In a surprising turn of events, the film *Thunderbolts* has undergone a transformation, not merely in name but also in narrative direction, as revealed in its post-credits scenes.
Director Jake Schreier confirmed that the second post-credits scene introduced a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), showcasing the newly minted ‘New Avengers.’
Following Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) bold renaming of the dysfunctional team, the sequence took viewers fourteen months into the future, highlighting how these antiheroes navigated their evolving roles as public champions.
The scene featured key characters—including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), U.S. Agent/John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Bob/Sentry/Void (Lewis Pullman)—watching a ship associated with the Fantastic Four approach Earth.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Schreier pointed out that this scene, shot only a month prior, was actually filmed for the much-anticipated *Avengers: Doomsday,* which begins production soon.
Schreier, understandably cautious, expressed uncertainty about the integration of these scenes, joking about potential repercussions for sharing too much from the set of *Doomsday.*
This latest development indicates that the New Avengers will possibly be the first team to interact with Marvel’s iconic Fantastic Four.
The movie’s post-credits scenes offered a humorous yet insightful glimpse into the dynamics of the New Avengers, with the mid-credits moment showcasing Alexei’s comical pride after being featured on a Wheaties box.
Despite the serious threats the team seems poised to face, the lighthearted element remains integral as Alexei, donning a new look, attempts to engage a shopper about his newfound fame in an amusing grocery store encounter.
The real intrigue surfaces in the post-credits sequence, escalating the stakes in the narrative.
Now seasoned as a team, the New Avengers are situated in the Watchtower, but their domestic conflicts expose fractures in their unity as they face an unexpected challenge: Sam Wilson, a.k.a. Captain America (Anthony Mackie), is contesting their title legally.
Amidst bickering and camaraderie, Yelena highlights Yelena believes it’s crucial for the New Avengers to retain their credibility, given the stakes.
With tension building, the group discusses implications of Sam’s legal moves, evoking moments of levity even amid their evolved responsibilities.
New team dynamics surface as they navigate their title against an iconic name, sparking amusing debates about identity, responsibilities, and rival claims to the Avengers mantle.
John Walker even jokingly mentions the unflattering memes circulating on the internet regarding their chosen title, subtly addressing fan engagement and the communal aspect of superhero culture.
The clashing of ideals warms up to the series of humorous breakthroughs led by Alexei, whose uninhibited approach to branding creates comedic relief amidst uncertainties.
His hubris shines through as he announces plans to brand the team ‘New Avengerz’ — a clever linguistic twist to evade copyright issues, drawing laughs from the rest of the team, including the more composed Yelena.
Amidst the playful dynamics, a threat lurks closer, signaled by a blaring alarm alerting them about a newly entered ‘extra-dimensional ship.’
That leads to a pivotal moment—highlighting the burgeoning connection to the Fantastic Four.
As they gather around satellite imagery, the iconic Fantastic Four score begins to play, an auditory cue signaling the entry of Marvel’s legendary heroes.
The ship reveals itself as one adorned with the recognizable ‘4’ emblem—presumably signaling the arrival of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing.
Fans are left to speculate whether this encounter occurs predating or following the events of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps.*
The storytelling mechanics deftly weave humor with lingering tension, setting the stage for the complexities ahead as the New Avengers prepare for their first-hand encounters with the iconic team.
Amid ongoing challenges that may arise between the New Avengers and the Fantastic Four, audiences can expect Matt’s familiar blend of risk and relationship challenges to play out within this expansive universe.
As the MCU continues to unfold, the underlying question remains: Is the arrival of Marvel’s First Family a preemptive strike against an incoming threat, or are they themselves in a race against time relaying unassumed chaos to these newly formed heroes?
Only time will reveal how these narratives intertwine as we anticipate louder clashes, camaraderie, and potential conflicts than ever before in this richly curated landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
image source from：https://ew.com/thunderbolts-post-credits-scene-avengers-doomsday-explained-11725457
