As of August 27, 2025, Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, rebranded as The New Avengers, is now streaming exclusively on Disney+, introducing a bold team of antiheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jake Schreier, the film stars Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and newcomer Bob (Lewis Pullman) in a high-stakes mission orchestrated by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Released in theaters on May 2, 2025, the movie grossed $381 million globally and now aims to captivate streaming audiences with its post-credits reveal of the New Avengers’ formation.
Blending action, humor, and psychological tension, Thunderbolts* marks the conclusion of MCU’s Phase 5. The rebranding to The New Avengers, announced shortly after its theatrical debut, sparked widespread fan excitement and earned an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story follows these misfits as they navigate deadly traps and confront their troubled pasts.
- Key highlights of the film:
- Stellar cast led by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan.
- Game-changing New Avengers reveal in post-credits.
- Available on Disney+ starting August 27, 2025.
- Global box office of $381 million.
Written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, with Kevin Feige as producer, the film emphasizes human struggles, focusing on the characters’ relationships and traumas.
Surprising rebrand to New Avengers
The shift from Thunderbolts* to The New Avengers caught fans off guard. Days after its theatrical release, Marvel Studios released a social media video showing the cast, led by Florence Pugh, tearing down the original poster to reveal the new title. The asterisk in the title was a deliberate clue, planned to reflect the story’s climax where the team forms the New Avengers. This move sparked debates, with fans praising the bold marketing while some questioned the commercial pivot.
The rebrand ties the film to the Avengers legacy while highlighting its unique, unconventional team. Yelena Belova emerges as a leader, with Bucky Barnes and Alexei Shostakov adding humor and emotional depth. The film’s $76 million domestic opening weekend was solid but fell short of traditional MCU blockbusters, prompting a focus on streaming success.
Standout cast and characters
Thunderbolts* shines with its diverse ensemble and strong chemistry. Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova carries the emotional weight of her sister Natasha Romanoff’s loss from Avengers: Endgame. Sebastian Stan delivers a more seasoned Bucky Barnes, while David Harbour’s Red Guardian brings humor and heart. Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr), and Lewis Pullman (Bob, revealed as Sentry/Void) round out the team, each grappling with personal struggles.
- Core team members:
- Yelena Belova: Elite assassin trained in the Red Room.
- Bucky Barnes: Former Winter Soldier seeking redemption.
- Alexei Shostakov: Red Guardian, Yelena’s adoptive father.
- John Walker: Controversial ex-Captain America.
- Bob (Sentry/Void): Newcomer with unstable powers.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, steals scenes as a cunning CIA leader who acquires the Avengers Tower, now renamed Watchtower. The group’s dynamic, likened to Guardians of the Galaxy but darker, sets the film apart.
Role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Thunderbolts* closes MCU’s Phase 5 and sets up Phase 6, with the New Avengers poised for a central role. A post-credits scene, set 14 months later, shows the team clashing with Sam Wilson’s Captain America (Anthony Mackie) over trademark rights and detecting an extradimensional ship tied to the Fantastic Four. This hints at crossovers in upcoming films like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday.
The film’s focus on less heroic characters reflects Marvel’s push to refresh the MCU amid content saturation concerns. Its 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests the approach resonates. At 2 hours and 6 minutes, the movie balances action and character development with a brisk pace.
Streaming availability on Disney+
Thunderbolts* launched on Disney+ on August 27, 2025, at 3 a.m. ET (4 a.m. Brazil time). It’s available to standard plan subscribers, starting at $7.99/month in the U.S. or R$33.90/month in Brazil, with bundle options including Hulu and ESPN in select markets. The film hit digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV on July 1, priced at $24.99 for purchase and $19.99 for rental.
- Access options:
- Disney+ Standard with ads: $7.99/month (U.S.) or R$33.90/month (Brazil).
- Digital purchase: $24.99 on Amazon, Apple TV.
- Digital rental: $19.99 for 48 hours.
- Physical formats (DVD, Blu-ray, 4K): Available since July 29.
The streaming release aims to broaden the film’s reach after a moderate theatrical run, impacted by competition from 2025 releases like Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman.
Critical and audience reception
Thunderbolts* earned praise for its intimate tone and strong performances. Critics lauded Florence Pugh as the film’s anchor, drawing comparisons to Chris Pratt’s impact in Guardians of the Galaxy. Jake Schreier’s direction was commended for blending practical action with visual effects, while the script tackles trauma and redemption without sacrificing Marvel’s humor.
- Critical highlights:
- Standout performances by Pugh, Harbour, and Louis-Dreyfus.
- New Avengers narrative twist.
- Practical action sequences and visual effects.
- Emotional depth rare for MCU films.
Despite critical acclaim, the box office fell short of Avengers-branded expectations, prompting Marvel to prioritize digital and streaming releases to recoup the $170 million budget.
Setting the stage for MCU’s future
The New Avengers’ introduction establishes Yelena Belova as a key leader, with the team set to return in Avengers: Doomsday. The post-credits nod to the Fantastic Four ties into the MCU’s expanding multiverse narrative. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s backstory, involving her father’s death, adds complexity to her villainy, while the Watchtower’s acquisition signals a new era for Marvel’s heroes.