Malaysia Boleh ethos, he uses the movie as a prime example that the country is ready to take its place on the international stage.
Here is to hoping more movies are shot in Malaysia – not just to raise the country’s profile per se – but also bring economic growth that such productions inevitably bring.
There’s a reason US President Donald Trump is attempting to place tariffs on “foreign-made” films. Movie making is big business and has a real economic impact on film locations. Best Malaysia take advantage whilst it is there to be had. – May 20, 2025
