Thunderbolts* broke a major MCU trend with its post-credits scene (& it only made the film better)

Thunderbolts* was praised for its depiction of mental health issues, which was a first in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film, 36th in the MCU, is directed by Jake Schreier and was released on May 2, 2025. Here is the official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Also called The New Avengers, Thunderbolts* also broke another ground in the MCU with its post-credit sequence. Let us take a look into the details of the same.

Thunderbolts* breaks an MCU trend with its post-credit scene

Thunderbolts* ends with everyone managing to survive the attacks from the Void. Val gives them the title of the New Avengers. Its post-credit scene showcases them as the new Avengers, who will be at loggerheads with the official Avengers headed by Captain America. They will feature in the forthcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday. The post-credit scene also hints at The Fantastic Four: First Steps and their arrival on Doomsday.

The overall post-credit sequence of Thunderbolts* is perhaps among the most complete ones in the MCU in recent history. With a duration of two minutes and 54 seconds, it is also the longest post-credit scene in history. Interestingly, it was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who ensured that it connects well with Avengers: Doomsday. It sets the groundwork for the MCU's Phase Six.

Thunderbolts* is produced by Kevin Feige, and it revolves around a bunch of anti-hero teaming up for a mission. The story is by Eric Pearson, who also wrote the screenplay with Joanna Calo.

The cast members of the film are:

Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier
Wyatt Russell as John Walker aka U.S. Agent
Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds / Sentry / Void
Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov aka Taskmaster
Geraldine Viswanathan as Mel
Wendell Pierce as Gary
David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian
Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr aka Ghost
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

The MCU's future consists of Avengers: Doomsday as well as Secret Wars. The former will be released on December 18, 2026. The Russo brothers spoke to Comicbook.com about how the MCU has changed since they directed Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Doomsday will mark their return in the franchise since the 2019 feature. Anthony Russo, in the interview, said:

“Yes, the MCU has got quite large, that’s for sure. I mean, frankly, we struggle with that same issue, but part of the reason Joe and I decided to go back is exactly what you’re talking about. There needs to be more of a central narrative. That was something we were very specific about when we worked with Marvel [before]. We would like to bring the focused narrative back.”

The film will feature several superhero teams, including the Avengers and Fantastic Four, among others, who will face off against Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.). Robert was Tony Stark/Iron Man in the previous phase of the MCU, but the character dies in Endgame after stopping Thanos.