It almost never happens that a newly released film changes its title just days after hitting theaters, but desperate times seem to call for desperate measures.
SPOILERS
Now, in an unexpected marketing move, “Thunderbolts” has decided to embark on a title change prompted by events revealed in the movie. In the film’s final moments, CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) unveils a rebranding of the team as “The New Avengers.” Following the post-credits scene, an on-screen message tells viewers that “The New Avengers will return.”
In line with this twist, promotional materials for “Thunderbolts”— including posters and billboards— have now been updated with the new title: “The New Avengers.” This shift also clarifies the significance of the asterisk in the film’s original title.
While some fans are enthusiastic about the name change and its implications for future MCU installments, others feel the decision was poorly timed. One viewer remarked online, “Isn’t this a spoiler? They should’ve waited a bit longer.” Another commented, “Why advertise it with a title that ruins the twist? That’s just bad planning.”
Some fans see it as a misstep, with one writing, “I’ve seen it, but this feels like desperation—why spoil it for everyone else?”
No word yet on whether exhibitors will follow suit, and have screenings of the film go by the new title, but this certainly points towards how efficient of a brand ‘The Avengers’ is, and given the medium-sized opening weekend “Thunderbolts” just had, then maybe it’ll result in a bump at the box-office.
