In the transformative landscape of cinema, the year 2024 has redefined the experience of purchasing snacks at movie theaters. The immense success of Dune: Part Two and several subsequent films have solidified the themed popcorn bucket as an essential offering in multiplexes. Now, whenever a new film is announced, fans eagerly ask, “What exciting design will the popcorn bucket feature this time?” This shift in consumer expectations has created a buzz around each new release, elevating the snack experience to a must-have collectible.
As summer movie season officially kicks off, the excitement is palpable. Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Thunderbolts, has hit theaters and introduced at least three new popcorn buckets that fans are eager to collect. Furthermore, promotional items for the anticipated release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 23, the charming How to Train Your Dragon on June 13, and the celebration of Jaws’ 50th anniversary have recently been unveiled. Let’s take a closer look at each of these exciting new designs.
First on our list is the exhilarating new popcorn bucket for Thunderbolts. Marvel Studios is clearly making a bold statement with this release, showcasing the iconic Red Guardian helmet, which is sure to capture the attention of fans and collectors alike.
The design features the Red Guardian helmet, a nod to the character’s unique style, alongside a striking limo design and an asterisk symbol. It’s undeniably a cool collectible that fans will cherish.
Shifting gears, let’s dive into the popcorn bucket for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This particular design offers an intriguing twist, as it can only be opened with a special key, mirroring the key element of a submarine featured in the film. This unique feature adds an exciting layer of interactivity, making it a must-have for devoted fans of the franchise.
This clever design choice raises some interesting questions about practicality. How long will fans be able to keep track of the key? For many, including myself, the risk of misplacing it would be immediate. Moving on to a more traditional yet still delightful option, we have the popcorn bucket for How to Train Your Dragon, which boasts a charming design that fans of all ages will appreciate.

This bucket design is irresistibly cute and captures the essence of the beloved franchise, making it a must-have for fans eagerly awaiting the latest installment. Lastly, we have the spectacular Jaws popcorn bucket, celebrating the film’s remarkable 50th anniversary, which is drawing significant attention for its nostalgic design.

However, it’s essential to note that not all theaters will carry every popcorn bucket design. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your local theaters regarding availability. Some of these exclusive buckets, like the Thunderbolts asterisk and Jaws bucket, can even be found for purchase on specific theater chain websites, such as Drafthouse.
As we continue to explore the exciting world of themed popcorn buckets throughout the summer, we invite you to share which designs you are most eager to see. Personally, I’m particularly curious about what creative ideas theaters will unveil for the upcoming Fantastic Four. Could we see a bucket that stretches? Perhaps one resembling the rocky Thing? Or maybe one that’s invisible or even lights up in flames? The possibilities are truly endless!
For more updates on io9 news, be sure to stay tuned for the latest details on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, alongside news about the evolving DC Universe in film and television, and all the exciting developments concerning the future of Doctor Who.











