After months of fan speculation, Marvel Studios has finally unveiled the mystery behind the asterisk in Thunderbolts — and it comes with a major twist that changes everything.
Spotted on Sunset Plaza Drive in Los Angeles, a newly updated billboard for the highly anticipated Marvel film has swapped out the stylized title Thunderbolts (with the infamous asterisk) for a bold, straightforward reveal: “The New Avengers.” This surprising change not only clarifies the purpose of the cryptic symbol but also signals a seismic shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) moving forward.
What the Asterisk Actually Meant
The asterisk, which first appeared on marketing materials in early 2024, sparked countless theories across fan forums and social media. Some assumed it was a stylistic choice. Others speculated it hinted at a twist in the storyline or a surprise crossover. But now, Marvel has confirmed it was foreshadowing a major reveal: the team we knew as the Thunderbolts are actually stepping into the role of the next generation of Avengers.
Above the billboard image of a cereal box featuring seven central characters from the film, the title “Thunderbolts*” has been completely removed and replaced with “The New Avengers” — making the asterisk a literal pointer to the future of the team.
Marvel’s Boldest Marketing Strategy Yet
This reveal wraps up one of Marvel’s most creative and unconventional marketing campaigns to date. The studio has leaned into viral-style secrecy and misdirection with this project. Alongside the mysterious asterisk, Marvel released an A24-inspired teaser trailer, a limited-edition Wheaties cereal box collab, and even featured David Harbour (Red Guardian) in full costume at San Diego Comic-Con.
Now that the movie has officially passed its no-spoilers date, the title change has been made public — and it’s safe to say the payoff was worth the build-up.
A Darker Avengers, with a Twist
Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, Thunderbolts is the 36th film in the MCU. While it shares some DNA with The Avengers, the story leans more into The Suicide Squad territory, following a group of morally gray antiheroes recruited for a dangerous mission none of them can back out of.
The all-star ensemble includes:
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
- Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster
- Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent
These are not your typical clean-cut heroes — and that’s exactly what makes them the perfect evolution for a more complex, post-Endgame MCU.
Box Office Performance & What’s Next
Thunderbolts debuted with a respectable $76 million in its opening weekend, closely aligning with pre-release projections. While it trails behind Captain America: Brave New World, which brought in $89 million during its debut, the buzz surrounding the film’s twist and rebranding as The New Avengers could boost its long-term performance and cultural impact.
Marvel seems to be planting the seeds for a darker, more morally nuanced future — one where redemption, trust, and second chances take center stage.
