- The Thunderbolts post-credits scene teases Avengers: Doomsday.
- It introduces the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
- The scene was filmed on the set of Avengers: Doomsday less than a month ago.
- Director Jake Schreier confirmed he was present but did not film the scene.
- Thunderbolts has received critical acclaim, scoring 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Thunderbolts Post-Credits Scene: A Game-Changer for the MCU
The highly anticipated Marvel film, Thunderbolts, has left fans buzzing with its post-credits scene, which teases significant developments for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jake Schreier, the movie introduces a new team of heroes who are now being referred to as the New Avengers. However, the post-credits scene hints at even larger crossovers and the arrival of iconic characters, including the Fantastic Four.
What Happens in the Post-Credits Scene?
The scene takes place 14 months after the events of Thunderbolts. The New Avengers, consisting of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and Robert Reynolds (Lewis Pullman), are seen discussing their future at the refurbished Avengers Tower. The conversation takes a humorous turn when they learn that Sam Wilson, a.k.a. Captain America (Anthony Mackie), plans to form his own team of Avengers and has even filed for copyright of the name.
The lighthearted banter is interrupted by an alert about an anomaly in space. As the team investigates, they discover a spaceship emblazoned with a stylized blue “4,” signaling the arrival of the Fantastic Four. This moment marks the official introduction of Marvel’s first family into the MCU, setting the stage for their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Behind the Scenes: How the Scene Came Together
Director Jake Schreier revealed in an interview with ComicBook.com that the post-credits scene was filmed on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. Schreier stated, “The specifics of what that end credit scene came to be, those came together quite late. That only got filmed maybe… Is it even a month ago at this point?” He added that while he did not film the scene himself, he was present during its production.
The late addition of the scene underscores Marvel Studios’ ability to adapt and integrate new elements into their cinematic universe seamlessly. Schreier expressed his excitement about being part of the process, saying, “I was so honored to have that happen. We always knew kind of that end moment. From the very beginning, that was true, and then it was about building the right story that lived up to that, I think.”
Implications for Avengers: Doomsday
The post-credits scene serves as a direct lead-in to Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently in production. The film is expected to feature multiple superhero teams, including the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and returning characters from the X-Men franchise. Fans are speculating about the potential lineup for Sam Wilson’s Avengers team, with names like Joaquín Torres/Falcon (Danny Ramirez), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) being floated as likely candidates.
Additionally, the inclusion of the Fantastic Four raises questions about their role in the broader MCU narrative. Their arrival in Earth-616 suggests a multiversal storyline, which could tie into the overarching themes of the upcoming Avengers films.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
Thunderbolts has been well-received by both critics and audiences, earning an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has been praised for its character-driven storytelling and its ability to balance humor with emotional depth. Digital Spy described it as “an MCU throwback in the best way, one that allows its characters and own story to be the main focus rather than wider concerns.”
The post-credits scene has also set a new record as the longest in MCU history, clocking in at nearly three minutes. Fans have lauded the scene for its blend of humor and excitement, with many expressing their anticipation for the Fantastic Four’s debut and the upcoming Avengers films.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the MCU?
With Thunderbolts now in theaters, Marvel Studios is gearing up for its next phase of storytelling. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated for release on July 25, 2025, and will explore the origins of Marvel’s first family. Meanwhile, Avengers: Doomsday promises to bring together an unprecedented number of characters, setting the stage for the climactic events of Avengers: Secret Wars.
As the MCU continues to expand, the integration of the Fantastic Four and the development of new Avengers teams signal a bold new direction for the franchise. Fans can expect more surprises, crossovers, and epic battles as Marvel builds toward its next cinematic milestones.
Sources: Mashable, ComicBook.com, Digital Spy, SuperHeroHype