'Thunderbolts*' Revealed As 'The New Avengers'

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, released May 2, 2025, has unleashed a major reveal just days after hitting theaters: its true title is The New Avengers. A massive Los Angeles billboard, theater standees, and social media promos have swapped out the asterisk-laden title, confirming the team’s rebranding, per CinemaBlend. Directed by Jake Schreier and starring Florence Pugh, the film’s $76 million domestic opening marks a solid start, but the early title reveal has sparked debate over spoilers and marketing strategy. Here’s the full story behind the switch, its impact, and what it means for the MCU’s Phase 5 finale.

The Billboard Bombshell: From Thunderbolts* to The New Avengers

Marvel Studios wasted no time unveiling Thunderbolts*’ real title, with a prominent Sunset Plaza Drive billboard in West Hollywood boldly proclaiming The New Avengers. Shared by @JarettSays on X, the billboard features Yelena Belova (Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and others, aligning with the film’s ending where the team, after thwarting Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) trap, is unveiled as the MCU’s new superhero squad, per ScreenRant. Social media promos and theater signage followed suit, but the move—days after the May 2 release—has divided fans, with some, like @zenoKonsuke on X, calling it a “spoiler” that should’ve waited a week, per ComicBook.com.

Why the Title Change? Marketing Genius or Misstep?

The asterisk in Thunderbolts* was a marketing ploy from the start, teased since filming began in March 2024, per Wikipedia. Schreier told the Phase Hero podcast that the New Avengers twist was always planned, with the asterisk fueling speculation for over a year. Marvel’s decision to rebrand post-release, highlighted by the billboard, aims to boost ticket sales by leveraging the iconic Avengers name, which outshines the lesser-known Thunderbolts. The film’s $162 million global opening ($76 million domestic) on a $180 million budget, per Variety, is decent but below MCU giants like Captain America: Brave New World ($88 million domestic). X user @davidgaw criticized the move as “advertising a movie with a different name that spoils it,” suggesting a marketing misstep.

Marvel’s strategy echoes past gambles, like Warner Bros.’ Edge of Tomorrow rebrand to Live Die Repeat, but the Avengers brand carries unmatched weight. However, theaters haven’t fully adopted The New Avengers for listings, per ScreenRant, and the billboard retains the asterisk, hinting at ongoing ambiguity. Fans like @Billy_Rock_ on X suggested adding a “Z” to spell “Avengerz,” referencing Red Guardian’s humorous trademark dodge in the film.

The Film’s Context and Reception

Thunderbolts*, the 36th MCU film, follows antiheroes Yelena, Bucky, Red Guardian, Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) in a deadly mission set by de Fontaine, per Marvel. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and A- CinemaScore, it’s hailed as a “return to form,” per Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praise its indie vibe, with Pugh’s “magnetic” performance and Schreier’s A24-esque style (tied to Beef, Minari), per Variety. The film’s $11 million Thursday previews outperformed Shang-Chi ($8.8 million), per IMDb, and its Wheaties-inspired marketing, mimicking a “Breakfast of Champions” box, tied into the New Avengers reveal.

The secret is out. Marvel Studios’ #̶T̶h̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶b̶o̶l̶t̶s̶* #TheNewAvengers is now playing in theaters. Get tickets: https://t.co/bFq0RNeRhc pic.twitter.com/jeUchQwdCL

— Marvel Studios* (@MarvelStudios) May 5, 2025

X posts reflect mixed sentiments: @Cinegasm_ called it “plot twist marketing or multiverse mischief,” while @DanDellaCroce pushed for the “Avengerz” gag. The reveal’s timing, just three days post-release, frustrated some fans, as @DiscussingFilm noted on X, with complaints it punishes those missing opening weekend, per ComicBook.com.

Impact on the MCU and Box Office Outlook

The rebranding to The New Avengers ties Thunderbolts* to Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026), where most of its cast returns, per ScreenRant. This strengthens its Phase 5 role, but the spoiler-heavy marketing risks alienating fans, as @zenoKonsuke’s X post suggests. The film’s $162 million global debut, with $86 million overseas, nearly recoups its $180 million budget, per Variety. Strong reviews and an 11.3% IMAX share ($8.6 million domestic) bode well for legs, especially against Sinners’ hold, per IMDb. Marvel’s May slot, breaking a 13-year sequel trend, signals confidence, per ScreenRant, but the billboard move may not fully offset superhero fatigue.

Was It Worth the Spoiler?

Marvel’s bold reveal of The New Avengers via billboards and promos, as detailed by CinemaBlend, aims to capitalize on the Avengers’ brand to boost Thunderbolts*’ box office, projected at $70-$73 million domestically, per IMDb. While the 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and fan buzz, like @MarvelStudios’ X post calling it “#TheNewAvengers,” fuel optimism, the early spoiler has sparked debate, per ComicBook.com. For fans unspoiled, the twist is a thrilling payoff, but for others, Marvel’s haste may dim the experience. Stream or catch Thunderbolts*—or should we say The New Avengers—in theaters now to join the debate.

What’s your take on Marvel’s The New Avengers reveal? Genius marketing or spoiler blunder? Share below!