This article contains spoilers for the film Thunderbolts. In an unexpected twist, Thunderbolts has not only undergone a name change but has also completely altered the trajectory of its storyline through a pivotal post-credits scene. Following the announcement by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the team of dysfunctional antiheroes and villains has officially been rebranded as the New Avengers.
The two credit scenes propel the narrative forward in time, illustrating how the New Avengers are adjusting to their newfound fame and responsibilities as public heroes. Director Jake Schreier shared insights with Entertainment Weekly about the exciting developments in the second credits scene. This scene features Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (a.k.a. the Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan), U.S. Agent (a.k.a. John Walker, portrayed by Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov (the Red Guardian, played by David Harbour), Ava Starr (known as Ghost, portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen), and Bob (Sentry/Void, played by Lewis Pullman), all engaged in a dramatic moment as they witness the Fantastic Four ship racing toward Earth.
When asked by Entertainment Weekly if the second credits scene hints at a first encounter between the New Avengers and Marvel's iconic Fantastic Four, Schreier admitted, "You know as much as I know about that." He clarified that while he was present during the filming, he did not direct that specific scene, which was shot for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. The director expressed his excitement about seeing the characters interact within a larger context, stating, "We've been living in our own contained world, but it was really fun to see them there."
The first mid-credits scene offers a light-hearted glimpse into the life of Alexei Shostakov, who realizes a long-standing dream: being featured on the front of a Wheaties box. This amusing moment sees Alexei, having cleaned up his appearance, proudly standing in a grocery store next to the cereal boxes emblazoned with his image. His attempts to engage a fellow shopper in conversation reflect his inflated ego—as he tries to bask in his newfound fame—only to be met with indifference.
The subsequent post-credits sequence, which hints at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), showcases the New Avengers gathered in the Watchtower. They are now sporting updated superhero suits and exuding a newfound confidence, yet they still grapple with internal conflicts. The group’s banter reveals that they are facing a surprising challenge: Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie), the new Captain America, is taking legal action against their new name.
As tensions rise, Yelena expresses concern over their legitimacy, questioning their identity amid the brewing conflict with Sam. The humorous exchanges continue as the team debates the implications of Sam's legal moves and the potential creation of a new Avengers team.
Just as the New Avengers are grappling with their identity, an urgent alert signals the arrival of a new threat: a ship from another dimension enters Earth's atmosphere. As Yelena pulls up satellite imagery, the iconic Fantastic Four theme begins to play, foreshadowing the arrival of Marvel's first family. The ship’s appearance raises questions about whether Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm are coming to assist Earth or fleeing from impending doom.
The events of Thunderbolts and its post-credits scenes set the stage for thrilling developments in the MCU. With the New Avengers now facing new alliances and unexpected enemies, fans are left eagerly anticipating how these storylines will unfold in future installments. To stay updated on the latest movie news, including trailers, celebrity interviews, and film reviews, consider signing up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter.
