Thunderbolts Post Credit Scenes Explained: Sam Wilson Lawsuit, Fantastic Four Tease, and Red Guardian’s New Role

 Marvel fans are in for a thrilling ride as Thunderbolts introduces a daring new chapter in the MCU. With emotionally-charged performances, shocking betrayals, and stunning reveals, the movie carves a unique space within the cinematic universe. But what truly leaves audiences talking are the Thunderbolts post credit scenes, which not only tease future storylines but also bring back fan-favorite elements in unexpected ways.

After years of anticipation, the Thunderbolts film delivers an unorthodox superhero experience, blending covert missions, psychological exploration, and a touch of dark comedy. Yet, as is tradition with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the movie doesn’t end with the credits. Instead, it explodes into further possibilities through two provocative post-credit scenes that have set social media and fan forums ablaze.

Thunderbolts Post Credit Scenes: Breakdown and What They Mean for the MCU

The Thunderbolts post credit scenes are not just tacked-on gags or loose teasers—they’re strategically placed to shift the tone of the Marvel universe and lay the groundwork for massive upcoming arcs.

Scene One: Red Guardian’s Cereal Box Fame

The first post-credit scene brings a lighter tone. Set just a short time after the climax, it shows Alexei Shostakov, a.k.a. Red Guardian, proudly posing next to a cereal box emblazoned with the image of the newly crowned “New Avengers.” While comedic in nature, the scene subtly critiques corporate and media branding within the superhero world. The image of the antiheroes turned promotional icons hints at deeper satire regarding celebrity culture in the Marvel universe.

But beyond humor, it serves as a smart setup. This moment reinforces the uneasy alliance among the Thunderbolts and the label they were practically tricked into accepting. As the team awkwardly embraces the spotlight, questions arise about whether they’ll become legitimate protectors—or pawns in another political power play.

Scene Two: Sam Wilson, Lawsuits, and the Fantastic Four

The second scene, however, throws the door wide open for what’s next. Set 14 months later, we find Sam Wilson (Captain America) taking legal action against the Thunderbolts for unauthorized use of the “Avengers” title. This nods to both real-world branding rights and a larger identity crisis within the MCU.

Yelena’s cryptic mention of “strange space anomalies” is more than just cosmic chatter—it’s a precise setup. Just as she utters the words, a mysterious alert captures their attention. An object is rapidly descending into Earth-616’s atmosphere. The reveal? It’s the iconic rocket of the Fantastic Four, crash-landing into Marvel’s main cinematic timeline.

This scene not only introduces the long-anticipated Fantastic Four but suggests that the team’s arrival is directly tied to the cosmic anomalies—and possibly the repercussions of tampering with the Void inside Sentry. It implies a major crossover event is brewing, one that will blur team boundaries and redefine heroism across dimensions.