From Thunderbolts* to The New Avengers: Decoding the Shocking Twist Ending and Doomsday Setup
Marvel’s "Thunderbolts*," now playing in theaters, has delivered a seismic shift to the MCU landscape, culminating in a reveal that will undoubtedly fuel fan speculation and debate for months to come. If you haven’t seen the film yet, consider this your final warning: major spoilers abound!
What begins as a gritty, ground-level ensemble adventure quickly escalates into a high-stakes battle for the fate of New York City, culminating in a twist so audacious that it redefines the team’s entire identity. The film follows a motley crew of antiheroic misfits, hand-picked by the ever-scheming Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played with delicious ambiguity by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. This team, initially comprised of Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier), the lethal assassin Yelena Belova, the boisterous Red Guardian, the morally ambiguous John Walker (formerly known as US Agent), and the phasing Ghost, must confront their past traumas and work together to avert a looming catastrophe.
Their mission takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Bob, an amnesiac with formidable superpowers. However, Bob’s presence proves to be a double-edged sword. Fontaine, in her relentless pursuit of power, manipulates Bob, transforming him into the Sentry, a being of immense power but susceptible to corruption. The Sentry, breaking free from Fontaine’s control, succumbs to the repressed emotions lurking within Bob’s subconscious, morphing into the terrifying entity known as The Void.
The Void unleashes chaos upon New York City, engulfing the metropolis in an eerie darkness and seemingly erasing its inhabitants, leaving behind only ominous, body-shaped silhouettes. Faced with annihilation, the Thunderbolts must delve into the very heart of The Void to confront their inner demons and save the city.
The film’s emotional core lies in the team’s collective effort to reach Bob, trapped within the Void’s nightmarish reality. Each member is forced to confront their past regrets and traumas, adding depth and complexity to their characters. Ultimately, the Thunderbolts band together, offering Bob a symbol of unity and support – a group hug that somehow manages to restore him and reverse the Void’s devastating effects.
But the victory is short-lived. As the Thunderbolts emerge from the Void, they find Valentina attempting to escape the scene. In a deceptive move, she orchestrates an impromptu press conference, where she proudly proclaims to the world, "Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Avengers!"
The team is visibly stunned by this unexpected declaration, leaving them grappling with the implications of their newfound status. Yelena, ever the pragmatist, whispers a veiled threat to Valentina, reminding her that they now hold the upper hand.
Director Jake Schreier emphasized the secrecy surrounding this pivotal scene, revealing that extras were dismissed early on the day of filming to prevent leaks. The impact of using the "A-word" – Avengers – was palpable on set, highlighting the weight and significance of the moment.
The revelation that the Thunderbolts are being rebranded as the Avengers is further emphasized by the film’s clever manipulation of its title. During Comic-Con 2024, the title "Thunderbolts*" was deliberately presented with a mysterious asterisk. Marvel president Kevin Feige remained tight-lipped about its meaning until the film’s release. And now, the truth is revealed: before the credits roll, the title card transforms, revealing "The New Avengers."
This bold move, according to Schreier, is a testament to the power and reach of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The decision to completely rebrand a film after its marketing campaign is a gamble that only a franchise of Marvel’s scale could pull off. This twist pays homage to the original "Thunderbolts" comic book series, where a new superhero team emerges, only to be revealed as the villainous Masters of Evil in disguise.
The implications of this title change are far-reaching. Will "The New Avengers" branding be adopted across all platforms, including Blu-ray releases and merchandise? Schreier playfully teases that some billboards might undergo a slight transformation.
Beyond the headline-grabbing title change, "Thunderbolts*" features two crucial post-credits scenes that offer further insight into the team’s future and set the stage for upcoming MCU events.
The mid-credits scene offers a humorous glimpse into the newfound celebrity of the Thunderbolts. Red Guardian, out of costume and in his civilian attire, finds himself in a grocery store, proudly showcasing his image on a Wheaties cereal box to a disinterested stranger. This lighthearted moment underscores the team’s unlikely rise to national hero status.
However, the most significant post-credits scene arrives at the very end of the film. Set 14 months later, it showcases the New Avengers in their headquarters, sporting new uniforms adorned with the iconic "A" emblem. Bucky and Yelena are co-leading the team, facing the challenges of their new roles. The scene also reveals a brewing copyright battle with Sam Wilson (Captain America), who appears to be forming his own independent Avengers squad. In a comedic aside, Red Guardian, clad in a tracksuit emblazoned with "New Avengerz," dismisses Captain America as a "dumb litigious man."
Bob, still grappling with the potential for The Void to resurface, is sidelined from active duty, focusing on less explosive tasks like washing dishes. But the serenity is shattered when an alert signals the approach of an extra-dimensional craft. The team observes a sleek spaceship entering Earth’s orbit, and as it rotates, the unmistakable Fantastic Four logo is revealed.
This final scene serves as a direct setup for the highly anticipated "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release on May 1, 2026. The film promises a convergence of heroes, including the Fantastic Four, various Avengers teams, and even members of the X-Men, facing an unprecedented threat.
The film also provides a roadmap for Pullman to further explore the duality of his character, Bob/Sentry/Void. "The deeper you dive on one part of Bob, the more questions arise from the other two," he says, emphasizing the complexity of the character and his potential for future storylines.
"Thunderbolts*," now known as "The New Avengers," is not just a standalone film; it’s a pivotal piece of the MCU puzzle, setting the stage for future conflicts and alliances. The film’s shocking twist ending, coupled with its intriguing post-credits scenes, has ignited fan excitement and speculation, promising a thrilling future for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The era of the Thunderbolts may be over, but the age of The New Avengers has just begun.
