Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts*’ Movie Reveals Game-Changing End Credits Scenes

Thunderbolts* (2025) has finally arrived in theaters, capping off Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe—and, true to form, Marvel Studios is sending fans into theory mode with two significant post-credits scenes that hint at where this cinematic universe is heading next.

Anticipation for the film has been building since the debut of its first trailer last year, which drew millions of views and teased a darker, grittier tone. Helmed by Paper Towns director Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* marks the latest ensemble entry in the MCU and pulls together a lineup of morally conflicted characters from across the franchise’s recent history.

“Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker,” Marvel’s official synopsis reads. “After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?”

The trailer gave fans their first glimpse of “Bob”—better known to comic book readers as Sentry. Initially slated to be played by Steven Yeun (Beef, The Walking Dead), the role ultimately went to Lewis Pullman following Yeun’s exit from the project in 2024. That casting change sparked a wave of speculation about how central Sentry might be to the MCU’s future, and now, with the film’s release, it’s clear: his arrival will have ripple effects well beyond this movie.

The release of Thunderbolts* also marks a turning point in what has been an uneven chapter for Marvel Studios. Since launching Phase Five with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in 2023, the studio has seen a mixed critical and box office response. Titles like The Marvels struggled commercially and raised concerns about franchise fatigue. But then came Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), which reignited excitement and became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, injecting new energy into the brand.

That momentum proved difficult to sustain, however, with Captain America: Brave New World (2025) underperforming in theaters and closing out its run with just over $400 million worldwide.

Returning cast members include Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster, and Sebastian Stan reprising his role as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier.

Naturally, the film wouldn’t be complete without a few narrative curveballs after the credits roll. The post-credits scenes—now a staple of every MCU outing—serve up game-changing teases for what lies ahead. For fans eager to understand the significance, both scenes introduce major shifts that expand the universe and challenge expectations.

In the film’s finale, the Thunderbolts are officially unveiled as Earth’s New Avengers—an announcement that plays a significant role in both post-credit scenes.

The mid-credits scene features a freshly shaven, overly confident Alexei trying to pitch a box of Wheaties—branded with the New Avengers, himself included-to a potential buyer. The customer, visibly disturbed, walks away, subtly suggesting that the general public might not be entirely sold on this new generation of heroes.

The final post-credits scene, however, delivers more excitement. We see the New Avengers arriving at their new headquarters, engaged in a conversation about Sam Wilson’s (Anthony Mackie) ongoing mission to revive the original Avengers under his Captain America mantle—a direct connection to Captain America: Brave New World.

Adding a dash of comic relief, Alexei shows up in a jumpsuit emblazoned with “New Avengerz,” joking to the team—and Bob, who was rescued during the climax—that he has backup outfits in case there’s a legal clash over the Avengers name.

Suddenly, Yelena receives a tablet alert indicating an unidentified object has breached Earth’s atmosphere. A projection reveals an alien spacecraft, which slowly turns to display a familiar emblem: the iconic “4” of the Fantastic Four.

This sets the stage for The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), directed by Matt Shakman. The film will officially kick off Phase Six of the MCU and follow Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—as they face Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

One of the most debated aspects leading into the film was the asterisk in the title, Thunderbolts*—a seemingly small detail that set off speculation. During CinemaCon 2024, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige acknowledged the punctuation choice, cryptically assuring fans that it will all become clear after the movie debuts.

Some believed the asterisk signaled a transition, potentially setting the stage for the formation of the New Avengers. Others saw it as a subtle nod to the rise of the Dark Avengers, a storyline with significant roots in Marvel Comics. With the movie now out, fans finally know why that asterisk was added to the title.

Of course, one of the biggest additions to the cinematic universe comes in the form of Sentry. A character with a troubled psyche and godlike abilities, Sentry—real name Robert Reynolds—is a complex figure in the source material. His comic book arcs, including “New Avengers” (2005), “World War Hulk” (2007), and “Siege” (2010), depict a character capable of extreme heroism and devastating destruction.

And that may be by design. As the studio regroups from recent misfires, Thunderbolts* works as both a closing chapter and a foundation for future stories. The Russo Brothers, who return to direct Avengers: Doomsday, have called that film “a new beginning,” reinforcing the idea that the current lineup of characters will play an integral role in where the saga goes next.

Whether audiences respond to this darker, ensemble-driven format remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Marvel is not afraid to pivot. By bringing back fan-favorite antiheroes, introducing one of the most powerful beings in Marvel lore, and leaving behind a few cryptic clues, Thunderbolts aims to reestablish momentum ahead of the upcoming Avengers titles.

And with Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) looming large on the horizon, the groundwork being laid here is already setting the stage for a major shift in the Marvel narrative tapestry.

How do you feel about the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*? Let us know in the comments!