Thunderbolts* Post-Credits Scene Teases Shocking Rift Between Bucky and Sam—What Happened?!

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Warning: Significant plot reveals lie ahead for the recently released Marvel film, “Thunderbolts,” which can currently be seen exclusively in cinemas.

Since the title of “Thunderbolts” was altered to “Thunderbolts*” prior to its release, we’ve been intrigued and curious as to what secrets it might be hiding. Now that the movie is out in the open, our suspicions have been confirmed: the asterisk controversy was a clever strategy to pave the way for The New Avengers ahead of “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is set to hit theaters next summer. Although I wasn’t entirely taken aback by the revelation at the movie’s conclusion (given that we already know many of the “Thunderbolts*” cast members are part of the “Avengers: Doomsday” ensemble), I must admit that I was left somewhat puzzled by another element in the post-credits scene.

Let’s delve into the mystery surrounding Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson, and understand why they seem to be at odds following their touching moment in “Captain America: Brave New World”. Here we go!

Thunderbolts* End Credit Scene Suggests That Bucky Barnes And Sam Wilson Are The Leaders Of Conflicting Avengers Teams, And Excuse Me?!?

In the finale of “Thunderbolts”, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis Dreyfus, introduces the global audience to the new incarnation of the Avengers. This team at present includes Bucky, Yelena, Red Guardian, Ghost, U.S. Agent, and Sentry. Although it’s clear that this isn’t the final version of the Avengers roster, this move elevates the Thunderbolts to heroic status.

In the post-credits sequence of the movie Thunderbolts, 14 months have passed and the original team is still stationed at Avengers Tower, operating independently. It turns out that Sam Wilson is forming a new Avengers squad, and he’s even taking legal action to claim the copyright. This results in a humorous scene where David Harbour’s Red Guardian pushes for the team to call themselves “Avengers” with a “z”. However, I found myself focusing on another detail during this exchange.

Couldn’t it be that Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson are no longer allies? It seems odd for them to belong to opposing teams if the founding Avengers had a good relationship. Perhaps the public turned against these heroes, causing tension between Sam Wilson’s team of Avengers, but they still maintain control over Avengers Tower individually? What could have led to this situation?

I’m Officially Confused About The Relationship Between Sam And Bucky Going Into Avengers: Doomsday

To clarify briefly, we understand that the storyline of Brave New World must take place prior to the events of Thunderbolts, as there are references to Red Hulk’s rampage and Bucky isn’t yet recognized as an Avenger in the movie Captain America. This discrepancy is evident when considering their interaction in the post-credits scene, suggesting a discontinuity in their relationship.

Regarding Sam Wilson and his intentions for forming an Avengers team, it appears clear after “Brave New World,” but there’s still a missing piece. In the post-credit scene of the movie, Samuel Sterns warned him about shielding the world from “others.” After battling Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk in his solo journey, Sam seemed eager to assemble a team. However, I’m uncertain about the specific danger that will persuade him to reunite the group. Specifically, I’m intrigued by why Bucky Barnes wouldn’t be an integral part of Sam’s strategy if they are on friendly terms.

It Feels Like It Totally Contradicts What Happens Between Them In Brave New World

This occurrence caught me off guard, mainly due to my association with “Brave New World.” When Bucky makes his appearance in the film, it’s during a critical juncture for Sam, as he grapples with concerns about Joaquín Torres, also known as Falcon, and doubts about his ability to succeed Capitan America. In a heartfelt exchange, Sam expresses confusion over why Bucky was selected by Steve instead of him. However, Bucky responds tenderly with these comforting words:

He didn’t hand you that shield because you’re the most powerful, but simply because you are who you are. If you had that serum, you might think it could safeguard everyone dear to you. However, even Steve couldn’t do that. You may not be superhuman, but you’re extraordinary in your own right. Steve provided hope for people. But what you offer is something much more profound: a goal worth striving towards.

In this scene, it seems clear that Marvel intended to emphasize why Sam Wilson is a fitting choice for Captain America and highlight the unbreakable bond between him and Steve Rogers, their friendship being stronger than ever. However, it’s quite shocking to learn they will be on opposite sides with their own teams as we approach Avengers: Doomsday. Maybe Sam disagrees with the composition of the New Avengers when they officially form, leading to a conflict? The 14-month time jump seems significant, suggesting there might be some crucial context that Marvel wants us to question or ponder about.

Confusion Aside, I’m Definitely Intrigued By This Development

Although I’m unsure about the direction they’re taking with this, I believe it could result in an intriguing interplay among Earth’s most powerful heroes as they embark on Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026. At present, my mental image of the story unfolding involves Sam Wilson leading his team which includes Danny Ramirez as Falcon, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Letitia Wright as Black Panther, and Tenoch Huerta Mejia as Namor.

On the opposite side of the fence, we currently have the Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four who appear poised for a meeting shortly following the end of the post-credits scene. The only characters left from the cast list yet to be introduced are the X-Men actors such as Channing Tatum’s Gambit and our antagonist, Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom (both of whom seem to hail from different dimensions), who will make their appearances later.

Given all that we’ve discussed, if Bucky and Sam aren’t getting along when the heroes really need to work together, it would be intriguing to watch half of the team in conflict. I never imagined this would involve Sam and Bucky before Thunderbolts, but now it seems they are a crucial part of the Avengers with Tony Stark and Steve Rogers no longer around. The decision about who should inherit the shield was between these two, and their diverse histories could certainly lead to friction.

*Note: I’ve removed the emphasis tags as they are not necessary in this context.

It won’t be long until we find out… just a year! Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on May 1, 2026.

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2025-05-03 01:08