From “Thunderbolts*” to “The New Avengers”: Inside the Sudden Superhero Title Swap

By The Credits  |  May 5, 2025

Thunderbolts* SPOILERS AHEAD

Who knew an asterisk packed such a punch? Thunderbolts* rolled into theaters this weekend and just as quickly rolled out a new movie title. The mysterious asterisk that hung on the end of the film’s title left some fans perplexed—that was, until the last ten minutes of the film.

Today, Marvel branding and marketing from billboards to posters to online ticket services have all changed the Thunderbolts* title to the newly revealed real title for the movie: The New Avengers. The cast of the movie were seen ripping off the Thunderbolts* title on one of their posters to reveal The New Avengers just under the surface.

Star of the film Sebastian Stan who plays Bucky (turned Congressman Barnes) was seen replacing his character’s posters around town with the newly donned title as well.

The film focuses on the disjointed team as they work together to save New York once again, this time from Bob/Sentry/The Void and all the dark things they’ve been suppressing as they try to reclaim their lives. This lands the misfits a prime-time spot in front of cameras as the world’s new heroes, whether they liked it or not. The credits roll and we see graphics that detail many headlines that are either poking fun at the “New Avengers” or praising them for their valiant strength.

Moviegoers who stuck around for the classic Marvel post-credits scene flashed forward 14 months to our ragtag squad chatting about their ups and downs as the newly minted “New Avengers.” They complain about not being taken seriously, despite their new name, and they all grapple with some fantastic new visitors arriving from space.

This spin on traditional marketing for a Marvel film follows a lengthy cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday where viewers watched chairs…yes chairs, for nearly five and a half hours just to see if their favorite character would be making an appearance in the film.

The Thunderbolts* aka The New Avengers will return for Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios/X

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The Credits is the Motion Picture Association's online platform that profiles below-the-line filmmakers and TV creators. Through in-depth interviews and coverage, we shine a spotlight on all the individuals who are indispensable to the entertainment industry and create the films and series we love.