MCU fans are well fed by Marvel with three films being released in 2025, including its latest, Thunderbolts, which hit Cineworld screens on May 1st. Of course, no Marvel release would be without its widely anticipated end credits scene and, with Thunderbolts tying up Phase 5 of the MCU, fans were keen to get a sneak peak into what the sixth phase would have in store.
*SPOILER ALERT: PROCEED WITH CAUTION*
What happens at the end of Thunderbolts?
After spending much of the movie cleaning up the mess of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) superhuman experiments, resulting in the creation of Bob Reynolds and his evil alter ego known as the Void, Thunderbolts deviates from its familiar, though no less climatic, fight scene. Instead the new group must step into the Void and face the darkness within – namely their worst nightmares – with Yelena (Florence Pugh) being the first to take the plunge.
Discovering that the Void is a combination of Bob’s depression and his superhuman abilities given to him by Valentina, the Thunderbolts realise they cannot defeat him by brute force, and instead have a deep, meaningful conversation about, essentially, his mental health. It’s a touching and interesting move from Marvel that brings honest humanity to the franchise.
Realising that she will now become the Thunderbolts next target, Valentina blindsides the Thunderbolts by calling a last minute press conference and announcing that the Thunderbolts will be rebranded to become the New Avengers. The New Avengers will be called into action should the Avengers be unavailable to save the world.
How many credit scenes are in Thunderbolts?
What a treat – there are two credit scenes featured at the end of Thunderbolts!
The first takes place midway through the credits and is a lighthearted scene in which David Harbour’s character Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian watches as a woman is picking out her cereal at the grocery store. Another heartwarming moment in the film – for which there are a few – one type of cereal has the New Avengers as a part of its branding, signalling the legitimacy of the Thunderbolts and their new hero identities.
The second credit scene, which comes once the credits have finished rolling, is a far more significant scene which sets the franchise up for Phase 6 and the next 2025 Marvel release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Thunderbolts credit scene explained: what happens and what does it mean for Phase 6?
We find the Thunderbolts at the Watchtower 14 months after the events that take place in the film.
The New Avengers are kitted out with new ‘fits and are discussing a potential legal issue after Bucky reveals the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, has filed for copyright of the Avengers name. Let’s face it, it’s not all fighting crime and facing terrifying villains, sometimes it’s also about being sued over improper use of IPs.
It’s what breaks up this ridiculously funny discussion, though, that’s of note. A signal from outer space comes through to the team with the number 4 appearing on the spacecraft. For the Marvel enthusiasts, this is the logo belonging to the Fantastic Four, Marvel’s First Family, who, as mentioned, will begin the Phase 6 MCU timeline.
Haven’t watched Thunderbolts yet, or simply need to go and see it again? You can watch Thunderbolts in a number of formats, including IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, and SuperScreen at Cineworld now.
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