5 Jaw-Dropping Revelations In The Thunderbolts* Post-Credit Scenes That Set Up Avengers: Doomsday

As of December 18, 2025, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been irrevocably changed by the release of *Thunderbolts*, a film that serves as the explosive finale to Phase 5 and an essential bridge to the Multiverse Saga’s climax. The film, which follows a dysfunctional team of anti-heroes and reformed villains, was always destined to be a pivotal chapter, but the mid-credits and end-credits scenes deliver a double dose of revelations that exceed all expectations, directly setting the stage for the highly anticipated *Avengers: Doomsday*. Forget everything you thought you knew about the MCU's next phase; the ultimate twist isn't just a new team, but a shocking new identity that immediately puts them at odds with the established heroic order, specifically Captain America. The immediate aftermath of the *Thunderbolts* mission sees the team—comprising Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov), Ghost (Ava Starr), U.S. Agent (John Walker), and Taskmaster (Antonia Dreykov)—completing their dark assignment under the direction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Val), but not without significant internal conflict and emotional breakthroughs. The true bombshells, however, are reserved for the two post-credit sequences, which not only explain the meaning of the mysterious asterisk in the film's title, *Thunderbolts*, but also introduce a massive new conflict that will define the early chapters of Phase 6. These scenes are not mere teases; they are full-blown narrative shifts that demand immediate analysis.

The Shocking Mid-Credits Scene: A New Name and a Legal Battle

The first scene, which plays mid-way through the credits, is a moment of pure, audacious rebellion that cements the team's anti-hero status and their complete break from Val’s shadowy government oversight.

1. The Thunderbolts Officially Become the 'New Avengers'

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the entire Marvel fandom, the mid-credits scene confirms a long-running rumor: the Thunderbolts team, having successfully navigated their mission and found a strange sort of dysfunctional unity, decides to rename themselves. The scene reportedly features the core members debating their future and ultimately settling on the mantle of the "New Avengers". This is a monumental shift, as it signifies a direct challenge to the legacy and authority of the original Avengers, who are currently without a central, unified team following the events of the Multiverse Saga. The implication is clear: this group of morally ambiguous operatives believes they are the ones best suited to fill the void left by Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

2. Sam Wilson's Immediate Reaction: A Lawsuit Against the Team

The most unexpected and hilarious twist comes immediately after the name change is established. The scene shifts to a news report or an internal discussion where the team learns of the swift and decisive reaction from the current Captain America, Sam Wilson. Sam Wilson is reportedly suing the newly formed "New Avengers" for the unauthorized use of the name and the appropriation of the Avengers' brand and legacy. This legal entanglement is a brilliant piece of meta-commentary on the MCU's evolving structure, setting up a fascinating dynamic where the heroes are literally fighting over who gets to be called a hero. This conflict is expected to be a major subplot leading into *Captain America: Brave New World* and the subsequent Phase 6 films.

Explaining the Asterisk (*): A Clue to the Team's True Nature

One of the longest-running mysteries since the film's announcement was the asterisk in the title, *Thunderbolts*. The search results confirm that the conclusion of the film, heavily tied to the post-credit narrative, finally provides a definitive answer to this cryptic branding choice.

3. The Asterisk Represents a Foundational Lie

The asterisk, as revealed in the context of the film's ending and the subsequent scenes, signifies a foundational lie or a hidden clause within the team's existence. While the specific, literal explanation varies slightly in rumors, the consensus is that the asterisk is a symbol of the team's true, non-sanctioned purpose, or a secret mission that Val and the government organization (potentially the new iteration of S.H.I.E.L.D. or an even darker entity) did not fully disclose. Some theories suggest the asterisk implies the team is "Thunderbolts* (But Not Really)," or "Thunderbolts* (Under Duress)," highlighting the moral compromises and trauma the members endure. The film's finale sees characters like Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes overcoming their internal pain, often linked to their past traumas, which makes their decision to break away and form the New Avengers a defiant act against the original asterisk's meaning.

4. Character Arcs Conclude with Defiance

The movie's ending itself, which precedes the credits, is essential context for the final scene. It is reported that the team’s success comes from confronting their deepest insecurities and internal pain, leading to a strong, if volatile, bond. Yelena gives herself over to a place called The Void, only to be followed by the rest of the Thunderbolts, showcasing their commitment to one another. This journey of redemption and unity, involving key figures like Ghost and Red Guardian, is what fuels their collective decision to reject the "Thunderbolts" name and claim the "New Avengers" title, signifying their transformation from coerced government assets to self-appointed world protectors. The practical future of the MCU, as revealed by the film, is a world where the lines between hero and villain are blurrier than ever.

The End-Credits Scene: Direct Setup for *Avengers: Doomsday* and MCU Phase 6

The final, end-credits scene is the most significant in terms of the overarching Multiverse Saga, providing a clear trajectory for the next major *Avengers* event. This sequence moves beyond the immediate Earth-based conflicts and hints at the cosmic and multiversal stakes of Phase 6.

5. A Clear Bridge to *Avengers: Doomsday*

The end-credits scene is directly responsible for setting up the narrative framework for *Avengers: Doomsday*. While the exact details are highly protected, the scene reportedly features a key figure or a new threat that the newly formed New Avengers will be forced to confront. One popular theory suggests the scene reveals the initial machinations of the *Doomsday* event, possibly showing a glimpse of the villain or a major catastrophic event that the world's new heroes are unprepared for. The shift from a small-scale, morally grey operation to a massive, world-ending threat is the signature move of an MCU end-credits scene, and *Thunderbolts* delivers this setup with a clear, alarming visual of a "superhero stands before a ball of fire".

The Rise of Multiple Avengers Teams and the Future of the MCU

The totality of the two post-credit scenes establishes a new status quo for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the "New Avengers" now in play, and rumors suggesting the concurrent emergence of other groups like the Young Avengers and the inevitable return of the main Avengers team (perhaps after the events of *Fantastic Four*), the MCU is moving into an era of fractured and competing heroic factions. This decentralized heroism, marked by the legal battle between Sam Wilson's Captain America and the rogue New Avengers, is the perfect chaotic environment for a massive, universe-breaking event like *Avengers: Doomsday* to take root. The *Thunderbolts* film, and especially its post-credit sequences, is not just about the anti-heroes finding a form of redemption; it's about the entire MCU grappling with the question of who gets to wear the mantle of a hero in a post-Avengers world. The legacy of the original team is now a contested asset, and the New Avengers are staking their claim, consequences be damned. Fans should prepare for an unprecedented level of internal conflict and political maneuvering as Phase 6 unfolds, all thanks to the shocking final moments of *Thunderbolts*.