Thunderbolts* Movie Review and Post-Credits Scenes Analysis

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, released on May 2, 2025, marks a bold step in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with its focus on a team of antiheroes and morally complex characters. Directed by Jake Schreier and featuring a stellar cast including Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Lewis Pullman as Robert Reynolds (Sentry/The Void), the film delivers a scrappy, character-driven narrative. The movie distinguishes itself by exploring themes of depression, purpose, and redemption, moving away from the MCU’s traditional epic superhero formula to a more grounded, spy-thriller vibe.

Critics have praised its fresh approach, with Florence Pugh’s charismatic performance earning particular acclaim for anchoring the film’s emotional depth and humor.

The plot centers on this ragtag group, initially manipulated by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who rebrands them as the “New Avengers” to bolster her political standing. The asterisk in the title, a point of speculation among fans, is revealed to signify this transformation from Thunderbolts to New Avengers, setting the stage for their role in the MCU’s future, particularly in Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026).

While the film excels in its tight pacing and character dynamics, some critiques note that its reliance on backstories from other MCU projects may alienate newcomers, and its action set pieces, while competent, lean heavily on moments already showcased in trailers.

Movie Review: Strengths and Weaknesses

Thunderbolts* has been hailed as one of the MCU’s strongest post-Endgame offerings, earning a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 from IGN’s Clint Gage, who called it “the most solid the sacred timeline has felt in a little while.” The film’s strength lies in its character-driven storytelling, with Pugh’s Yelena emerging as the emotional and strategic leader, grappling with purposelessness before finding her place. The ensemble’s chemistry, particularly the banter between Yelena and Red Guardian, injects humor and heart, making the team’s “found family” dynamic a highlight. The film’s exploration of mental health, especially through Sentry’s struggle with his alter-ego, The Void, adds a layer of depth rarely seen in the MCU, shifting from the franchise’s earlier focus on PTSD to a nuanced look at depression.

The film’s grounded tone, reminiscent of a Bourne-style caper, sets it apart from the multiversal sprawl of recent MCU projects. Its Washington, D.C.-centric plot and focus on political intrigue, tied to Valentina’s CIA schemes, provide a refreshing change from cosmic battles. However, the film isn’t without flaws. The narrative occasionally feels rushed toward its conclusion, and the lack of standalone context for characters’ backstories may confuse viewers unfamiliar with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier or Black Widow. Additionally, some critics argue that the film’s ending, particularly the team’s acceptance of Valentina’s rebranding, undercuts its themes of autonomy, creating a disconnect between its messaging and execution.

Post-Credits Scenes: Breakdown and Implications

Thunderbolts* features two post-credits scenes, a mid-credits scene and a post-credits scene, the latter breaking records as the MCU’s longest at 2 minutes and 54 seconds. These scenes not only provide closure to the film’s narrative but also set up significant developments for The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025) and Avengers: Doomsday.

Mid-Credits Scene: Red Guardian’s Wheaties Moment

The mid-credits scene is a lighthearted gag that pays off Red Guardian’s earlier desire for fame. Set in a grocery store, Alexei (now sporting a handlebar mustache) tries to convince a shopper to buy a Wheaties box featuring the New Avengers’ image. Despite his enthusiastic pitch, the woman takes the box only to ditch it down the aisle, leaving Alexei comically deflated. This scene underscores the team’s struggle for public recognition, highlighting their underdog status despite their new moniker. While fun, it’s less essential, serving as a humorous button on Alexei’s arc rather than a major plot driver.

Post-Credits Scene: The Fantastic Four Arrive

The post-credits scene, filmed on the set of Avengers: Doomsday, is a game-changer for the MCU. Set 14 months later at the New Avengers’ headquarters in the former Avengers Tower, the team debates their new name, with Sam Wilson (Captain America, mentioned but unseen) suing them over the “Avengers” trademark. Red Guardian humorously suggests “New Avengerz” with a “Z,” entering in a sponsor-covered outfit akin to a NASCAR driver. The banter is interrupted by an alert: an interdimensional spaceship bearing the Fantastic Four’s logo (a blue “4”) enters Earth-616’s orbit, accompanied by their MCU theme. The scene ends with a promise: “The New Avengers and Bob will return.”

This sequence confirms the Fantastic Four’s arrival from their 1960s-set universe, likely fleeing a catastrophe (possibly Galactus’ destruction of their world, as speculated). It sets up a potential conflict with the New Avengers, who are now government-sanctioned and publicity-driven under Valentina’s influence. The scene’s implications are twofold: it teases the Fantastic Four’s integration into Earth-616 for The Fantastic Four: First Steps and foreshadows a confrontation in Avengers: Doomsday, where both teams, alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom and other MCU veterans, will face multiversal threats. Critics have noted the oddity of revealing the Fantastic Four film’s outcome months in advance, but the scene’s length and weight make it one of the most significant post-credits teases in recent MCU history.

Impact on the MCU’s Future

The post-credits scenes position Thunderbolts* as a pivotal chapter in the Multiverse Saga, bridging the gap between street-level heroes and the cosmic stakes of Avengers: Doomsday. The New Avengers’ rebranding and public presence, contrasted with Sam Wilson’s opposition, suggest a schism in the MCU’s hero community, potentially pitting Valentina’s team against more traditional Avengers like Thor, Ant-Man, and Shang-Chi. The Fantastic Four’s arrival further complicates this dynamic, raising questions about whether they’re allies or refugees, and how their actions might draw threats like Galactus to Earth-616.

The scenes also highlight Yelena’s growth into a leader, a role she’ll likely carry into Doomsday, and Bucky’s lingering tension with Valentina’s control, which may fuel future conflicts. However, some fans and critics worry that the New Avengers’ corporate, publicity-driven image risks undermining the MCU’s heroic ideals, especially with Sam Wilson sidelined in the narrative. Despite these concerns, the post-credits scenes have generated significant excitement, with posts on X calling the second scene “the most important in years” for its direct setup of the Multiverse Saga’s climax.

Final Thoughts

Thunderbolts* is a refreshing, emotionally resonant addition to the MCU, balancing gritty action, sharp humor, and compelling character arcs. While it stumbles slightly in its pacing and reliance on prior MCU knowledge, the film’s focus on its underdog heroes and Pugh’s standout performance make it a standout. The post-credits scenes elevate its importance, offering a mix of levity and high-stakes setup that positions the New Avengers and the Fantastic Four as key players in the MCU’s future. Fans should stick around for both scenes, as the second, in particular, is a must-see for its bold tease of what’s to come. For those eager to dive deeper, Thunderbolts* is now playing in theaters, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon to continue this thrilling arc.