Golden Link has recalled about 55,350 Marvel-themed popcorn buckets and LED drink cups sold at theaters nationwide because accessible button cell and coin batteries create a swallowing hazard for children. The items lack required warning labels and were manufactured in China. Consumers should stop using the affected products, safely dispose of them, photograph the disposal, and email proof to [email protected] to receive a refund. No injuries were reported as of late July; the recall number is 26-650.
Over 55,000 Marvel-Themed Popcorn Buckets and LED Cups Recalled Over Button Battery Hazard
Modernblockbuster releasesare often promoted with popcorn buckets. For many, the trend took off with the "Dune Part Two" sandworm bucket released in 2024. The bucket quickly went viral on social media and was sold by AMC Theatres for $25. The bucket is now listed for up to $185 on resale sites likeeBay.Since the sandworm, several other buckets have gone viral. Scroll to see some of the designs.The "Dune Part Two" popcorn pail is topped with a replica of the giant sandworms on planet Arrakis.(Provided by AMC)
More than 55,000 Marvel movie–themed popcorn buckets and LED drink cups sold at theaters nationwide have been recalled after importer Golden Link warned that accessible button cell and coin batteries pose a serious ingestion hazard to children.
What Was Recalled
Golden Link announced the recall on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website, saying about 55,350 items manufactured in China are affected. The recalled products contain built-in LED lights powered by button cell or coin batteries that can be accessed by children and lack required warning labels.
Specific Recalled Items
- Fantastic Four Invisible Woman Drinking Cup (blue)
Sold At: AMC Theaters nationwide
Dates Sold: March 2025–April 2025
Price: About $15 - Fantastic Four Human Torch Drinking Cup (red)
Sold At: AMC Theaters nationwide
Dates Sold: March 2025–April 2025
Price: About $15 - Captain America Popcorn Helmet Container With LED Lights
Sold At: AMC Theatres, Cobb Theatres, Drive-In Group, El Capitan EVO Cinemas, Goldenlink, GQT Movies, Harkins, Independent Theatre, Maya Cinemas, Reading, West Wind, Escape and Zurich Group (nationwide)
Dates Sold: February 2025–August 2025
Price: About $30
Why They Were Recalled
Button cell or coin batteries can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. As Golden Link warned, "If button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns, and death." The company said the items violate consumer-product safety standards because batteries are easily accessible to children and required warning labels are missing.
What Consumers Should Do
- Immediately stop using the recalled products.
- Dispose of the product safely.
- Take a photo showing proof of disposal and email it to [email protected] to request a refund of the purchase price.
- Visit www.goldenlinknorthamerica.com for more information. The recall number is 26-650.
Golden Link reported no injuries as of late July.
Context: The Collectible Popcorn Trend
Collectible popcorn buckets and novelty drinkware have become a popular promotional item for blockbuster releases. The trend accelerated after AMC's viral "Dune Part Two" sandworm bucket in 2024, which was widely resold online. Industry events such as CinemaCon have featured elaborate designs — from Stranger Things Demogorgon buckets to LED-themed pieces sold by chains like Cinemark and Marcus Theatres.
Contact
Consumers with questions can contact Golden Link via email at [email protected] or visit their website at www.goldenlinknorthamerica.com.
USA TODAY's James Powel attended 2025 CinemaCon in Las Vegas and saw some incredible and creative movie-themed popcorn buckets.(James Powel / USA TODAY)
One of AMC Theatre's popcorn buckets for "Deadpool & Wolverine" featured Wolverine's head with a wide-open mouth.(Provided by AMC Theatres)
Cinemark's "Devil Wears Prada 2" merchandise includes a bright red handbag-shaped popcorn bucket.(Provided by Cinemark)
The popcorn bucket released for "Michael" is shown off at 2025 CinemaCon in Las Vegas.(James Powel)
A tresure chest popcorn bucket sold at Cinemark Theatres as part of "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" release.(Cinemark Theatres)
AMC Theatres' "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" collectible merch includes a boat popcorn bucket.(AMC Theatres)
The "Now You See Me Now You Don't" popcorn bucket can make popcorn "disappear."(Courtesy of AMC)
A "Stranger Things" Demogorgon popcorn bucket.(Stranger Things)
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Galactus LED Popcorn Bucket was sold by Cinemark.(Cinemark)
Marcus Theatres released a swappable popcorn bucket and drink cup for "Freakier Friday."(Marcus Theatres)
An R2-D2 popcorn bucket released by AMC Theatres in 2019 for the release of "The Rise of Skywalker."(Provided by AMC)
AMC Theatre's ball-shaped popcorn bucket for the 2026 release of "Toy Story 5."(Provided by AMC)
Golden Link's "Lilo & Stitch" popcorn bucket for the release of the live-action film in 2025.(Provided by Golden Link)
Golden Link's "A Minecraft Movie" pickaxe popcorn bucket for the release of the live-action film in 2025.(Provided by Golden Link)
Golden Link's "A Minecraft Movie" Chicken Jockey popcorn bucket for the release of the live-action film in 2025.(Provided by Golden Link)
AMC Theatres' Taylor Swift Eras Tour Movie popcorn tin, released in 2023.(Provided by AMC)
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema's Mechagodzilla popcorn bucket releases in October 2026, priced at $65.(Provided by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema)
An Invisible Woman Drinking Cup with LED Lights in blue, a Captain America Popcorn Helmet Container with LED Lights and a Human Torch Drinking Cup with LED Lights in red. The products were recalled in July 2026 due to the possibility of children ingesting batteries.
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