WARNING: This article includes spoilers from Thunderbolts*.The the Thunderbolts* movie ending established the characters as the New Avengers in the MCU, the Phase 5 movie also came with a pretty huge post-credits scene that has sparked a lot of theories for Phase 6. However, while many are speculating that the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene may be setting up the next installment for the MCU, it may not be that simple.
In the latest Empire Magazine, Feige spoke about the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene, which sees the New Avengers witnessing a ship with the Fantastic Four logo entering Earth's atmosphere. While confirming it is definitely a Fantastic Four ship, Feige teased the following:
The name of their ship is the Excelsior, and there is a Fantastic Four ship entering the MCU in the tag. But I’m not sure they’re the same ship.
What Kevin Feige's Thunderbolts* Fantastic Four Comments Mean For The MCU
While it makes perfect sense to theorize that post-credits scene was setting the foundation for the Fantastic Four's MCU arrival, it's key to that Marvel Studios tends to play with audience expectations every now and then, especially when it comes to those who know the deeper lore. Even though it wouldn't be shocking if it is Marvel's First Family making their way to Earth-616 in the final moments of the Thunderbolts* movie, there is a reason Marvel never showed who was on the ship. Just as Feige stated, despite it being a Fantastic Four ship, it doesn't mean that it has to be the exact same one from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Thunderbolts* 2: Will It Happen, Which Cast Could Return And Everything We Know
With Thunderbolts* whipping up a storm among franchise fans, many may now be wondering if the latest MCU movie is gearing up for a sequel.
As much as the ship is a fun Fantastic Four moment, making it one of many Marvel references and Easter eggs in Thunderbolts*, there is always the possibility that the person who is actually onboard is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom. Regardless of whether Downey Jr.'s character is from The Fantastic Four: First Steps universe or not, Victor von Doom could have easily stolen an Excelsior ship to get himself to Earth-616. This is a solid way to play with expectations, and a perfect connection to Avengers: Doomsday, while still having the general audience be reminded that The Fantastic Four: First Steps comes after Thunderbolts*.
Our Take On Kevin Feige's Thunderbolts* Fantastic Four Comments
In true MCU fashion, Feige's teases leave room for a lot of speculation, as the Thunderbolts*'s post-credits scene could mean so many different things. Either way, an answer will be revealed at some point in Phase 6, but whether it will be this July with The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 remains to be seen. Since The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in only a little over a month, the world will know soon enough whether Thunderbolts* was setting up their film, or if it was to serve Avengers: Doomsday.
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Thunderbolts*
8/10- Release Date
- May 2, 2025
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
- Director
- Jake Schreier
- Writers
- Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
- Producers
- Kevin Feige
Cast
Yelena Belova
Bucky Barnes
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
- July 25, 2025
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Matt Shakman
- Writers
- Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Stan Lee
- Producers
- Jamie Christopher, Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Tim Lewis
Cast
Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
Vanessa KirbySue Storm / The Invisible Woman
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-BachrachBen Grimm / The Thing
The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts Marvel's First Family navigating their roles as heroes amidst a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. As they defend Earth from Galactus and the enigmatic Silver Surfer, they must also uphold the strength of their family bond.
MCU Movies
Source: Empire Magazine
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