The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long mastered the art of the post-credits scene. These scenes are used as a narrative bridge that connects standalone stories to the larger tapestry of the MCU. And with ‘Thunderbolts*’ now in theaters, fans have once again been treated to an exciting glimpse of what’s next, and this time, it’s major.
A new report confirms that none other than Joe and Anthony Russo, the iconic duo behind the Infinity Saga, returned to direct the post-credits scene for the film, giving us our first taste of ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘. So, let’s break down what this surprise means for the future.
How The ‘Thunderbolts*’ Post-Credit Scene Was Planned
The ‘Thunderbolts*’ movie itself already carried big implications. It saw a ragtag team of “B-list” heroes forced to confront their own traumas within The Void, an eerie, darkness-fueled threat that consumed New York and seemed to erase people from existence. Through a surreal and emotional journey, the team learns to face their inner demons, and in a twist no one quite expected, they emerge not just as survivors, but as something bigger.
Related: ‘Thunderbolts*’ Creates The Perfect Opportunity For Scarlett Johansson’s Return As Natasha Romanoff
In a calculated move by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), the Thunderbolts are rebranded in front of the world as “The New Avengers.” The team’s reaction is mixed, shock, confusion, and subtle resistance. However, the message is clear: the world is moving on from the original Avengers, and a new era is beginning. Then comes the post-credits scene. The newly appointed Avengers are monitoring an unfolding space crisis from Valentina’s tower. Suddenly, a spacecraft enters their radar.
It’s subtle at first, but Yelena spots something that makes jaws drop: the iconic “4” emblem of the Fantastic Four. This reveal is explosive in its implications. Not only does it tease the long-anticipated debut of Marvel’s First Family in the mainline MCU storyline, but it also signals a unification of various superhero teams ahead of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. And the fact that this entire scene was directed by the Russo Brothers? That’s the cherry on top.
Russo Brothers’ Vision Signals A More Unified MCU
According to CBR, Joe and Anthony Russo directed the ‘Thunderbolts*’ post-credits scene during the early days of filming for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ in the UK. Given that production began just two weeks before ‘Thunderbolts*’ hit theaters, the scene was likely filmed with purpose and urgency. And its timing makes sense as it served as a perfect launchpad for the upcoming Phase 6 epic.
In case you missed it: What You Need To Watch Before MCU’s ‘Thunderbolts*’
This isn’t the first time the Russos have stepped in to direct a post-credits scene for another MCU director’s film. They famously directed the tease at the end of ‘Ant-Man’, which pulled a scene directly from ‘Captain America: Civil War’. This interconnectedness is exactly what makes the MCU feel cohesive. However, beyond fan service and continuity, this signals something even more crucial.
Marvel Studios appears to be learning from some of the criticisms lobbed at Phases 4 and namely, a lack of cohesion and direction. The Multiverse Saga, while brimming with creative ambition, has often felt scattered. This level of behind-the-scenes collaboration could finally bring that much-needed focus and emotional resonance back to the MCU’s big crossovers.
