Marvel Studios has clarified the reason behind the asterisk (*) in the title of their upcoming superhero film, “Thunderbolts*”. This symbol typically indicates a footnote or clarification. The studio has initiated a new phase of its promotional campaign, surprisingly using film spoilers to build buzz.
Warning: Spoilers for the film “Thunderbolts*” follow.
Marvel Studios began altering “Thunderbolts*” posters and billboards, revealing a new title for the film. On social media, the studio shared a video where the film`s lead actors peeled off the “Thunderbolts*” title from a poster to reveal another title underneath: “*The New Avengers”. In a separate video, Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes, was shown walking through the city, replacing posters with the updated title.
This bold move by Marvel Studios significantly surprised many fans, as revealing the potential new team name is essentially a spoiler for a major element of the film`s third act. Director Jake Schreier explained the unconventional promotional campaign, stating, “If Val in the movie tried to pull a switcheroo and sell the world the New Avengers, we can too.”
The film “Thunderbolts*” is currently set to premiere on May 2, 2025. The ensemble cast includes Florence Pugh, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, Olga Kurylenko, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell. All these actors previously appeared as supporting characters or antagonists in various Marvel Cinematic Universe films and series.