In an act that put a slight damper on the already less-than-glorious reception of the film, the Marvel Studios casually dropped the big spoiler in its latest Instagram post about the official title change from Thunderbolts to The New Avengers less than a week after release. While that post was theoretically a pitch build to drive more ticket sales, it literally frightened people who had not yet seen it and a few who had.
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The caption read: “Marvel Studios’ #̶T̶h̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶b̶o̶l̶t̶s̶ #TheNewAvengers is now playing only in theaters.” Many thought the asterisk was just decorative; that symbol forged one colossal spoiler, though—the rebirth of the teams as the New Avengers by the end of the film.
And then a passionate outcry was heard.
One lady called out the loud spoilers while they were still present there on the caption; her handle was @emilyjane.dancer. “Spoilers in caption, much! The movie hasn’t even been out for a week! 😂😭” Two more users gave very similar responses: “ya, literally saw this on my way to see the film and it absolutely ruined the ending reveal for me…” said @sanktaindia in despair.
But some shared words their relief: “LOL I’m so glad I saw it already,” said @eddiehatesanime, whereas @drewparker2k just couldn’t resist, “I gotta say this movie was Fantastic,” prompting numerous replies demanding he “say that again” like the Marvel folks.
The debate about whether it is or it is not a spoiler just flew past. @broken_nozzle stated “not a spoiler if they’re revealing it… if you think it’s a spoiler that’s on you,” meanwhile, others spoke of the whole movie being about the triple reveal. Thus, @merc1227_ slowly attempted to find common ground: “They should’ve at least waited a week to change the name instead of a weekend.”
There were those that simply couldn’t care less about the drama. “@hiyaimhan I’d sell an organ for Sebastian Stan,” said a user, thus starting a hilarious thread of kidney-sharing arrangements. “@noah.sage3 The New Avengers and Bob will return,” a loving slight jab at the fan-favorite Bob.
Well, of course, the “real fan” comments come storming in with @sadiehowie: “Real Marvel fans have seen it by now so lol,” prompting a barrage of retorts on how they have to work, go to school, or, you know, live.
Marvel marketing strategy is… rather curious. On one hand, it is very bold to change the title so soon: keeping the hype and controversy at levels maybe maximum. On the other hand, it will always frustrate those who try to avoid all the spoilers.
So now the real question: What even goes under the name of this movie? “@starrywisp so do we call the movie by its deadname or its new name (genuinely).” “potato, potato,” was one reply.
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Whatever, if you’re mad about the spoilers or just here for the mess, here is one thing that we know for sure: Marvel really knows how to keep people talking. If you still haven’t seen the movie… maybe try to stay away from Instagram for a while.