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KL's Merdeka 118 Stars in Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' — The World's Second-Tallest Tower Hits Hollywood

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Kuala LumpurMerdeka 118Marvel

Marvel's latest blockbuster Thunderbolts didn't just deliver superhero thrills — it gave Malaysian fans a moment of pure pride. The film features none other than Kuala Lumpur's iconic Merdeka 118, the world's second-tallest skyscraper, in a show-stopping sequence where Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova takes a death-defying leap off the 678.9-metre giant.

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Standing taller than anything in Southeast Asia and second only to Dubai's Burj Khalifa globally, Merdeka 118's Hollywood moment sent Malaysian social media into a frenzy. To mark the occasion, the tower itself put on a dazzling LED light display — a fitting celebration for a building that's now officially a movie star.

What Makes Merdeka 118 Special?

At 678.9 metres, Merdeka 118 isn't just tall — it's a architectural statement. Its diamond-cut glass façade represents Malaysia's cultural diversity, while the slender spire crowning the tower draws inspiration from a historic gesture: Tunku Abdul Rahman's raised hand as he declared "Merdeka!" (freedom) on Malaysia's Independence Day in 1957. At night, LED strips tracing the building's edges turn it into a luminous landmark visible across the city.

Can You Visit Merdeka 118?

Not yet — but soon. The tower was officially inaugurated on 10 January 2024, though interior fit-outs for the hotel, retail spaces, and offices are still being completed.

Can You Go to the Top?

Two observation decks are in the pipeline, slated for completion in mid-to-late 2025. One sits at 510 metres inside the main tower, while a second, perched inside the spire at 568 metres, promises 360-degree panoramas of Kuala Lumpur. Both are expected to be ticketed — watch this space for pricing details.

What Else Is Coming to Merdeka 118?

Shoppers can look forward to 118 Mall, spanning seven full floors and expected to open in the third quarter of 2025. For those seeking a more elevated experience, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will occupy the tower's upper levels — think luxury rooms, fine dining, an infinity pool, and a world-class spa, all set against a skyline backdrop. Opening is slated for mid-2025.

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