Marvel Studios is changing the title of its recently released film "Thunderbolts*" to "The New Avengers." The studio began the rebranding campaign just days after the movie premiered in theaters.
The title alteration follows a reveal at the conclusion of the film where the team featured in the movie is identified as The New Avengers. During the credit sequence, the onscreen title card for the film reportedly changes from "Thunderbolts*" to the new name, indicating the asterisk in the original title hinted at this change.
The studio has initiated efforts across various platforms to update the film's title. Marvel Studios is modifying its official social media accounts and collaborating with distribution partners to reflect the new name.
Partners including IMAX, Dolby, and Fandango shared updated posters featuring "The New Avengers" title shortly after the film's debut. Fandango replaced the prior "Thunderbolts*" poster on its ticket purchasing pages.
Cast members participated in the public reveal of the title change. A video shared by Marvel Studios depicted star Florence Pugh and other actors tearing down a "Thunderbolts*" poster to uncover "The New Avengers" underneath. Sebastian Stan, who also appears in the film, was shown physically swapping out posters at a bus stop.
"Thunderbolts*" opened in theaters with $76 million in domestic box office revenue. The title change is seen as a marketing effort possibly intended to attract a wider audience by associating the film directly with the prominent "Avengers" brand.
The movie establishes a team consisting of Yelena Belova (Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Stan), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen) and Bob (Lewis Pullman).
A scene shown after the credits suggests the New Avengers name is subject to dispute. The sequence reportedly involves Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, who is forming his own Avengers team. This narrative point is expected to connect to the upcoming film "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release in May 2026.
