Robert Downey Jr. updates IG caption after spoiling what the asterisk in Thunderbolts* meant

On release day, Robert Downey Jr. took to Instagram to praise Marvel’s latest ensemble caper, Thunderbolts* but in doing so he let slip a key plot development: the group he gushed over weren’t just a throwback squad—they’d end up rechristened as the New Avengers. Fans who hadn’t yet caught the film were left aghast, having their “big reveal” handed to them in a single caption.

Within hours, RDJ quietly updated his post, excising the tell‑tale “Old Avengers” line. The asterisk in the title wasn’t just a quirky design choice—it was Marvel’s way of hinting that this motley crew’s status as Avengers was up in the air, a detail now accidentally confirmed by Iron Man himself.

What was the spoiler in Robert Downey Jr.’s IG caption?

Robert Downey Jr.’s original Instagram caption read,

“Just wow!!! Dinner and a show with the Old Avengers. So cool, fresh, and deep. Big congrats. #Thunderbolts,” which immediately telegraphed that Yelena Belova and co. would adopt the Avengers name by film’s end.

In-universe, the asterisk in Thunderbolts* flags that the title is unofficial—only after CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s press conference does the team earn the “New Avengers” badge. Fans noted that the term “Old Avengers” spoiled the twist that Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson contests the new team’s right to the Avengers mantle.

Within hours of posting, RDJ removed the offending phrase, replacing it with a more neutral congratulatory message that stayed clear of plot specifics.

Context: Thunderbolts*, RDJ’s spoiler history and fan reactions

Thunderbolts* follows a squad of reluctant antiheroes—including Yelena Belova, Taskmaster, Ghost, and US Agent—initially pitted against one another by Valentina’s machinations before uniting to save New York. The film’s marketing leaned into the mystery of its asterisk, with Kevin Feige promising its meaning would be revealed on release, only for RDJ’s post to leapfrog that plan.

Although RDJ is no stranger to social media fanfare, this marks one of the few times he’s accidentally tipped a major twist; his previous MCU promotions were typically wink‑wink nods rather than outright spoilers. Fans lit up X, calling out the slip; @CultureCrave quipped,

“Robert Downey Jr. updated his IG caption after spoiling what the asterisk in #Thunderbolts meant” alongside an asterisk emoji.

@cosmic_marvel echoed the chatter:

“RDJ has edited the caption … after spoiling what the asterisk means.”

Meanwhile, think pieces at Nerdist and IGN argued that such premature reveals undercut the audience’s discovery experience, likening it to revealing end‑game outcomes before the final act. Despite the controversy, many fans shrugged it off as a harmless misstep—after all, Iron Man is only human.

Robert Downey Jr.’s quick edit may have spared some future spoilers, but it also highlighted how a single word from one of the MCU’s biggest stars can ripple across the fandom. While Thunderbolts* delivers its asterisk‑laden surprise on screen, this episode serves as a reminder that in today’s spoiler‑hungry world, even a seasoned pro like RDJ can inadvertently give away the goods—and that sometimes, the real drama unfolds off camera.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.