DisneyEarlier this week, the Marvel Cinematic Universe switched up the title of its new movie Thunderbolts, finally explaining that asterisk – but now, Disney has switched things up again with a hilarious Lilo & Stitch twist. Warning: spoilers ahead!
Thunderbolts is proving to be a hit at the box office, banking more than $161 million globally in its opening weekend. This was no doubt helped along by the glowing reviews, with the Marvel movie earning respective 88% and 94% Rotten Tomatoes scores from critics and audiences.
One of the biggest talking points leading up to its release was the meaning behind the title’s asterisk. There were plenty of theories, but now we know thanks to the Thunderbolts ending: it was a placeholder for the “real” title, The New Avengers.
Just in case anyone didn’t get the memo, a huge billboard in LA was changed to the new title, looking like someone tore off the Thunderbolts section to reveal The New Avengers underneath. But that same billboard has received another update.
Thunderbolts billboard torn to shreds by Stitch
Now, it looks like Stitch has ripped apart the MCU poster to promote the upcoming Lilo & Stitch live-action movie from Disney. Given the House of Mouse owns Marvel Entertainment, it’s essentially trolling itself.
Netflix social director Jarett Wieselman shared a photo of the switch-up on Wednesday, May 7, writing, “Marvel’s ever-evolving Thunderbolts / New Avengers billboard just got another update and now it’s promoting Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.”
The stunt has sparked plenty of comments, with one pointing out that the Thunderbolts quote left intact actually works well for Lilo & Stitch too: “Everyone deserves a second shot.”
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“The wording/quote makes so much sense with Stitch,” they wrote, while another commented, “Pretty cool marketing from Disney actually.”
“Is anyone else as excited for this movie as I am? I’m thinking / hoping this blows expectations out of the water,” added a third.
“Why? Not because I enjoy the live action remakes, but I’m really enjoying these simple funny feel good movies that Hollywood can’t explain and I want more of them.”
A fourth stated, “This is super cool marketing on Disney’s part.”
Others, however, have been left scratching their heads over the stunt, given the Thunderbolts only just opened and the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake doesn’t drop for another couple of weeks.
“Disney is mocking its own product now? I’m confused,” wrote one, while another said, “Why is Disney shading Disney? Is this promo or passive aggression?”
“Disney really moved fast with that one didn’t they,” added a third.
Thunderbolts is in cinemas now, while the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake drops on May 23, 2025. Until then, read about Thunderbolts’ post-credits scenes, the best movies to watch on Disney+, and every upcoming MCU title.