Merdeka 118 Stars in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, Making Malaysians Beam with Pride
Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world and a crown jewel of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, has made its Hollywood debut in Marvel Studios’ latest blockbuster Thunderbolts — and Malaysians couldn’t be prouder.
The movie, which premiered in Malaysia on Thursday, prominently features Merdeka 118 in key action sequences, including a standout moment where actress Florence Pugh’s character jumps from the 678.9-metre tower, instantly capturing the attention of global audiences and social media fans alike.
“Feel proud that Malaysia’s name is part of an international movie,” said user @ApiZ on TikTok — echoing the nationwide sentiment of “Malaysia Boleh!”
Marvel’s Thunderbolts Puts Malaysia on the Map
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is one of the most influential global franchises, and having Malaysia — specifically Kuala Lumpur and Merdeka 118 — as a central location marks a major cultural milestone.
Local audiences were thrilled to hear multiple mentions of Malaysia throughout the film. In one scene, an anti-hero is revealed to be developed in a Malaysian lab, giving the country a surprising narrative role in the Marvel multiverse.
“It wasn’t just once — Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur were mentioned repeatedly,” said local film reviewer Shahril Izzat Rosli (Shahril Pencinta Muvee) in an interview with Bernama.
“I was proud to see our national landmark featured in such a massive film.”
What Is Merdeka 118?
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka 118 is:
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The second tallest building in the world (after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa)
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A soaring 118-storey skyscraper at 678.9 metres tall
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Developed by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) through PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd
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A mixed-use mega development featuring offices, residences, hotels, and a retail podium
The tower also sits adjacent to Stadium Merdeka, the historic site where Malaysia’s independence was declared in 1957, further enriching its symbolic value.
A Boost for Malaysia’s Global Image and Tourism Appeal
The inclusion of Merdeka 118 Marvel Thunderbolts is more than a fleeting pop culture moment — it serves as:
✅ A soft-power branding tool for Malaysia
✅ A tourism and real estate visibility boost
✅ A proud symbol of national engineering and economic achievement
Movies have long influenced tourism — the Lord of the Rings did it for New Zealand, Mission Impossible for Dubai. Now, Malaysia has its moment.
Real Estate & Commercial Potential Around Merdeka 118
For developers and investors, Merdeka 118’s international exposure is timely. The surrounding area is seeing an influx of high-end developments, especially in:
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Luxury residences with skyline views
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Premium office spaces in the tower’s commercial zones
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Retail and hospitality projects capitalising on rising tourist traffic
The tower’s visibility in Marvel’s film will likely:
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Boost foreign interest in Malaysian real estate
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Elevate investor confidence in downtown KL’s redevelopment
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Increase footfall to nearby shopping and cultural sites like Petaling Street, Bukit Bintang, and Stadium Merdeka
Social Media Buzz: “Malaysia Boleh!”
Reactions across TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram have been overwhelmingly positive. Malaysians flooded Marvel’s official posts with comments like:
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“Proud moment for our country!”
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“Finally, Malaysia shines on the big screen!”
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“When Florence Pugh jumped from Merdeka 118 — goosebumps!”
These viral reactions not only stir national pride but also highlight Malaysia’s untapped potential as a filming destination, joining the ranks of Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Final Thoughts: Merdeka 118’s Hollywood Debut Marks a Cultural Win for Malaysia
The appearance of Merdeka 118 in Marvel’s Thunderbolts is more than cinematic trivia — it’s a powerful symbol of Malaysia’s rise on the global architectural, cultural, and tourism stage.
It validates the nation’s ambition to be seen not just as a destination, but as a player in global storytelling, through its iconic landmarks and vibrant urban centres.
From Florence Pugh’s leap of faith to the audience’s leap of pride, this is a Malaysia moment worth celebrating — and perhaps just the beginning of many more cinematic appearances.
