The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has faced a persistent challenge for the past four years, but the initial reactions to Thunderbolts* suggest that this issue may finally be addressed. The enthusiastic social media responses to Thunderbolts* were unveiled in April 2025, well ahead of the film’s official theatrical release. This early praise indicates that Marvel Studios possesses strong confidence in Thunderbolts* as a standout entry among Marvel movies slated for 2025. By promoting audience feedback as a key driver for opening weekend attendance, the studio is strategically banking on positive word-of-mouth to elevate its box office performance.
The positive feedback is evidently achieving its purpose, with a flood of accolades directed towards the Thunderbolts* ensemble cast, their dynamic team interactions, the insightful exploration of their mental health issues, and the film’s emphasis on utilizing practical effects. Many viewers have noted that Thunderbolts* evokes the nostalgic feel of classic Marvel films, reminiscent of the highest-rated MCU titles from the Infinity Saga. Furthermore, a specific element of Thunderbolts* is garnering significant attention, suggesting that a longstanding challenge faced by the MCU is on the verge of being resolved.
Enthusiastic Responses Highlight the Post-Credit Scenes in Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* Delivers Two Intriguing Post-Credit Scenes
The aspect of the MCU that has historically been a focal point is the post-credit scenes, which have become a hallmark of the franchise. The initial reactions to Thunderbolts* reveal that the film includes two significant credit scenes—one positioned mid-way and another at the conclusion of the credits. Critics and early viewers are not just noting the quantity but are also praising the quality of these post-credit scenes, highlighting them as some of the most compelling in recent memory. According to Matt Ramos, the second credit scene is touted as the most crucial and thrilling in years, while Ian Sandwell emphasizes that the “lengthy post-credit scene” effectively sets the stage for the future of the MCU.
Cris Parker asserts that Thunderbolts* strikes an ideal balance between being a standalone film and hinting at future developments, noting that while 95% of the film is dedicated to the current narrative, the remaining 5% dedicated to future setups is filled with electrifying promise. The sentiment is echoed by Big Gold Belt Media, who simply expressed their excitement with a mind-blown emoji next to the phrase “1 Mid & 1 Post credit scene.” It is evident that the post-credit scenes in Thunderbolts* are resonating with early audiences, indicating a potential shift in the recent trend for Marvel.
Addressing the Ongoing Issues with Post-Credit Scenes in the Multiverse Saga
The Interconnectivity of Marvel Has Been Compromised for Various Reasons
The significance of the positive reactions regarding Thunderbolts* post-credit scenes cannot be overstated, especially considering the troubles Marvel has faced in crafting compelling post-credit moments of late. Since the epic conclusion of Avengers: Endgame wrapped up the Infinity Saga, the studio has struggled with post-credit teases that either fail to connect to the larger narrative or have been left unaddressed since their debut. Since the launch of the Multiverse Saga in 2021, only three films have featured post-credit scenes that genuinely hold significance or promise relevance in future MCU installments. These titles are Black Widow, The Marvels, and Captain America: Brave New World.
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The post-credit scene in Black Widow hinted at Yelena’s future within the MCU, which has been explored in Hawkeye, Thunderbolts*, and is set to continue in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Meanwhile, The Marvels has confirmed the return of the X-Men, who are slated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, while Captain America: Brave New World has set the stage for multiversal events ahead. However, it is notable that eight films have included post-credit scenes that ultimately led to nowhere.
For instance, initial teases regarding the storyline of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty were introduced in the post-credit scenes of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However, due to the legal troubles faced by Jonathan Majors, Marvel altered its trajectory, replacing Kang with Doctor Doom, rendering these prior scenes inconsequential. Additionally, scenes from Eternals and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hinting at future developments remain unaddressed, exemplifying the ongoing struggles of Marvel Studios with its post-credit narratives.
Speculating on the Intriguing Post-Credit Scenes of Thunderbolts*
Reviving the Interconnectivity of the MCU: A New Dawn
Fortunately, the reactions surrounding Thunderbolts* indicate that Marvel’s struggles with post-credit scenes might finally be coming to an end. This raises the intriguing question of what exactly the post-credit scenes in Thunderbolts* could be teasing. A compelling theory is that they set the stage for upcoming events in Avengers: Doomsday. Given that cast members from Thunderbolts* were confirmed for the ensemble of Avengers: Doomsday long before the former film’s release, it’s likely that their next significant MCU appearance will be hinted at during the post-credit sequences.
This opens the door for the mid-credit scene to potentially introduce other vital elements of the MCU’s future, such as the much-anticipated debut of The Fantastic Four…
This could involve the Thunderbolts team receiving critical information about impending multiversal threats or perhaps even the first appearance of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. If either of these scenarios—or both—are included in Thunderbolts*, they are likely to be featured in the post-credit scene. Meanwhile, the mid-credit scene could pave the way for other significant aspects of the MCU’s future, including the eagerly awaited introduction of The Fantastic Four. Regardless of what unfolds in these Thunderbolts* scenes, they are sure to deliver excitement and potentially resolve a longstanding issue that the MCU has faced over the years.
Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
- Runtime
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126 Minutes
- Director
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Jake Schreier
- Writers
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Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
