Marvel’s latest film, Thunderbolts, directed by Jake Schreier, brings a fresh twist to the superhero genre by focusing on a group of antiheroes and villains. The narrative centers around Yelena Belova (played by Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) as they band together to confront a new threat, marking a noteworthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

About the Film

Thunderbolts showcases a diverse team comprised of unique characters such as:

• John Walker (Wyatt Russell) from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
• Ava Starr a.k.a. Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) from Ant-Man and the Wasp
• Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) from Black Widow
• Antonia Dreykov a.k.a. Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) from Black Widow
• New character Bob (Lewis Pullman)

This combination of underdog characters adds new dimensions to the superhero narrative, reflecting the evolving landscape of storytelling in the MCU.

Post-Credits Scenes Unpacked

As is customary with MCU films, Thunderbolts features two post-credits scenes that provide tantalizing hints about future developments.

Mid-Credits Scene

The first scene unfolds in a grocery store, where Alexei, also known as the Red Guardian, stops a shopper to proudly showcase a cereal box featuring the New Avengers. This moment illustrates his newfound acceptance, yet it raises questions about the team’s overall reputation in the public eye.

Final Post-Credits Scene

The more pivotal second scene occurs 14 months later, revealing the Thunderbolts facing issues with their branding. Although Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) had assigned them the name “New Avengers,” Sam Wilson, the current Captain America, is decidedly unhappy about the appropriation of such an iconic title. Yelena hints at potential legal action from Sam, setting the stage for future conflicts between the two factions of heroes.

Future MCU Interactions

These developments may lead into the anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, set to release in 2026. The film is expected to feature a star-studded cast that includes:

• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
• Anthony Mackie as Captain America
• Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
• Tom Hiddleston as Loki
• Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
• Letitia Wright as Black Panther
• Tenoch Huerta as Namor

However, specific details regarding who will officially be part of the New Avengers remain undisclosed.

A Mysterious End

Closing this intriguing sequence is a mysterious extradimensional spaceship emblazoned with the number “4,” hinting at the forthcoming Fantastic Four film. Scheduled for release in July, this movie aims to introduce Marvel’s First Family and is poised to kick off Phase 6 of the MCU.

The Fantastic Four narrative will explore their origins on an alternate 1960s Earth, setting the stage for a confrontation against Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer.

Conclusion

Thunderbolts not only serves to entertain but also lays the groundwork for significant narrative arcs in the MCU. As the franchise continues to expand, fans can expect a wealth of storylines, particularly as the Fantastic Four and the Avengers intersect in future films.