What Thunderbolts* post-credit scenes reveal about the MCU’s future

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts is now playing in theaters and comes packed with two end-credit scenes that push the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) into its next chapter.

The film unites characters like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, and US Agent in a dysfunctional antihero squad forced into action by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.

The mid-credits scene is a comedic moment featuring Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) admiring a cereal box featuring his likeness. Set in a grocery store, the lighthearted moment plays off earlier dialogue where Alexei longs for admiration and fame, now partially realized through New Avengers merchandise.

The final post-credit scene sets up major future Marvel films. Taking place 14 months later, the Thunderbolts are at their new base debating their identity, with Sam Wilson apparently trying to reclaim the Avengers name. Bob, now controlling his Sentry-based powers, remains with the team in a support role. Suddenly, the group is alerted to an unidentified aircraft—revealed to be a ship bearing the iconic “4” logo of the Fantastic Four.

The screen then confirms: The New Avengers and Bob will return.

This scene directly links to Fantastic Four: First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. It also teases Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for May 1, 2026, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Victor Von Doom, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The Thunderbolts’ future is now tightly woven into Marvel’s evolving multiverse saga.