Marvel Thunderbolts Post Credits Scene: From Zemo to the Fantastic Four, Everything You Missed

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has done it again—leaving fans speechless, excited, and full of questions. As Thunderbolts hits theaters worldwide, it brings with it not just a gripping storyline but a spectacular post-credits scene that could very well define the next era of Marvel films. This new installment in the MCU doesn’t just tease future narratives; it shifts the balance entirely, introducing critical new characters and hinting at monumental plot developments. In this in-depth breakdown, we delve into everything that makes the Marvel Thunderbolts post credits scene one of the most pivotal moments in Phase 6.

Marvel Thunderbolts Post Credits Scene: A Turning Point in the MCU

The Marvel Thunderbolts post credits scene emerges as a narrative linchpin, cleverly tying loose ends while launching new arcs. A year and two months after the main events of the movie, the New Avengers—a repurposed Thunderbolts team—are shown struggling with legal issues surrounding their team name. Captain America (Sam Wilson), although never shown, is cited as a direct roadblock in their branding efforts. This hint at internal conflict raises the possibility of a bifurcated Avengers lineup: one led by Sam Wilson and another by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s New Avengers.

As tensions simmer, a signal from space alerts the team to a spacecraft’s arrival—an iconic ship emblazoned with a giant “4.” That’s right, the Fantastic Four have landed in the MCU’s Sacred Timeline, setting up a momentous crossover for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. This isn’t just a fan tease—it’s a structural shift, likely orchestrated to unite different franchises within the multiverse.

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From Keyser Söze to Kang: Rejected Ideas That Almost Made the Cut

Eric Pearson, co-writer of Thunderbolts, revealed intriguing details about characters who were originally planned for the post-credits sequence. Among them were Baron Zemo and Kang the Conqueror. One iteration had Zemo operating like a Keyser Söze-type figure, manipulating events from his prison cell. Though this idea was scrapped early, it underscores how close fans were to a darker, more sinister subplot taking shape.

Another version considered featured Kang in a post-credits sequence, linking Thunderbolts to the overarching Multiverse Saga. However, real-world controversies involving Jonathan Majors led to Marvel parting ways with the actor, thus shelving the character for the foreseeable future. As Pearson put it, the post-credits scene was retooled multiple times due to shifting storylines and external disruptions, including the Hollywood strikes that delayed production for six to seven months.

Other concepts included a nod to the Hawkeye series, where Valentina had sent Yelena after Clint Barton. While thematically sound, the idea was eventually dropped because the connection felt too dated for audiences unfamiliar with the 2021 series.

The Rise of the New Avengers

The informal Thunderbolts squad—Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, and Bob (Sentry)—morphs into the New Avengers by the movie’s end. The transition isn’t just cosmetic. These characters undergo emotional and psychological evolution, particularly in confronting Bob’s alter ego, the Void. Instead of defeating him through brute strength, the team uses empathy, culminating in what Pearson described as a Marvel movie that “ends with a hug, not a punch.”

This emotional resolution is more than a narrative twist; it marks a departure from traditional MCU climaxes. Adding to this, a humorous mid-credits scene shows Red Guardian proudly promoting Wheaties cereal featuring the New Avengers—a comedic yet poignant nod to their public reception and evolving identity.

Fantastic Four and Future Implications

The reveal of the Fantastic Four’s arrival is more than a cliffhanger—it’s a tectonic shift. Their spacecraft’s sudden appearance serves as both a narrative bridge and an MCU milestone. While details remain scarce, the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps film, releasing July 25, 2025, is expected to explain how the team transitioned into the Sacred Timeline. This event positions the Fantastic Four as potential cornerstones of the multiverse, possibly rivaling the influence of previous Avengers lineups.

Marvel co-writer Pearson hints that this crossover was a late addition, suggesting that even writers were unsure of the Fantastic Four’s integration until filming was underway. Yet the move feels deliberate, aiming to unite the MCU’s many narrative threads just in time for Avengers: Doomsday.

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Character Arcs and Emotional Resonance

Several characters experience significant transformations. Bucky Barnes, for instance, starts the film as a political figure—albeit awkwardly—and returns to form as a full-fledged hero. While his stint in Congress feels bizarre, it was apparently a top-down decision intended to reflect his infiltration into political circles to investigate Valentina. John Walker’s trajectory also changed. Originally pegged as the “punching villain,” his role was altered when Sentry’s arc took precedence, allowing the film to focus on emotional reconciliation over conflict.

Geraldine Viswanathan’s Mel—hinted to be Songbird—emerged as a breakout character. Although not officially dubbed Songbird, her role, bird-themed necklace, and powers suggest an impending transformation. This character, relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, could become a key player in the New Avengers and beyond.

Will There Be Two Avengers Teams in Avengers: Doomsday?

The MCU is clearly setting up dual Avengers factions. Sam Wilson’s mention and his opposition to the New Avengers’ trademark imply internal conflicts. This divergence could lead to a Civil War-style faceoff, or at the very least, a narrative split where each team tackles distinct multiversal threats.

With characters like Red Hulk, Sentry, and potentially Songbird, the New Avengers already look like a formidable team. Meanwhile, Sam Wilson’s camp might include Falcon, Ant-Man, Thor, and others from the classic Avengers lineup. These opposing teams may eventually unite against a larger threat—Doctor Doom, now confirmed to be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.

What Lies Ahead: Multiverse, Doom, and the X-Factor

As the MCU barrels toward Avengers: Doomsday, questions abound. Will the Fantastic Four become the lynchpin of the Sacred Timeline? How will Sam Wilson respond to this burgeoning New Avengers team? And most intriguingly, where do the X-Men fit into all of this? As always, Marvel is playing the long game, slowly revealing its hand in a way that keeps fans theorizing, speculating, and coming back for more.

The Marvel Thunderbolts post credits scene has opened the door to new possibilities, emotional storytelling, and multiverse-shaking revelations. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned Marvel theorist, this scene offers enough intrigue and excitement to fuel endless discussions and anticipation for what’s next.

FAQs about Marvel Thunderbolts Post Credits Scene

What is the main reveal in the Marvel Thunderbolts post credits scene?

The scene reveals the Fantastic Four’s arrival in the Sacred Timeline and hints at a potential feud between the New Avengers and Sam Wilson’s Avengers team.

Was Kang supposed to be in Thunderbolts?

Yes, Kang was initially planned for the post-credits scene, but his role was scrapped due to changes in the MCU’s storyline and external controversies.

Who is Mel in Thunderbolts, and is she Songbird?

Mel, played by Geraldine Viswanathan, is heavily implied to be Songbird based on visual cues and narrative hints, though not officially confirmed yet.

Will there be two Avengers teams in the MCU?

It’s highly possible, with Sam Wilson potentially leading one team and Valentina’s New Avengers comprising the other, setting up internal MCU conflict.

When will the Fantastic Four appear next?

The Fantastic Four will feature prominently in Fantastic Four: First Steps, releasing on July 25, 2025, which may explain their transition into the Sacred Timeline.

How is Sentry important in Thunderbolts?

Sentry, portrayed as Bob, becomes the emotional centerpiece of the film, representing internal struggles and marking a shift from physical to emotional resolutions.