The Marvel Studios film Thunderbolts* introduces a group of antiheroes, including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker, who must tackle a perilous mission while confronting their pasts. The movie's title includes an asterisk, which is revealed in the end credits to signify that 'Thunderbolts' is a placeholder for the true title, 'The New Avengers'. This twist implies that the antiheroes are now stepping into the roles traditionally held by the Avengers, who are absent from the mission. The end credits also announce the return of 'The New Avengers & Bob', setting up future developments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, two original Thunderbolts actors were replaced, although details on this are not provided in the main narrative.

Thunderbolts* features a team of antiheroes including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and others, tasked with a dangerous mission that makes them face their darkest pasts.

The Avengers are notably absent in the movie, allowing the antiheroes to take charge and highlight their newfound prominence.

The asterisk in the title is explained during the end credits, where 'Thunderbolts' is revealed as a placeholder for 'The New Avengers'.

This reveal suggests a shift in focus within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where these antiheroes may assume roles similar to the Avengers.

The movie concludes with a promise that 'The New Avengers & Bob' will return, hinting at future storylines.

The film experienced casting changes with two original Thunderbolts actors being replaced, though the reasons are not detailed.

The title's twist and character dynamics are central to setting up new narratives and expectations for Marvel films going forward.

The Marvel Studios movie Thunderbolts* is now playing in theaters and we finally know the meaning of the asterisk in the title.

There is a very simple explanation for the asterisk and it all happens in the end credits for the movie.

If you don’t want to know anything, stop reading right now, but if you’re okay with being spoiled, feel free to continue reading!

Keep reading to find out more…

In Thunderbolts*, an unconventional team of antiheroes — Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker – is assembled to embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

With the Avengers not coming to save the day, the antiheroes are now in power!

So, what does the asterisk mean?

Right before the end credits roll, the title card for Thunderbolts pops up on screen and then shatters. “The New Avengers” is then shown. The asterisk means that Thunderbolts was just a placeholder for the true title this whole time!

The film ends with white text on a black background saying “The New Avengers & Bob will return.”

Find out why two of the original Thunderbolts actors were replaced.