Thunderbolts* Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday and Introduces the Fantastic Four

The latest Marvel film, Thunderbolts*, delivers two post-credits scenes that mark a major shift for its characters and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film ends with the antihero team being rebranded as the ‘New Avengers’ by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. In a humorous mid-credits scene, Red Guardian basks in his fame, finally appearing on a Wheaties cereal box. The real surprise comes in the second post-credits scene, which was actually filmed for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, according to director Jake Schreier. This scene jumps 14 months ahead and shows the New Avengers—Yelena, Bucky, U.S. Agent, Ghost, Red Guardian, and Sentry—gathering in the Watchtower. They’re adjusting to their new roles and still clashing, especially over ownership of the ‘Avengers’ name, which Sam Wilson (Captain America) is contesting legally. The scene ends with a dramatic reveal: the arrival of the Fantastic Four via an extra-dimensional ship, hinting at their formal entry into the MCU. The crossover teases connections between Thunderbolts*, Avengers: Doomsday (slated for 2026), and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps, arriving in theaters July 25. The article highlights Marvel’s evolving team dynamics and sets the stage for cosmic-level threats.