Thunderbolts End Credit Scene Explained: Surprises, Scrapped Villains, and MCU Connections
Marvel fans have come to expect thrilling surprises after every film, and the Thunderbolts end credit scene is no exception. From teasing future crossovers to hinting at unexpected character appearances, this scene has ignited plenty of buzz. Let's break down the details, reveal some scrapped ideas, and look ahead at what this means for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
What Happens in the Thunderbolts End Credit Scene?
The Thunderbolts end credit scene delivers on the MCU tradition of connecting stories and opening new narrative doors. As the newly formed team emerges from their latest challenge, a surprise arrival hints at earth-shaking events. Without diving into spoiler-heavy territory, the stinger sets up a crossover with another major Marvel team and plants seeds for upcoming films.
Scrapped Ideas: Zemo, Kang, and Red Hulk
Interestingly, several early drafts of Thunderbolts envisioned a different end credit revelation. Baron Zemo and Kang the Conqueror—both major players in the Marvel universe—almost made cameo appearances. According to Eric Pearson, co-writer of Thunderbolts, "there was definitely a [post-credits] tag...where Zemo is like Keyser Söze, pulling strings from prison," but the idea was ultimately scrapped to serve the new direction for the MCU. Kang was also considered, but changed circumstances behind the scenes led to his removal. For a deeper dive into these rejected twists, read Baron Zemo and Kang Were in Early Drafts of Thunderbolts (and Other Rejected Ideas) - IGN.
Another wild card was the possibility of John Walker, the U.S. Agent, transforming into Red Hulk thanks to a secret manipulation by Valentina. This version would have set Walker up as a monstrous challenge the rest of the team must save, not defeat. That role was dropped in favor of introducing Sentry, a complex character who better fit the story’s emotional themes. For more on this bold idea, check out Thunderbolts Almost Had Its Own Wild Red Hulk.
Marvel Connections and Easter Eggs
The Thunderbolts end credit scene also ties back to threads first established in "Black Widow" and the Disney+ series "Hawkeye." Early versions of the script explored Yelena Belova’s mission to confront Clint Barton—tasked by Valentina in a previous post-credit sequence—but this plotline was ultimately set aside. The filmmakers chose to focus on paving a new path ahead, placing Yelena in a leadership role and building the team's unique identity. These choices drive the narrative forward and keep the MCU fresh for returning fans.
Get an insider's perspective on the film’s writing process and creative decisions in Thunderbolts Writer Talks Shocking Death, a John Walker Villain Draft.
What Does the End Credit Scene Mean for the MCU's Future?
Marvel Studios uses end credit scenes to set the stage for bigger crossovers and introduce future conflicts. The Thunderbolts end credit scene doesn’t just hint at impending teamwork with iconic heroes; it may even tease connections to upcoming releases like "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," bridging the gap between anti-heroes and established Avengers.
These creative choices show Marvel’s willingness to shift gears, adapt to changing circumstances, and expand its cinematic universe in unpredictable ways. By leaving out familiar faces like Zemo and Kang, the filmmakers embrace new stories and fresh dynamics for audiences to discover in theaters and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Thunderbolts end credit scene packs big surprises and paves the way for an exciting new chapter in the MCU. With scrapped cameos and last-minute changes, fans are left guessing what's next for this unpredictable team. Stay tuned for further announcements and don’t miss the clues hiding in every post-credits stinger.
Curious about more behind-the-scenes details or possible future storylines? Dive into the full breakdowns on IGN and Gizmodo for all the untold Marvel secrets.