The phrase “New Avengers” has taken on new meaning. At the shocking conclusion of Thunderbolts, Marvel didn’t just deliver an antihero team—they rebranded them. Suddenly, the ragtag crew of Yelena Belova and others was heralded as Earth’s new defenders. This shift signals bold new storytelling in the MCU—and it’s full of SEO-worthy potential.
What We Learned in Thunderbolts:
In Thunderbolts, audiences met a complex team of antiheroes:
- Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
- Bucky Barnes
- Red Guardian (David Harbour)
- U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)
- Ghost and Taskmaster
- Bob Reynolds, who transforms into Sentry
Originally assembled as a government-controlled task force under the direction of CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), their mission was deception. But by the film’s end, after defeating the powerful Void and resisting de Fontaine’s manipulation, they rise, reborn and recreated as the New Avengers.
Valentina’s Machiavellian Move
Julia Louis-Dreyfus steals the show as Valentina, showcasing a villain with political cunning rather than brute strength. Her manipulation culminates in a public press conference, revealing the team’s new name: The New Avengers, shorthand for Marvel’s new direction
Why the Original Thunderbolts Became New Avengers
- Rebranding: Thunderbolts served as a cover; the title foreshadows a new identity.
- Narrative payoff: The shift honors the fallen original Avengers by passing the torch.
- Strategic move: It sets the stage for their appearance in major future films like Avengers: Doomsday.
Breaking Down the Team
Hero |
Role in Team |
Ability Or Power |
| Yelena Belova | De facto leader | Skilled assassin turned reluctant hero |
| Bucky Barnes | Veteran strategist | Offers guidance and experience |
| Red Guardian | Heavy-hitter | Provides brute strength and comic relief |
| U.S. Agent | Tactical enforcer | Follows orders but wrestles with ethics |
| Ghost, Taskmaster | Wildcards | Specialist powers, moral ambiguity |
| Bob Reynolds/Sentry | Secret weapon | His psychological struggle is key to the thunderous climax |
Critical Reaction & Impact
The New Avengers Thunderbolts’ debut received mixed reviews from critics. Many praised the dark tone and emotional depth of the movie, but others felt it lacked the charm and balance of earlier MCU teams. Yelena, Bucky, and Sentry delivered strong performances, but early marketing spoiled the rebranding twist that revealed the Thunderbolts as the New Avengers.
With these flawed, intense heroes, Marvel’s cinematic universe is being steered toward mature, high-stakes storytelling. As a result of their connections to future crossovers like Avengers: Doomsday and Fantastic Four, the New Avengers will redefine what a superhero team looks like in Phase 6 and beyond.
What’s Next for New Avengers?
- Avengers: Doomsday (Dec 2026): The New Avengers will team up with beloved heroes to face Doctor Doom
- Fantastic Four: Post-credit scenes hint at a Fantastic Four crossover.
- Expanded roles: Characters like Red Guardian may gain new suits and prominence
What do you think? Will this unlikely team finally get the respect they deserve as the New Avengers? Drop your thoughts below, and don’t forget to share this with fellow MCU fans!
