Thunderbolts officially changes its name to New Avengers, thereby resolving the suspense surrounding the asterisk at the end of the title. This is unfortunate for those who missed the announcement and did not see it in theaters promptly. Is it merely a simple adjustment? Not quite. This sudden renaming is actually a strategic shift and a direct response to an increasingly worrisome situation: Thunderbolts, even before its release, faced concerns. Both fans and industry insiders were apprehensive. For several months, there have been signals of this unease. With lukewarm enthusiasm on social media, a cast perceived as imbalanced, and most notably, internal screenings predicting poor box-office performance, the film seemed to be off to a rocky start. According to sources close to the production, initial surveys and pre-marketing tests indicated widespread lack of interest. Naturally, following the disappointment of Captain America: Brave New World, releasing Thunderbolts—a name that does not resonate with the general public—was a risky proposition. However, Marvel Studios had anticipated this possibility in case of an unexpected setback: that famous asterisk.
The “Avengers” Effect: Rescue Operation? The strategy is now clear. By renaming the film from “Thunderbolts” to “New Avengers,” Marvel attempts a high-stakes gamble: attaching its project to one of the most powerful brands in its galaxy. The goal is to give a clear purpose to a film seen as peripheral and, above all, to reignite interest among an audience struggling for direction. This isn’t just a narrative choice; it’s a commercial ploy because films with “Avengers” in the title sell differently. The figures of all Avengers films prove this: the term has far superior appeal than an obscure group of antiheroes, however well-written they may be. This name change is thus anything but trivial and comes at a time when the MCU faces its most critical period since its inception. By renaming it, Marvel aims not only to reverse the decline in interest but also to reposition the film within its narrative universe: transforming it from a simple antihero mission into a pivotal milestone in the post-Endgame refounding.
A risky but necessary gamble: The real question remains — will this name change alone be enough to save the project? Nothing is certain. For the issue runs deeper. It’s not just a matter of a title, but direction: what message, vision, tone does Marvel now wish to convey? And most importantly, can it still attract an audience that seems to have turned away? Fortunately, “Thunderbolts” has received positive critical reception from the press and even among audiences. Critics agree on highlighting the film’s solidity and its commitment to redefining team dynamics while staying true to the MCU’s DNA.
The film has received an average critic score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a commendable rating for what was initially conceived as a project aiming to avoid the label of a typical “B-team” production. Critics especially highlight the strong rapport between the main characters, particularly Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), who take on central roles in this new ensemble. Additionally, the action sequences are noted for their effectiveness, with intense tension that enhances the otherwise somewhat inconsistent pacing seen in recent releases.
From a viewer’s perspective, the film has been well-received, achieving a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes just one week after its release. Many fans express satisfaction on social media, praising its return to themes that contributed to the success of the first Avengers: the clash of ideas, personal sacrifice, and redemption. “A team of marginal characters, somewhat unstable, but it works due to the dynamics between the actors and the script’s strength,” comments an enthusiastic viewer on Twitter. Others commend how New Avengers modernizes the Avengers’ legacy without excessive nostalgia: “A film that takes risks while staying true to what makes the MCU strong—its characters and human stakes.” However, some remain more cautious, considering the film still too reliant on the Avengers brand to stand independently on its merits. A Reddit comment captures this sentiment succinctly: “The film is good, but perhaps Marvel leaned too heavily on the name to elevate it beyond its actual quality.”
It remains to be seen how this change of direction will affect the box office. Check back in a few weeks…
