Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*.The Thunderbolts* title has been officially changed, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie getting a new name and poster. The first of the MCU’s Avengers movies since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame was expected to be 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday. However, Marvel has come up with an interesting marketing tactic to release a new Avengers film without anyone realizing what was happening. Now, the studio confirms what those who have already seen what Thunderbolts*‘s ending holds know, and the reveal comes after the 2025 MCU movie opened to $162.1 million worldwide.
On Twitter, Marvel Studios released the first The New Avengers poster, confirming that it is the real title of Thunderbolts*.
Marvel also shared a video of the moment the Thunderbolts* cast revealed that the MCU movie was actually called The New Avengers.
The film’s new official poster has already started making its way into theaters, and those who try to buy their tickets for the Marvel movie’s second week in theaters should already see the Avengers reveal before watching the film. If a Thunderbolts* sequel ends up happening, it will now be able to feature The New Avengers title from the start.
What Marvel Studios Changing The Thunderbolts* Title To The New Avengers Means
Marvel Has Revealed The MCU Movie’s Biggest Spoiler
In the comics, the Thunderbolts’ ongoing run saw a name change, becoming the Dark Avengers. Since Marvel added the asterisk to the movie’s title, the biggest theory about the film was that the team would become the MCU version of the Dark Avengers by the end. That was somewhat accurate, as the movie ended with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine revealing to the world that the heroes were The New Avengers, with moments from their journey as the new team shown as the credits rolled through the screen.
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Thunderbolts* Introduces A Secret Eighth Team Member
Thunderbolts* includes quite a few MCU characters, with the Marvel movie adding a secret eighth member to the team that could tie it to the comics.
Then Thunderbolts*‘s post-credits scene went a step further. The movie had a time jump to show fans what the heroes look like as The New Avengers 14 months after the team was established. That included new team costumes and the reveal that they are operating out of the original Avengers Tower. The New Avengers were also confirmed to play a key role in Avengers: Doomsday, as they discovered a game-changer for the MCU. Marvel’s reveal of the new Thunderbolts* title was a pre-determined move, with the studio likely thinking the surprise and new title would ramp up audience interest.
Our Take On Marvel Studios Changing The Thunderbolts* Title To The New Avengers
A Shocking Decision That Makes A Lot Of Sense For The MCU
After The New Avengers‘ first week in theaters, it was clear that the movie’s biggest reveal would make its way online. By revealing it themselves, Marvel Studios takes control of the narrative and makes sure that those who did not plan to watch Thunderbolts* in theaters are now surprised by the shocking covert Avengers movie release. Allied with positive word-of-mouth and great reviews, the MCU movie could have strong legs in theaters. I think this is a smart move, as superhero movies tend to be front-loaded, so making Thunderbolts*‘s real title widely known this soon helps Marvel financially.
The New Avengers
8/10
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
- Runtime
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126 Minutes
- Director
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Jake Schreier
- Writers
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Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
All Announced Upcoming MCU Movies
Source: Marvel Studios/Twitter