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Thunderbolts’ Double Dose of Endings: Setting the Stage for Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel’s penchant for post-credit scenes continues with Thunderbolts, a film that doesn’t just end, but ends twice, leaving audiences buzzing with anticipation for what’s to come. Both the mid-credits and post-credits sequences are not mere afterthoughts; they are crucial narrative bridges connecting Thunderbolts to the grander tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically hinting at the team’s significant role in Avengers: Doomsday. Director Jake Schreier has shed light on the creation of the pivotal post-credits scene, revealing a collaborative effort that transcends directorial boundaries.

The initial ending of Thunderbolts likely wraps up the immediate conflicts and character arcs established within the film’s primary narrative. It would showcase how the team of anti-heroes or morally ambiguous individuals settles into their roles, hinting at the public’s perception of them and the potential challenges they might face going forward. Perhaps a key figure is revealed to be a double agent, or a lingering threat remains unresolved, setting a more immediate hook for a potential Thunderbolts sequel. This first ending provides closure to the Thunderbolts standalone story while planting seeds for future adventures.

However, it is the post-credits scene that truly ignites the excitement for Avengers: Doomsday. Leaping forward 14 months after the Thunderbolts are publicly introduced as the New Avengers, the scene paints a picture of a team grappling with unexpected consequences. The revelation that Sam Wilson, Captain America himself, is suing them over the Avengers trademark immediately introduces a layer of conflict and legal drama. This isn’t just a minor squabble; it’s a fundamental challenge to the team’s identity and legitimacy, questioning their place within the established heroic hierarchy. This lawsuit raises pertinent questions: Is Sam Wilson’s action motivated by genuine concern for the Avengers’ legacy, or is there a deeper strategic reason behind it? Does he see the New Avengers as a threat, or merely an irresponsible imitation?

But the legal battle is quickly overshadowed by a far more pressing concern: a rocket hurtling towards Earth, emblazoned with the iconic logo of the Fantastic Four. This unexpected arrival signals the official introduction of Marvel’s First Family into the MCU timeline, sending ripples of excitement and speculation throughout the fandom. The Fantastic Four’s presence introduces a wealth of possibilities. Are they coming as allies? Are they seeking refuge? Or do they bring a new threat that the New Avengers must confront?

Schreier’s revelation that the post-credits scene was shot a month before the film’s premiere, under the direction of Joe and Anthony Russo in London, adds another layer of intrigue. The Russo brothers, known for their masterful handling of large-scale superhero narratives, especially their previous MCU work culminating in Avengers: Endgame, are now steering the ship for this crucial scene. The fact that the New Avengers team has already been confirmed to be among the film’s cast back in March establishes their integral role in the upcoming Doomsday event, indicating a crossover of epic proportions.

For dedicated Marvel fans, this post-credits scene marks a significant milestone: the Russo brothers’ first foray back into the MCU since their monumental departure with Avengers: Endgame. Their return instantly elevates the anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, signaling a potential return to the high-stakes, character-driven storytelling that defined their previous MCU contributions.

While Schreier didn’t direct the scene himself, he emphasizes the collaborative effort involved in ensuring the continuity and character integrity of the Thunderbolts. He reviewed the scripts and provided input to ensure that the New Avengers’ actions and reactions were consistent with their established personalities and motivations. This collaboration highlights the shared responsibility that MCU directors take in maintaining the overall coherence of the interconnected narrative. Schreier states that he wanted to make sure the characters were "honest to where our characters were." This commitment to character consistency is crucial for the long-term success of the MCU.

Schreier’s perspective on handing over his characters to the Russo brothers is insightful. He describes it as "very fun to watch your buddies go on to this grander scale…and see them directed in another context and on a different level of scope than we had been treating it." This suggests a clear understanding and acceptance of the transition, acknowledging the Russo’s expertise in handling large ensemble casts and epic narratives. He recognizes that Avengers: Doomsday will operate on a scale far beyond the scope of Thunderbolts, and that the Russo’s are the ideal directors to guide the New Avengers through this new challenge.

Now, with the New Avengers firmly in the hands of the Russo brothers, the MCU faithful eagerly await the release of Avengers: Doomsday on May 1. The film promises to be a spectacle of unprecedented proportions, bringing together the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Sam Wilson’s Avengers, and the X-Men in a collision of superheroic forces. The narrative possibilities are endless, and the fate of the MCU hangs in the balance. The ramifications of that rocket, and the arrival of the Fantastic Four, are already shaping up to be the catalyst for a new era in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Only time will tell what the New Avengers will do when they get up to the meeting of all of these teams.