If you’ve been feeling let down by Marvel’s endless string of vague post-credits scenes, Thunderbolts* is here to change the game – for real this time. As the final film of Marvel’s sometimes-rocky Phase 5, Thunderbolts* not only rounds off a tumultuous period that started with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but it also boldly sets the stage for a more confident Phase 6. The film’s ending moments aren’t just throwaway nods, they’re a solid return to the MCU’s classic charm, successfully teasing not only future stories but also a specific, much-anticipated next movie.
Marvel fans, buckle up, because the post-credits scenes are loaded with setups and tongue-in-cheek humor that remind us why we still love these films. Let’s break down these gems moment by moment.
Subheading: A Nostalgic Nod in the Mid-Credits Remember those classic Marvel moments that made you smile even when you knew nothing epic was about to go down? Well, Thunderbolts* nails that vibe with the mid-credits scene featuring none other than Red Guardian (played by the ever-charismatic David Harbour). Picture this: our favorite reluctant superhero is found in the cereal aisle of a grocery store, trying to charm a stranger into buying a box of Wheaties. And not just any Wheaties – this one’s sporting his mug along with a nod to the “New Avengers.”
Sure, he fails to impress her, but honestly, who cares? Seeing your face emblazoned on a cereal box is the ultimate flex, and Red Guardian owns that moment with charm and confidence. It’s like he’s saying, “I might not stop evil today, but at least breakfast is going my way.” This playful callback not only rekindles that classic Marvel humor but also reminds fans that sometimes, even a small moment can revitalize our faith in post-credits teasers.
Subheading: The Big Reveal – Post-Credits Done Right Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance: the post-credits scene that jumps an exhilarating 14 months into the future. The scene reveals that our motley crew, formerly known as the Thunderbolts, have rebranded themselves as The New Avengers and are now holed up in Avengers Tower. But there’s a twist – thanks to Sam Wilson’s actions in Captain America: Brave New World, he’s legally clashing over the Avengers name. Yes, you read that right: our real Captain America is stirring up some copyright drama, leaving The New Avengers scrambling for a new identity.
Enter Red Guardian again, this time coming to the rescue with the brilliantly punny “New Avengerz” (a move so cheeky, it practically shouts “adios” to the copyright suit). Meanwhile, Bob is in his own bubble, quietly snacking and reading as he contemplates the potential return of The Void if he flexes his powers. And just when you think things couldn’t get any zanier, the scene flips the switch – a multidimensional spacecraft is spotted entering Earth’s orbit, and guess what appears on screen? None other than the Fantastic Four’s rocket, teasing a cameo in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps!
Subheading: Teasing the Future (and Loving It) This post-credits scene isn’t just a random gimmick; it’s an electrifying promise of what’s to come. With the timeline cleverly set to align with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day (dropping at the end of July 2026), and with Avengers: Doomsday scheduled for May 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars following in May 2027, it’s clear that Marvel is gearing up for a major lineup. The anticipation for a massive team-up event is palpable, and after years of vague hints and delayed punchlines, this is the kind of clear, tangible teaser we’ve been waiting for.
It’s exciting to see Marvel step up its game. Gone are the days of post-credits scenes that are either too subtle or feel like they’re setting up an abstract multiverse theory. Instead, Thunderbolts* delivers a scene that’s both a clever reintroduction to the MCU’s spirit and a straightforward promise of imminent movie magic. How awesome is it when a movie gets you hyped not only because of the storyline you just witnessed but also because you can actually see where things are headed?
Subheading: A Heartfelt Return to Form What really makes these scenes stand out is that they manage to evoke genuine excitement. Marvel’s post-credits tradition has often felt like delayed gratification—like waiting forever for that one punchline that never quite lands. But here, with the effective use of humor, a solid nod to legacy characters, and the promise of epic future adventures, Thunderbolts* shows that the MCU is not just throwing out cryptic teases. Instead, it’s crafting moments that boost the franchise’s stakes while still delivering a good laugh (and a bowl of Wheaties for Red Guardian).
Marvel fans, prepare yourselves. After a rough patch with Phase 5, Thunderbolts* reminds us of the MCU’s knack for mixing the absurd with the epic—and that the best is yet to come. It’s a full-on invitation to stick around for the next explosive chapter in this cinematic roller coaster.
Source: This article was inspired by content from Polygon . All images belong to their respective owners.