Marvel Studios’ latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts, is generating significant buzz ahead of its official release on May 1, 2025. Early screenings on April 30 have sparked excitement among fans, with many eager to know whether the film includes post-credit scenes worth waiting for.
So, does Thunderbolts have post-credit scenes? Yes, it does. The film contains two post-credit scenes: one appears after the title sequences and the other at the very end of the credits. According to reports, the first scene is a callback to a previous joke, while the final scene offers crucial insights into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The anticipation surrounding Thunderbolts is palpable, with many fans comparing its hype to that of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film features a diverse cast of characters, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who orchestrates the assembly of this group of antiheroes.
In a significant development, the post-credit scenes have leaked online ahead of the film's premiere. Reports indicate that the U.S. Government has sanctioned this new Avengers team, marking a pivotal moment in the MCU. The most exciting revelation comes at the very end, where the Fantastic Four make their debut in Earth-616, with their ship entering the atmosphere. This moment is expected to set the stage for future MCU storylines.
Marvel’s decision to include an asterisk in the film’s title has also intrigued fans. Initially perceived as a placeholder, it has been confirmed that the asterisk signifies that the Avengers are currently unavailable. Throughout the film, the team humorously refers to themselves as the Thunderbolts, a name they adopt from Yelena's childhood sports team. However, in a climactic moment, Valentina publicly renames them the New Avengers, culminating in a title card that replaces Thunderbolts with The New Avengers in the classic Avengers font.
As the film unfolds, it becomes evident that the narrative is more than just a superhero action flick; it delves into the characters’ psychological struggles and traumas. For instance, Yelena grapples with the loss of her sister during the events of Endgame, and John Walker’s personal life is explored, adding depth to their motivations.
Critics have noted that Thunderbolts feels like a course correction for the MCU, as it re-establishes a sense of direction and purpose. The film's introspective approach may not deliver the blockbuster spectacle some fans expect, but it offers a refreshing take on character development and team dynamics.
The mid-credits scene features a lighthearted moment where Red Guardian attempts to convince a woman in a grocery store to buy a box of cereal adorned with the Thunderbolts logo. This comedic skit contrasts sharply with the more serious themes explored in the final post-credit scene, where the New Avengers discuss potential legal issues with the original Avengers team, as Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is reportedly pursuing legal action against them for using the Avengers name.
As the New Avengers navigate their new status, they encounter an extraterrestrial ship bearing the Fantastic Four logo, indicating that the MCU is gearing up for an exciting phase ahead. This interaction hints at future conflicts, especially with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to release in May 2026.
With its blend of humor, character exploration, and significant plot developments, Thunderbolts aims to capture the essence of what made earlier Marvel films successful while paving the way for new narratives. Fans are encouraged to stay seated through the credits to catch these pivotal scenes that promise to shape the future of the MCU.
As the release date approaches, the buzz surrounding Thunderbolts continues to grow, with fans eagerly discussing the implications of the post-credit scenes and what they mean for the MCU's future. With the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new dynamics, this film is poised to be a significant entry in the Marvel saga.
In summary, Thunderbolts is not just a film about antiheroes but a narrative that intertwines humor, trauma, and the complexities of heroism in a shared universe. As Marvel continues to expand its storytelling, audiences can look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
