As the Thunderbolts movie hits theaters, Marvel Comics is set to conclude one era of this iconic team and launch a new one, with a surprising twist. In a move that mirrors the MCU's decision to retitle the Thunderbolts film as "The New Avengers" post its opening weekend, the upcoming comic series is also undergoing a similar transformation. Now, characters like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine are tasked with stepping into the shoes of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The question remains: Can they meet the challenge?
According to writer Sam Humphries, it will be an uphill battle for these characters to coalesce into a functional Avengers team. In a recent interview, Humphries provided insights into the transition from Thunderbolts to New Avengers, the selection of this diverse roster, and the formidable threat they will face.
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Who Are the New Avengers?
While Marvel Studios is known for its secrecy, Humphries revealed that the title change was part of his initial discussions with editor Alanna Smith. "It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna," Humphries shared with IGN. "Keeping this under wraps has been both exhilarating and maddening. Like planning a surprise party for thousands."
Humphries elaborated on the planning process, noting that while logistical details needed to be sorted out, the core concept was set from the start. "You can see it in the lineup -- the New Avengers and the Killuminati both echo Bendis' and Hickman's New Avengers teams. Jed MacKay's Avengers book features a stellar lineup of do-gooders, and I wanted our book to stand out with a team of rogues."
The selection of the team was a highlight for Humphries. "My concept was inspired by the Illuminati, representing different corners of the Marvel Universe. I wanted to do the same with some of the biggest badasses from mutants, the mystical world, the Spider family, the gamma family, and more. I'm grateful to Alanna Smith for her support, as she had to coordinate with multiple editorial offices to make this happen."
Humphries also touched on the team's dynamics, noting that the New Avengers are far from the traditional heroes. "These aren't level-headed guardians of humanity; they're hotheads trying to use their bad impulses for good, with mixed results. They shouldn't be in the same room together. The big question is, who hates each other the most? It might be Clea and Carnage, or Namor and Laura..."
Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati
Despite the title change mirroring the MCU, the comic's roster differs significantly. Bucky Barnes remains a constant, transitioning from the Thunderbolts to lead the New Avengers. "I have so much love for Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly's run with Bucky," Humphries said. "He's going to need all the wisdom and experience they've given him to manage this team."
The New Avengers face a formidable foe: the "Killuminati," a twisted version of the Illuminati. "Someone tried to make duplicates of the Illuminati, but it went horribly wrong," Humphries teased. "Now there are seven demented and deformed versions running amok. Bucky's going to have his hands full keeping his team together, and the same goes for the Killuminati and their 'leader' -- Iron Apex."
Collaborating with artist Ton Lima, Humphries aims for a visually striking series. "Ton is a beast," Humphries praised. "He makes the good guys look brutal and sexy, and the bad guys brutal and disgusting. I told him to watch every Fast and the Furious movie back-to-back ten times, and based on his pages, I think he actually did it!"
The New Avengers #1 is set to release on June 11, 2025. For more on the MCU's latest developments, explore why the Thunderbolts movie was renamed The New Avengers and the challenges facing Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Bucky.
