The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has officially introduced a new team of heroes, the New Avengers, in the recently released film Thunderbolts. This development marks a significant shift in the MCU landscape, especially following the events of Avengers: Endgame, which left the original Avengers disbanded and Earth vulnerable to threats.
Thunderbolts has been shaping up to be one of the standout films of the year, and many fans believe it could be the best Marvel movie of 2025. The film features a cast of characters that includes Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker, aka U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Sentry (Lewis Pullman). Notably, Sentry's powers are kept in check to prevent the evil Void from taking over his body again. Together, this ragtag team of anti-heroes has banded together to defeat a formidable foe and save New York from becoming a shadowy prison.
At the end of the film, their handler, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), introduces them to the public as the New Avengers, officially taking over the mantle of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. This transition is crucial, as it signifies a new era for the MCU, where the Thunderbolts, now rebranded, step into the spotlight. The film cleverly reveals that the asterisk in the title signifies the transformation of the Thunderbolts into the New Avengers, a detail that had been the subject of much speculation.
The film's post-credits scenes offer further insights into this new team and their challenges. The first credits scene showcases Red Guardian reveling in his newfound fame, attempting to sell New Avengers-themed cereals in a grocery store. However, the more impactful second credits scene reveals that 14 months after the events of Thunderbolts, the New Avengers have established themselves in the Watch Tower, the former Avengers headquarters, and are embroiled in a legal battle with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who is also forming his own Avengers team.
In a twist that has fans buzzing, the New Avengers are shown to be in a copyright dispute with Wilson over the Avengers logo. This rivalry sets the stage for potential conflict in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, where audiences can expect to see both teams confront each other. The film also teases the arrival of the Fantastic Four, whose spaceship enters Earth’s orbit, hinting at their imminent integration into the MCU. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting how their story will intertwine with the New Avengers.
Director Jake Schreier has indicated that the specifics of the final credits scene were developed only recently, with filming taking place just weeks ago. This decision to shoot the scene during the production of Avengers: Doomsday underscores Marvel's commitment to creating a cohesive narrative as they move forward in the Multiverse Saga. The excitement surrounding the New Avengers is palpable, especially considering that they are stepping into a landscape that has been devoid of a traditional Avengers team since the events of Endgame.
As the MCU continues to evolve, the introduction of the New Avengers raises questions about their legitimacy compared to Sam Wilson’s team. With both teams vying for the title of the true Avengers, audiences can expect a showdown that echoes the divisions seen in the comics during events like Marvel’s Civil War and Dark Reign. The New Avengers' formation is reminiscent of the 2004 New Avengers comic, which emerged after the Avengers: Disassembled storyline, a pivotal moment in Marvel history that saw the original team disbanded.
In the comics, the New Avengers represented a shift in the superhero landscape, bringing together characters who were not traditionally associated with the Avengers. This theme of unexpected heroes coming together is echoed in the MCU's current narrative, as the Thunderbolts transition into the New Avengers. As noted in the film, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is manipulating these characters, much like Norman Osborn did with the Dark Avengers in the comics.
The implications of this new team extend beyond their immediate conflicts. The post-credits scene hints at the larger cosmic threats looming over the MCU, particularly with the multiverse collapsing and the imminent arrival of Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Doomsday. The stakes are higher than ever, and the New Avengers will need to navigate their rivalry with Sam Wilson’s Avengers while confronting these existential threats.
In a show of camaraderie, Robert Downey Jr. and other stars from Avengers: Doomsday recently congratulated the cast of Thunderbolts, referring to them as the New Avengers. This acknowledgment from the original Avengers cast highlights the significance of this new team and their role in the future of the MCU. Downey, who will return as Doctor Doom, shared photos on social media alongside fellow actors, including Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) and Winston Duke (M’Baku), celebrating the new direction of the franchise.
As the MCU prepares for the next chapter, the New Avengers stand ready to take on the mantle of heroism, but their journey will not be without challenges. The audience is left to ponder whether these new heroes can unite to face the threats ahead or if their internal conflicts will hinder their ability to protect Earth. The stakes are high, and with the multiverse at risk, the New Avengers must prove they are worthy of the legacy left by their predecessors.
The future of the MCU is bright yet uncertain, as fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding storylines in Avengers: Doomsday and beyond. With the New Avengers stepping into the spotlight, the question remains: can they rise to the occasion and become the heroes the world needs once more?
