Marvel Studios has confirmed that Thunderbolts is now officially titled The New Avengers, revealing the change through a creative announcement. The confirmation came on 5 May, as Marvel released a promotional video featuring key cast members unveiling the new name. Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour and Julia Louis-Dreyfus appeared in the clip. The cast stood around a standee featuring the old Thunderbolts logo with an asterisk. Florence Pugh stepped forward, peeled off a strip from the poster and revealed the new title, The New Avengers, prompting excitement from fans online.
Presenting Marvel Studios’ #̶T̶h̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶b̶o̶l̶t̶s̶* #TheNewAvengers.
Now playing only in theaters. Get tickets: https://t.co/bFq0RNeRhc pic.twitter.com/ACemttyCx3
— Marvel Studios* (@MarvelStudios) May 5, 2025
The Asterisk’s Mystery Comes to an End
This marks the first time Marvel has acknowledged the asterisk in Thunderbolts as a strategic placeholder. For months, fans speculated on its meaning, linking it to possible plot twists or rebrands. Marvel kept quiet throughout the promotional run, maintaining suspense until after the movie’s release. The announcement video aligned with the narrative arc in the film, bringing the mystery full circle. Fans had guessed the team might evolve into something larger, and now Marvel has confirmed those suspicions through a coordinated media rollout.
Final Scene Supports Rebranding in Narrative
The renaming was foreshadowed in the film’s conclusion where the team returns to New York after defeating The Void. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, faces the press and proclaims the group as The New Avengers. While the team looks shocked, Yelena Belova leans over and whispers to Valentina, saying, “we own you now.” The post-credits sequence reinforces the announcement with the line, “The New Avengers will return,” which matches the updated marketing. This cinematic moment smoothly transitions the characters from a rogue operation into official MCU heroes with a renewed public identity.
Global Posters Reflect Updated Title Across Regions
Following the announcement, Marvel began updating promotional materials in cinemas and cities globally. In Los Angeles and other major markets, billboards originally displaying Thunderbolts now show The New Avengers. Photos of updated posters and signage quickly surfaced online as fans documented the rollout. The move came just days after the film’s release, capitalising on momentum while hinting at what’s next for the franchise. This marketing shift follows a surge in box office success, with the film receiving strong reviews and performing at the top of the global charts.
Figure 1: Changes reflected on posters globally
Audience Divided on Timing of Reveal
The title change has received mixed reactions from audiences, especially those who had not yet seen the film. Some fans expressed frustration online, with one stating, “Isn’t this a spoiler??? They should have probably waited like a week before doing that.” Another commented, “Advertising a movie you want people to watch using a different name, and one that spoils the movie? Seems like a mistake.” Despite that, many others applauded Marvel’s strategy, calling it a calculated and effective way to set up future storylines. The move has kept discussion alive on social media, continuing the film’s visibility in the public sphere.
Robert Downey Jr Shares Response Following Screening
Robert Downey Jr, who returns to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday, watched the film with fellow Marvel stars. He posted an image of the group on Instagram, featuring Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Simu Liu and Winston Duke. The actor, now set to play the primary villain in Doomsday, appeared with the cast after a private viewing. While he didn’t post a direct review, his photo received widespread attention and further boosted the franchise’s visibility. His appearance connects the legacy Avengers with the new generation now carrying the brand forward.
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The New Avengers Now Poised for MCU’s Future
With the rebranding complete and the film already making an impact at the box office, The New Avengers now takes its place in the MCU. The new title aligns with Marvel’s broader plans to redefine its superhero teams as the cinematic universe evolves. The inclusion of returning characters alongside new faces supports ongoing development in Phase 5 and beyond. Marvel’s marketing strategy has turned speculation into certainty, opening the door for new crossovers and upcoming sequels.
