Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* is gearing up to electrify audiences as the final chapter of the MCU’s Phase Five, hitting theaters on May 2, 2025. Following its dazzling London premiere on April 22, 2025, whispers of the film’s post-credits scenes have sparked a frenzy among fans. These scenes promise to tie up loose ends while setting the stage for the MCU’s future, particularly Avengers: Doomsday. Drawing from early leaks and reactions, this article dives into the juicy details of Thunderbolts*’ post-credits moments, what they mean for the MCU, and how they elevate the film’s antihero ensemble. Buckle up, but beware—spoilers lie ahead!
What Are the Thunderbolts* Post-Credits Scenes?
Thunderbolts* delivers not one but two post-credits scenes, a return to the MCU’s classic double-teaser formula. These scenes blend humor with seismic shifts for the MCU’s narrative, spotlighting the team’s evolution and teasing cosmic connections. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Mid-Credits Scene: Red Guardian’s Cereal Box Quest
- What Happens: David Harbour’s Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Guardian, steals the show in a lighthearted moment. Picture this: the burly Russian super-soldier rummaging through a cereal box, hunting for a toy like a kid at heart. It’s a comedic beat that leans into Alexei’s lovable goofiness, offering a breather after the film’s intense plot.
- Why It Matters: This scene showcases the team’s camaraderie and grounds the high-stakes superheroics with relatable humor. It’s a nod to classic MCU post-credits gags, like the Avengers munching on shawarma, reminding fans that even antiheroes have quirky downtime.
- Fan Vibe: Early reactions on social media call this a “pure Alexei moment,” with fans loving Harbour’s comedic timing. It’s less about plot and more about character charm.
- Post-Credits Scene: The New Avengers and a Fantastic Arrival
- What Happens: The Thunderbolts—now rebranded as the “New Avengers”—are chilling in Avengers Tower, debating their new moniker. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) crashes the party, claiming he’s got dibs on the Avengers name and jokingly threatens to sue. The banter is cut short when an alert signals an object entering Earth-616’s atmosphere: the Fantastic Four’s ship, heralding Marvel’s First Family.
- Why It Matters: This scene is a game-changer. The rebranding to “New Avengers” answers the mysterious asterisk in Thunderbolts, signaling the team’s official integration into the MCU’s heroic lineup. The Fantastic Four tease sets up their July 2025 film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and ties Thunderbolts directly to Avengers: Doomsday. It’s a bold move that positions the antiheroes as key players in the Multiverse Saga’s climax.
- Fan Vibe: Fans online are already know about the post credit scene before even watching the film and they are even more excited now that they know they will see this come to light, with posts dubbing this “the MCU’s best post-credits scene yet.” The Fantastic Four nod has fans hyped, especially after Pedro Pascal’s appearance at the London premiere fueled cameo speculation.
Why These Scenes Pack a Punch
| Aspect | Mid-Credits Impact | Post-Credits Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Playful, character-driven humor | Epic, plot-heavy with MCU setup |
| Key Character | Red Guardian (David Harbour) | Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), Thunderbolts team |
| MCU Connection | Minimal, focuses on team dynamics | Links to Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday |
| Fan Reaction | “Hilarious and wholesome!” | “Mind-blowing, the MCU is back!” |
| Narrative Weight | Light, a palate cleanser | Heavy, redefines the team and teases Phase Six |
- Emotional Resonance: The mid-credits scene lets fans exhale, spotlighting Red Guardian’s heartwarming quirks. It’s a reminder that Thunderbolts* isn’t just about gritty action—it’s about flawed, human characters finding their place.
- Future Setup: The post-credits scene is the real MVP, weaving Thunderbolts* into the MCU’s larger tapestry. The “New Avengers” reveal flips expectations, transforming a ragtag crew into Earth’s mightiest heroes. The Fantastic Four ship’s arrival echoes Thor: Ragnarok’s game-changing mid-credits moment, hinting at a cosmic threat looming in Doomsday.
- Asterisk Mystery Solved: The asterisk in Thunderbolts* was a deliberate clue, unveiled as the team’s evolution into the New Avengers. It’s a clever marketing move by Kevin Feige, keeping fans guessing until the credits roll.
How Thunderbolts* Sets Up the MCU’s Future
Thunderbolts* isn’t just a standalone adventure—it’s a launchpad for Phase Six and beyond. Here’s how the post-credits scenes pave the way:
- Avengers: Doomsday Hype: The New Avengers branding and Sam Wilson’s cameo confirm the Thunderbolts’ pivotal role in the 2026 crossover. With cast members like Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), and Lewis Pullman (Sentry) confirmed to return, the team will likely face off against Doctor Doom alongside other heroes.
- Fantastic Four Integration: The ship’s arrival teases a crossover with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While it’s unclear if Reed Richards or company appear in person, the scene mirrors Thor: Ragnarok’s setup for Infinity War, suggesting the Fantastic Four’s debut will dovetail into Doomsday.
- Multiverse Saga Climax: By rebranding the Thunderbolts and introducing cosmic elements, these scenes signal the MCU’s shift toward a unified narrative. After criticism that Phases Four and Five felt disjointed, Thunderbolts* feels like a return to form, with every tease pointing to Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Tips for Enjoying Thunderbolts* Without Spoilers
- Mute Social Media Keywords: Spoilers are rampant on platforms like X and Reddit , with leaks spreading faster than Red Guardian scarfing down cereal. Mute terms like “Thunderbolts,” “post-credits,” and “New Avengers” to stay unspoiled.
- Stick Around for Both Scenes: Don’t bolt when the credits roll! The mid-credits scene is a quick laugh, but the post-credits scene is a must-see for MCU fans.
- Watch Key MCU Projects: Brush up on Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Ant-Man and the Wasp to catch character backstories. The film’s emotional beats hit harder if you know Yelena’s trauma or Bucky’s redemption arc.
- Expect the Unexpected: Early reactions praise Thunderbolts* for subverting expectations. Go in with an open mind, ready for twists that redefine the team.
Final Thoughts: A Thunderous MCU Comeback
Thunderbolts* is shaping up to be a high point for the MCU, blending raw emotion, hard-hitting action, and bold teases for what’s next. The post-credits scenes are the cherry on top, delivering laughs and jaw-dropping setups that reinvigorate the Multiverse Saga. Whether you’re Team Red Guardian or hyped for the Fantastic Four, these scenes ensure Thunderbolts* leaves a lasting spark. Catch it in theaters on May 2, 2025, and stay through the credits—you won’t want to miss a second.
