thunderbolts post credit scene

Thunderbolts*: What Do Those Post-Credit Scenes Mean for the Future of the MCU? (AU Edition)

Marvel fans down under, the wait is almost over! Thunderbolts* is hitting Aussie cinemas, and the buzz is building. But beyond the main story, everyone's talking about those post-credit scenes. What do they reveal? And how do they set up the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Let's dive in, mate!

Thunderbolts* Arrives: A Fresh Take on the MCU?

Early reviews are hinting that Thunderbolts* might be a breath of fresh air for the MCU. Rotten Tomatoes reports the initial reactions are positive, suggesting a potentially exciting addition to the superhero landscape.

And it's not just the big review sites. Leigh Paatsch from the Herald Sun calls Thunderbolts "fun" and even goes so far as to say it's "Marvel's best movie since Avengers: Endgame." High praise indeed! Paatsch highlights Florence Pugh's performance as a standout, which is no surprise to anyone who's seen her as Yelena Belova/Black Widow. IGN's review echoes this sentiment, describing Thunderbolts** as a "solid, moving outing for overlooked antiheroes."

The Post-Credit Scene Frenzy: What's All the Fuss About?

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff: those post-credit scenes. The internet is already buzzing with leaks and speculation, so let's break down what we think we know and what it might mean.

How Many Post-Credit Scenes Are There in Thunderbolts*?

Confirmed: Thunderbolts has two post-credit scenes. You'll need to stick around through the mid-credits stinger and* the final scene after all the credits have rolled to get the full picture.

The Longest Post-Credit Scene Ever?

According to IGN, the main post-credit scene in Thunderbolts clocks in at a whopping 174 seconds (2 minutes and 54 seconds). If this is true, it would be the longest bespoke post-credit scene in Marvel movie history, excluding extended sequences like "Rogers: The Musical" from Hawkeye*.

What Do the Scenes Reveal? (Spoiler Alert!)

Okay, here's where we venture into potentially spoiler-filled territory. Proceed with caution!

Based on various reports and leaks (remember, these are unverified until you see the film yourself), here's what the post-credit scenes might contain:

• The New Avengers? One scene reportedly shows the Thunderbolts becoming the "New Avengers" under Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's (aka Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, or Val) OXE company. This suggests Val is positioning the team as a replacement for the original Avengers, perhaps with a more morally ambiguous approach.
• Red Guardian's Shopping Trip: Another scene apparently features Red Guardian (David Harbour) in a shopping aisle, sporting a new moustache. He interacts with a woman, but the details of their conversation and its significance are unclear. This could be a humorous scene, a setup for a future plot point, or both!
• The Asterisk Twist: The "asterisk" in the title Thunderbolts* has been a source of much speculation. Some reports suggest the ending and post-credit scenes connect to a future event, possibly related to "Avengers: Doomsday." The asterisk could be a clue pointing to this connection.
• Connections to Future MCU Films: Multiple sources claim the post-credit scenes set up future MCU films. This could involve introducing new characters, hinting at upcoming storylines, or connecting Thunderbolts* to the larger Multiverse Saga.
• A Surprise Space Arrival: Some leaks mention a surprise arrival from space in one of the post-credit scenes. Who or what arrives remains a mystery, but it could have major implications for the MCU's cosmic storylines.

Important Note: These details are based on leaks and speculation. Until you see the film yourself, take them with a grain of salt.

Context: Why Thunderbolts* Matters in the MCU

Thunderbolts* is significant for several reasons:

• A Team of Antiheroes: Unlike the Avengers, the Thunderbolts are a team of reformed (or not-so-reformed) villains and antiheroes. This offers a different perspective on the superhero genre, exploring the complexities of morality and redemption.
• Expanding the MCU's Roster: Thunderbolts* introduces and develops characters who may play significant roles in the future of the MCU. Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) are all established characters with potential for further growth.
• Setting Up Future Storylines: As the post-credit scenes suggest, Thunderbolts* is likely to connect to larger events in the MCU, particularly within the Multiverse Saga. This makes it an important piece of the puzzle for understanding the overall direction of the franchise.
• Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's Role: Val's involvement in assembling the Thunderbolts and positioning them as a potential "New Avengers" raises questions about her motivations and her influence within the MCU. She's clearly a power player, and her actions will likely have significant consequences.

Immediate Effects: Buzz and Anticipation

The release of Thunderbolts* is already generating considerable buzz. The early reviews and the speculation surrounding the post-credit scenes are fueling anticipation among Marvel fans in Australia and around the world. Social media is abuzz with theories and predictions, and the film is expected to be a major box office draw.

Future Outlook: What's Next for the Thunderbolts and the MCU?

Based on what we know (and what we think we know), here's a possible outlook for the future:

• The Thunderbolts' Role in the Multiverse Saga: The team could become key players in the fight against Kang the Conqueror or other threats to the multiverse. Their unique skills and morally ambiguous approach might make them valuable assets in situations where the Avengers' traditional methods are not enough.
• Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's Agenda: Val's plans for the Thunderbolts and her overall goals remain unclear. She could be working for a larger organization, pursuing her own agenda, or even trying to protect the world in her own way. Her actions will likely have significant repercussions for the MCU.
• Character Development and Team Dynamics: Thunderbolts* offers opportunities for further character development and exploration of the team's dynamics. The interactions between these flawed and complex individuals could lead to compelling storylines and unexpected alliances.
• Potential Risks: As a team of antiheroes, the Thunderbolts could pose risks to the MCU. Their unpredictable behavior and questionable morals could lead to conflicts with other heroes or even cause unintended consequences.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready for a Wild Ride

Thunderbolts* promises to be a wild ride. With a team of antiheroes, intriguing post-credit scenes, and connections to the larger MCU, it's a film that's sure to generate discussion and debate among Marvel fans. So grab your popcorn, settle into your cinema seat, and get ready to experience a different side of the Marvel Universe. And remember, stick around until the very end – you don't want to miss those post-credit scenes!

Disclaimer: This article is based on verified news reports and supplementary research, including potential leaks and speculation. As always, take unverified information with a grain of salt until you see the film yourself.