Massive Title Change Hits Billboards and Posters Following Opening Weekend Twist
In a bold marketing move, Marvel Studios has officially changed the name of its latest film, “Thunderbolts,”* to “The New Avengers,” spoiling a major twist just days after the movie premiered in theaters.
Los Angeles billboards were the first to reflect the title shift, as the original “Thunderbolts*” branding was peeled away to reveal “*The New Avengers” underneath. Marvel’s social media then dropped a viral video of the cast pulling off the old poster to showcase the new name. Ticketing platforms like Fandango have also updated the movie’s title accordingly.
Why the Asterisk? A Third-Act Reveal Explains All
Marvel fans have long speculated about the mysterious asterisk in the movie title. That mystery is resolved in the film’s third act, where Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) reveals the group’s real name is The New Avengers — a clever bait-and-switch that now reflects in the film’s marketing. 
The team includes Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Sentry (Lewis Pullman).
Marvel Embraces the Spoiler Strategy
Director Jake Schreier explained to The New York Times that the asterisk was part of a year-long plan to align the story’s twist with its marketing rollout.
“If Val is also trying to pull a switcheroo and sell the New Avengers to the world, we could do that, too,” Schreier said.
He added that Marvel was “open to embracing” this kind of meta reveal.
Post-Credits Scene Teases Future Showdowns
In true Marvel fashion, the post-credits scene adds even more weight to the rebrand. It shows the New Avengers setting up shop in the former Avengers HQ — now called The Watchtower — and engaging in a legal battle with Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie) over the Avengers’ branding.
This directly connects to events from “Captain America: Brave New World”, where Sam was last seen trying to reassemble the Avengers.
The Multiverse Is Expanding
Another major tease? The Fantastic Four’s spaceship enters Earth’s orbit from another dimension — complete with their iconic theme music. According to Schreier, the cameo scene was filmed on the set of “Avengers: Doomsday” by none other than the Russo Brothers.
What’s Next?
Marvel fans won’t have to wait long to see how it all unfolds. The newly dubbed New Avengers will return in “Avengers: Doomsday” next summer, with the Fantastic Four making their official debut in “Fantastic Four: The First Steps,” hitting theaters on July 25, 2025.
