Marvel begins Thunderbolts rebrand after post-credits reveal [spoilers]

Days after its May 2 debut, Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts is being rebranded in official marketing as The New Avengers. The rebrand follows the in-story reveal of the asterisk's meaning, which ties directly into the film's ending.
The film concludes with the antihero team — Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker — regrouping after stopping 'The Void.' They confront Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, but she deflects consequences by staging a press conference and presenting the group to the public as the 'New Avengers.' The post-credits scene confirms the team has already been operating under that name for over a year.
Entertainment journalist Jarett Wieselman shared photos on social media showing updated billboards now using the New Avengers title. The quick turnaround may surprise some fans, but the Avengers branding is expected to drive broader interest. Marvel's move clearly signals its intent to position the team as central to the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film also boasts a star-studded ensemble from the MCU. Returning cast members include Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Newcomers Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, and Wendell Pierce also join the cast. Jake Schreier directs, with Kevin Feige producing and Louis D'Esposito, Brian Chapek, and Jason Tamez as executive producers.
The film is scored by Oscar-nominated band Son Lux. It blends action and introspection as the characters confront their pasts and seek redemption. With The New Avengers now headlining the franchise, Marvel is setting the stage for a bold new chapter.

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