10 Marvel Post-Credit Scenes That Actually Changed the MCU

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I must say that these post-credit sequences are a delightful treat for fans like me. They serve as tantalizing tidbits of information about what’s to come, and they often introduce us to new characters or plotlines that we can eagerly anticipate.

For instance, the scene in WandaVision where Wanda Maximoff is seen delving into dark forces is a perfect example of how these sequences can set up future story arcs. It’s clear that Wanda is going down a dangerous path, and the consequences of this will no doubt ripple throughout the multiverse when Multiverse of Madness rolls around.

Similarly, the scene in Black Widow where Valentina Allegra de Fontaine offers Yelena a mission to kill Clint Barton/Hawkeye is a significant moment for Phase Four and Five of the MCU. It’s exciting to see new characters being introduced, especially when they have such potential to shake things up in the Marvel Universe.

And let’s not forget about Spider-Man: Far From Home, where J. Jonah Jameson reveals Peter Parker’s identity to the world. This revelation completely changes the game for our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, and it sets the stage for Spider-Man: No Way Home.

All in all, these post-credit sequences are a crucial part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe experience. They keep us on our toes, leave us eagerly anticipating what’s next, and occasionally give us a good laugh (I’m looking at you, Black Widow’s awkward Disney+ TV show set-ups). It’s like they say in the comics: “With great power comes great responsibility…and sometimes, great comedy.

As a child of the ’80s, I vividly remember the excitement of watching “Airplane!” for the first time and being utterly captivated by its unique blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments. The post-credit scene with the disgruntled cabbie was a delightful surprise that added an extra layer of fun to the film. Fast forward to the modern era, I can’t help but marvel at how much cinema has evolved since then. The post-credit scenes in superhero movies have become a staple, and it’s fascinating to see how they often tease future installments, keeping audiences eager for more. I remember watching “Iron Man” (2008) and being thrilled by the post-credit scene that hinted at the Marvel Cinematic Universe we know today. It’s amazing how one small idea can snowball into such a massive phenomenon!

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t help but marvel at how some post- or mid-credit scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe have left indelible marks on this expansive cinematic universe. Dane Whitman (Kit Harrington) from Eternals might not agree, but a good chunk of these scenes have been nothing short of transformative in the grand scheme of the MCU. Over 15 thrilling years, these post-credit sequences (presented below in chronological order) have ignited our collective imagination and given us tantalizing previews of futures that once seemed unimaginable to comic book enthusiasts like myself.

Nick Fury Meets Tony Stark (Iron Man)

The initial event that set everything in motion was “Iron Man”. Viewers who patiently waited through the credits were treated to a short scene where Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) unexpectedly visited Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) lavish Los Angeles home. In this encounter, Fury revealed himself and hinted at a broader universe that Stark was now an integral part of. The sequence ended with Fury mentioning “the Avengers Initiative,” thus establishing post-credit scenes as a significant aspect of the Marvel Studios experience.

An Alien Object in New Mexico (Iron Man 2)

Back in the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there was a lot of doubt about whether Iron Man and Thor could share the same screen. It seemed like an unusual combination. However, the post-credit scene in Iron Man 2 hinted at this possibility when Agent Phil Coulson (played by Clark Gregg) arrived at a dig site in New Mexico, reporting to Fury that they had found something extraordinary – Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer, was unearthed. The scene ended with a crash of thunder and the image fading to black, symbolizing the fusion of fantasy elements into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Introducing Thanos (The Avengers)

Following the grandeur displayed in the movie “The Avengers“, it seemed challenging for a mid-credit scene to keep up. Yet, it managed by unveiling the mystery of who had provided Loki (Tom Hiddleston) with his scepter and troops in this film. The revelation was none other than Thanos, the Mad Titan, who appeared at the end of the sequence, turning his head and grinning as he looked forward to “courting death.” This initial appearance of the MCU’s upcoming villain, even for those unfamiliar with Thanos, was captivating. Before Josh Brolin was cast as the character, Thanos made a powerful impact through this credit scene alone.

“One Down…Five to Go.” (Thor: The Dark World)

Thor: Dark World is often criticized as one of Marvel’s less successful films, yet its mid-credits scene is widely acknowledged as thrilling and significant for the franchise. Notably, Volstagg (played by Ray Stevenson) and Sif (portrayed by Jamie Alexander) encounter The Collector (Benicio del Toro), who receives The Aether from them. This object is later revealed to be an Infinity Stone, and The Collector’s subsequent comment about collecting all such stones paves the way for the events depicted in Avengers: Infinity War and its sequel, Endgame.

Meet the Twins (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

As a longtime Marvel fan with over two decades of comic book reading under my belt, I find the mid-credit scene in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” particularly intriguing. Baron Wolfgang von Strucker’s nonchalant reaction to the events unfolding before him speaks volumes about his character and the nature of the threats facing our beloved heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Having witnessed the evolution of these characters since the early days, I can attest that their adversaries have grown increasingly formidable. From the cosmic menace of Thanos to the super-powered siblings Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, it’s clear that the heroes are now dealing with forces beyond anything they’ve encountered before.

Strucker’s observation that this is the age of miracles is a chilling reminder of the new challenges that lie ahead. His nonchalance in the face of Captain America’s victory suggests that he knows something we don’t, and it’s downright terrifying. In my opinion, this scene serves as a stark warning that S.H.I.E.L.D.’s destruction was just the beginning, and our heroes will need to be at their best if they hope to stand against these new threats.

In retrospect, it’s easy to see how Strucker’s calm demeanor foreshadows the darker tone that would come to define the MCU in subsequent films. As a fan, I find myself eagerly anticipating the challenges that await our heroes and the twists and turns their journey will take.

Doctor Strange and Thor Have a Chat (Doctor Strange)

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the standalone powerhouse that is “Doctor Strange” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Except for a brief reference to an Infinity Stone, it stands alone magnificently. But the mid-credits scene takes us by surprise as Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) engages in a friendly banter with none other than the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Their conversation revolves around tracking down Odin (Anthony Hopkins), offering a delightful glimpse into Strange’s adjustment to his sorcerer role. More significantly, this interaction underscores that this character and his mystical realm are integral parts of the broader Marvel Universe. This connection proves crucial in the subsequent “Avengers” films and “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,” where Strange’s links to the grand Marvel narrative become even more intricate. Before we delve into those complexities, however, let’s not forget that charming beer-fueled conversation between Thor and Strange.

“Fine, I’ll Do It Myself.” (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

In the mid-credits scene of “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the authentic Infinity Gauntlet was introduced (following a fake one appearing in the first “Thor”), setting an essential stage piece for future Marvel Cinematic Universe films and emphasizing that Thanos remains at large, waiting to pose a greater threat to the Avengers.

Nick Fury Calling in for Backup (Avengers: Infinity War)

As a die-hard movie fan, I’ve missed Nick Fury on the big screen for three long years. But lo and behold! In the post-credits scene of Marvel’s Infinity War, he made his dramatic return, sharing the tragic fate of The Snap alongside Maria Hill and countless other innocents. Just before his own disappearance into dust, Fury grabbed a pager, urgently summoning reinforcements. As the pager fell to the ground, it revealed the Captain Marvel emblem, marking her first appearance in the MCU. This iconic insignia signaled one of the most potent and crucial heroes in the Infinity Saga’s epic tale.

Spider-Man’s Identity Gets Revealed (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Having J.K. Simmons reprise his role as J. Jonah Jameson in a new form for Spider-Man: Far From Home’s mid-credit scene alone would have been enough to secure its place on this list. However, what makes it even more intriguing is the final twist – Jameson exposes Spider-Man’s true identity as Peter Parker (Tom Holland) to the world. This disclosure, which comes after Peter is framed for the death of Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal), who was portrayed as a hero, shakes up Peter’s life and paves the way for Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Wanda Teasers Her Dark Side (WandaVision)

In most cases, post-credit scenes in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shows don’t significantly impact the overall storyline. However, the final scene of WandaVision, appearing after the series finale, has created ripples across the larger narrative. This is because it depicted Wanda, isolated in a cabin, manipulating magic from the Darkhold book, suggesting that she might be meddling with dark powers. Clearly, Wanda Maximoff’s longing for her lost family is leading her down a dangerous path. The post-credits scene of WandaVision hints at Wanda becoming increasingly malevolent, which could have dire consequences for various dimensions when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is released.

Valentina Has a Mission (Black Widow)

In its isolated format, Black Widow’s post-credits scene appears disjointed, shifting uneasily from Yelena (Florence Pugh) saying goodbye to Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) at her grave to humor and setup for Disney+ series. Yet, it unquestionably leaves a significant mark on the larger MCU. This scene is where we first see Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who previously appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, making her big-screen debut. Here, she assigns a mission to kill Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) to Yelena, setting up a crucial character for Phases Four and Five of the MCU. Moreover, the looming presence of Thunderbolts is also hinted at in this scene.

2025-01-02 17:11