Marvel Scrambles: Thunderbolts Flop Forces Sudden ‘New Avengers’ Rebrand

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Well, that was quick.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but speculate on the recent shift in Marvel’s marketing strategy for the underperforming film, “Thunderbolts.” In what seems like an urgent response from Kevin Feige, they’ve decided to rebrand the movie as “New Avengers.” It makes me wonder, if the film had been a box office hit, would Marvel risk spoiling it with a title change?

Without a doubt, there’s no need for a spoiler alert, given that Marvel itself has already disclosed the information. In just four days since its release, they’ve announced that the Thunderbolts will be taking on the role of the “Revamped Avengers.

I’d rather discuss this topic following the release of the latest Marvel poster announcing the new Avengers team. Just a heads up if you haven’t watched Thunderbolts yet. My review is available for reading here. In summary, I enjoyed the movie.

Thunderbolts New Avengers spoilers

In the movie’s conclusion, “The New Avengers” make their appearance. Following their victory over The Void, The Thunderbolts are now pursuing Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She is the one who orchestrated their predicament, attempted to eliminate them, and is also the creator of both The Sentry and The Void.

Yet, Valentina isn’t simple-minded; instead, she has devised her own strategy. As the Thunderbolts move to either apprehend or eliminate her, she already has an escape route: a scheduled press conference.

Following The Void battle on the bustling streets of NYC, Valentina moves aside a drape, drawing the Thunderbolts after her. However, the Thunderbolts find themselves caught off guard as they walk into Valentina’s planned public unveiling of her latest Avengers team – the New Avengers. Yelena subtly whispers something in Valentina’s ear, causing a rare smile to grace Yelena’s face for the first time throughout the movie, just as the credits begin to roll.

Although the credits are rolling, Marvel is mindful and prepared for the online criticism that’s bound to surface – much like Valentina. They anticipate comments such as “These aren’t my Avengers,” and so on. However, it should be noted that some articles circulating may not be entirely truthful about audience reactions towards the New Avengers.

Subsequently, we’re treated to the post-credits sequence showcasing “The New Avengers.” This scene was recently shot by the Russo Brothers in the UK as they prepared for “Avengers: Endgame.

In the after-credits segment, it’s unveiled that Anthony Mackie’s Captain America is leading a new squad called “The New Avengers.” Additionally, there’s a humorous scene where Mackie’s Captain America is said to be taking legal action due to trademark violation. Red Guardian proposes they call themselves the “New AvengerZ” and suggests quirky costumes for each member.

Yelena brings up the topic of space constraints. In response, John Walker playfully remarks that they have plenty of room now since Valentina has taken over Avengers Tower, serving as their current operational headquarters.

As a movie buff, I can’t help but exclaim, “Behold, the cosmos!” The scene then unfolds to reveal a spaceship cruising through the vast expanse of space. And there it is, the iconic emblem of the Fantastic Four, proudly displayed on the ship. The air is filled with the epic melodies that have become synonymous with this extraordinary team, as they continue their interstellar journey.

New Avengers reaction

Initially, when they were unveiled as the New Avengers, it felt awkward, almost embarrassing. And as the end credits approached, it became even more uncomfortable. But the post-credits scene was actually amusing, suggesting that they might not truly be the New Avengers, or at least a watered-down version of the original team.

As for me, I’m just as unsure about whether the New Avengers will join Mackie’s Captain America team. If they do, who might be among them? Perhaps She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel could be included, though it’s all speculation at this point. LOL.

In the comics, the New Avengers were quite impressive, boasting a lineup of characters such as Luke Cage, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Wolverine, and The Sentry. Frankly, I wouldn’t compare the Thunderbolts or Mackie’s Cap team to the New Avengers in terms of their strength and caliber.

What’s next for the MCU?

In a hint dropped during the closing credits, the upcoming film titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set for release in July. The question now is which characters are aboard that spaceship? Could Marvel have accidentally given away the whole plot of the Fantastic Four movie???

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the “New Avengers” don’t have a significant lead-up, since after the Fantastic Four, the movie is “Avengers: Endgame.

Essentially, the New Avengers appear to be an afterthought addition by Marvel, and they’re currently using it for film promotion even though it has no direct connection with the Thunderbolts. Could it be possible that Anthony Mackie’s team might confront the Thunderbolts in future storylines like Doomsday or Secret Wars?

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2025-05-05 20:01