Marvel’s Thunderbolts has just hit theaters, bringing yet another thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As is traditional, Marvel always leaves us to wonder a great deal after the credits roll, and this movie is no different. With its humor, grit, and complex characters, it’s a must-watch for MCU fans, and there’s a lot to interpret in the two post-credits scenes. Let’s break them down and figure out what they might mean for the future of the MCU.
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Short Summary of Thunderbolts’ Movie
Let us have a brief rundown of the plot of the movie before we get to the post-credits scenes. Thunderbolts is a dysfunctional team of antiheroes like Yelena Belova, Ava Starr, Taskmaster, and John Walker. The team is assigned a high-profile mission in which they are meant to kill one another as part of a scheme by CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
Things turn dramatic when Robert “Bob” Reynolds, a former addict, gets involved in the mess. It is later revealed that Bob has a connection to Sentry, a dominant comic book figure, and that Valentina’s aim is to gain control of him and utilize his powers to fill the Avengers’ gap. But Bob’s evil alternate persona, The Void, is a killer force, and things get out of hand.
At the conclusion, a huge plot twist is established for a new team, the New Avengers, hinting at future MCU movies.
Mid-Credits Scene: Red Guardian and His Grocery Store Moment
If you’re used to Marvel’s post-credits scenes, you know to keep your eyes peeled, and Thunderbolts is no different. The opening scene drops us in a grocery store, where Red Guardian (David Harbour) experiences a less-than-dignified moment.
Following the mission, Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) is simply out doing some shopping and spots a box of cereal featuring his face, as well as the rest of the Thunderbolts.
Proud of this fleeting instant of glory, he holds the box like a trophy. He even tries to sell it to a passing woman. Of course, the woman walks away, unmoved, and leaves the box behind. Typical Red Guardian, clumsy, misplaced in pride, but endearing.
While it’s mostly a comedic moment, it’s also a clever, subtle reference to the fact that the Thunderbolts are starting to get mainstream attention. They are no longer an oddball team; they’re now being merchandised as heroes. It’s a lighthearted moment, but one that ensures the team’s long-term existence in the MCU.
Post-Credits Scene: Fantastic Four and New Avengers Tease
And now, the bigger setup for the future of the MCU. Fourteen months since the Thunderbolts incident, we find the team again in a rebuilt Avengers Tower. They’ve been busy in between, and it looks a little different.
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But things get serious when an unusual ship enters Earth’s atmosphere. The camera pans out into space, and we see a ship that has the unmistakable symbol of the Fantastic Four heading towards Earth. This is a big deal, setting up the Fantastic Four’s long-awaited arrival in the MCU. Their first movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, comes out in July, and this post-credits scene sets them up to be part of the MCU from here on out.
This scene not only sets up the Thunderbolts in the Marvel multiverse but also hints at more cosmic war and future alliances with the Fantastic Four. The cameo may also be a setup for their introduction into future MCU narratives, perhaps even Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars.
What Does This Mean for the MCU?
Both Thunderbolts’ post-credits scenes are setting up bigger things to come. The mid-credits scene is a light-hearted reminder that Thunderbolts are still well and truly within the MCU. With their new fame and recognition, it’s obvious that they’re here for a while now, and their antihero status will only continue to grow.
The post-credits scene, however, is where things get really interesting. The New Avengers and the Fantastic Four are now part of the mix, and this can potentially add some significant developments to the MCU.
With Sam Wilson’s Avengers already set up, we can anticipate some conflict between his team and the Thunderbolts in future films.
The hype around Fantastic Four joining the MCU is a huge deal for fans. With all the rumors spanning decades, their arrival in the MCU is finally happening, and the possibilities for future collabs are endless.
The Asterisk in the Name Explained: Why Thunderbolts*
The team is now a real organization, but something is not right. Sam Wilson (new Captain America) is angry that they are using the “Avengers” name. He sends them a cease and desist letter, informing them that the name is trademarked.
This puts the Thunderbolts in a frenzy, and Red Guardian, being the prankster that he is, jokes that they need to rebrand themselves to “The New AvengerZ” (with a Z). He laughs at his own joke and presumably thinks it is funny.
So, after a letter from Sam and a government mandate, they changed it back to the Thunderbolts*. They are the unofficial Avengers, saving the day when the real Avengers are unavailable.
Conclusion: Thunderbolts Lead the Way to the Future
Thunderbolts does get it right in terms of action, comedy, and surprise. But it’s the post-credits scenes that really get us excited for what’s to come in the MCU. The introduction of the New Avengers and the establishment of the Fantastic Four provide us with a sense of the developments in the Marvel universe.
The Thunderbolts are officially sticking around now, and with summer blockbusters Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday forthcoming, there is no end to the exciting ride. If you have not seen Thunderbolts as of yet, it’s time to grab some popcorn. The future of the MCU has never looked more thrilling.
