Movies

How the ‘Thunderbolts*’ post-credits scenes set up the MCU’s next phase

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This story contains spoilers for “Thunderbolts*” and is meant to be read after seeing the film.

The Marvel Studios production “Thunderbolts” has hit the screens at last, and now it’s customary in the MCU to delve into the discussion of its post-credit sequences.

Under the guidance of director Jake Schreier, the film titled “Thunderbolts” chronicles a band of former Marvel Cinematic Universe villains who have rebranded themselves as anti-heroes. This motley crew, spearheaded by Yelena Belova (portrayed by Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), are initially unwilling allies that must unite to prevent a global catastrophe.

The movie represents a traditional style for the ongoing, broad superhero series. It showcases an unusual Marvel alliance with characters such as John Walker from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Ava Starr, or Ghost, from “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” Alexei Shostakov, known as Red Guardian in “Black Widow,” Antonia Dreykov, alias Taskmaster, also from “Black Widow,” and a fresh character named Bob, portrayed by Lewis Pullman.

Review

Marvel’s losers-only spinoff ‘Thunderbolts*’ sets expectations low and meets them

In the most recent Marvel storyline, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, along with a group of auxiliary allies, confront a ruthless CIA director portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

In a refreshing turn of events, the movie “Thunderbolts” presents two scenes during the end credits. The first, appearing mid-credits, showcases the lives of the transformed superhero group who are no longer disgraced former heroes or covert operatives. A notable scene takes place in a grocery store where Red Guardian (Alexei), stops a shopper in the cereal section to highlight a box displaying the New Avengers. This marks the fulfillment of Alexei’s American dream, as he finally graces the cover of Wheaties. However, whether the world has embraced this new team remains unanswered.

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that among the two scenes displayed post-credits, the second one carries more weight and intrigue. It not only offers tantalizing glimpses into the future of our beloved superhero team, but also hints at exciting developments within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

14 months post the primary narrative, the group previously known as the Thunderbolts, informally, has encountered a branding issue. Though they were labeled the New Avengers by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) in the movie’s end, Sam Wilson, the latest Captain America, expresses discontent over their use of the Avengers’ name.

In the movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” Sam Wilson, aka Falcon, has been authorized to form his own group of superheroes, modeled after the Avengers. However, Yelena Belova hints that Sam may take legal measures to prevent her team from using the iconic name. This could lead to friction between the two teams and might play out when they eventually clash, possibly in “Avengers: Doomsday,” due for release in 2026. The film’s cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Danny Ramirez as Joaquín Torres, Letitia Wright as Black Panther, and Tenoch Huerta as Namor. Yet, it remains undisclosed which of these characters will officially join the Avengers team.

In this second “Thunderbolts” post-credits sequence, we’re left with a hint as a mysterious spaceship from another dimension appears, bearing the number 4 on its exterior. The emblem on the ship is none other than that of the Fantastic Four, who are due to make their appearance in July’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

In the forthcoming “Fantastic Four” movie, marking Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we find Pedro Pascal portraying Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn stepping into Johnny Storm’s role, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. This iconic team, often referred to as Marvel’s First Family, derived their superpowers during a space mission in the comics. The storyline, titled “First Steps,” is set on an earth reminiscent of the 1960s with a twist of retrofuturism. In this narrative, the Fantastic Four will grapple with a colossal cosmic entity known as Galactus, who devours planets, and his aide, the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner. The film is expected to delve into how and why the Fantastic Four become part of the Avengers’ realm within the multiverse.

In the upcoming movie “Doomsday,” the Fantastic Four are set to make an appearance. This marks Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom. The “Thunderbolts” film signifies the end of the current phase, Phase 5, which began with “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in 2023. Officially concluding Phase 5 will be the upcoming “Ironheart” series on Disney+, set to premiere in June.

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2025-05-02 10:31

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