• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

The meaning behind the asterisk in the 'Thunderbolts*' title is revealed

2:35
The best of Florence Pugh
Jamie Mccarthy/Getty Images
ByMason Leib
May 05, 2025, 8:06 PM

The sneaky asterisk in the "Thunderbolts*" title officially has meaning.

On Monday, Marvel unveiled the true name of the rag-tag group of superheroes as "The New Avengers," now that the film is officially in theaters as of May 2.

Related Articles

See Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and more hit the 'Thunderbolts*' premiere in London

"Presenting Marvel Studios' #̶T̶h̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶b̶o̶l̶t̶s̶* #TheNewAvengers," Marvel Studios wrote in a social media post, which included a video of the film's cast, led by Florence Pugh, ripping away the word "Thunderbolts*" on the movie poster to reveal the words "*The New Avengers."

According to Marvel, the video was shot discreetly backstage at the film's Hollywood premiere.

Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell and Jake Schreier attend the New York Special Screening of THUNDERBOLTS, April 30, 2025 in New York City.
Jamie Mccarthy/Getty Images

Another video shows star Sebastian Stan covering up a publicly displayed movie poster featuring the updated name.

Editor’s Picks

Cast of 'Thunderbolts*' talks new movie

  • Apr 30, 2025

Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and more attend 'Thunderbolts*' premiere

  • Apr 23, 2025

'Thunderbolts*' star Florence Pugh talks jumping off 2nd-tallest building in world

  • May 02, 2025

The film features a collaboration of former Marvel Cinematic Universe baddies and anti-heroes: Florence Pugh's Yelena and her adoptive father Alexei, aka Red Guardian, played by David Harbour; Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier; Hannah John-Kamen's Ava Starr/Ghost from "Ant-Man and the Wasp"; Olga Kurylenko's Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster from "Black Widow;" and Wyatt Russell's John Walker/U.S. Agent from "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

Related Articles

Cast of 'Thunderbolts*' talks new movie

The group is brought together by Julia Louis-Dreyfus' character Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who also appeared in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" and also appeared in a post-credits scene in "Black Widow."

"After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts," a synopsis for the film reads. "Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?"

Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News and "Good Morning America."

Related Topics

  • Marvel

Editor’s Picks

Cast of 'Thunderbolts*' talks new movie

  • Apr 30, 2025

Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and more attend 'Thunderbolts*' premiere

  • Apr 23, 2025

'Thunderbolts*' star Florence Pugh talks jumping off 2nd-tallest building in world

  • May 02, 2025

Up Next in Culture—

Doechii reacts to critics following Met Gala outburst

May 8, 2025

Lorde announces Ultrasound World Tour: See where she's headed

May 8, 2025

USWNT star Mallory Swanson, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson expecting 1st child

May 8, 2025

LeAnn Rimes to star in '9-1-1: Nashville' with Kimberly Williams-Paisley and more

May 8, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News