Every Marvel Post-Credits Scene That Hasn’t Paid Off

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Regardless if you’ve been a long-time fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or a recent enthusiast diving into the extraordinary, mysterious, and legendary universe of superheroes, sorcerers, and spies, there is one thing you should never forget: Always stick around until the end credits roll.

Age of Ultron.” Additionally, there are instances where these post-credit scenes are added for amusement, like when the superheroes enjoy shawarma after the intense battle of “The Avengers.” Many MCU productions are renowned for their exceptional post-credit movie scenes.

However, with over 35 Marvel Cinematic Universe films (and still growing) as well as various television shows and specials, not every scene after the credits delivers on its promise. Throughout the years, certain sequences have left viewers puzzled about missing answers, discarded plotlines, or hinted at production issues behind the scenes. Here are some post-credits scenes in the MCU that left fans hanging.

Doctor Strange

2016’s “Doctor Strange” concludes with a surprising post-credit sequence hinting at a looming battle not just for Doctor Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), but for all magic wielders in the Marvel Universe. However, nearly a decade later, that ominous prophecy remains unfulfilled.

In a different turn of events, the sorcerer Karl Mordo, disenchanted by the Ancient One’s hidden link to the Dark Dimension and the destructive influence of mystical powers on nature, pursues another magic user named Jonathan Pangborn. Mordo strips Pangborn of his magical abilities, rendering him physically incapacitated, and asserts that there are simply too many sorcerers existing in the world.

In 1963, Mordo first appeared in “Strange Tales” #111 and has been one of Doctor Strange’s long-standing adversaries. The post-credits scene suggests that the Mordo portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor in the MCU is heading towards a villainous role. However, in the 2022 sequel “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” Ejiofor played a different Mordo – the Earth-838’s Sorcerer Supreme. In Strange’s world, Mordo is said to have spent his life trying to kill him, but there’s no mention of his crusade against other sorcerers. Originally, an opening scene in the sequel showed Mordo being killed by the Scarlet Witch, but this idea was dropped. For now, Karl Mordo is stuck in a self-created dark dimension – a kind of cinematic purgatory.

Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2

From his passing in 2018, the inclusion of Stan Lee, Marvel’s legendary creator, became just as crucial to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies as the extra scenes shown after the credits. He appeared in every MCU film, starting with “Iron Man” in 2008 and continuing posthumously in “Avengers: Endgame” of 2019. Each time, he took on a distinct character – from a museum guard to a Sakaar barber, and even a man who was mistaken for Hugh Hefner by Tony Stark.

2017 saw me pop up in the post-credits scene of “Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2,” a moment that was quite the payoff for all those earlier cameos, yet left many questions unanswered. Earlier in the film, Rocket and Groot’s spaceship passed by an astronaut version of me, harkening back to my appearance as a Watcher in “Captain America: Civil War.” The Watchers, immortal cosmic monitors first introduced by Stan Lee in the 13th issue of “Fantastic Four” way back in 1963, were seen departing, but I persisted, asserting that there are more stories to be told. It seems that I’ve been weaving a single, seemingly omnipresent character throughout this entire universe.

A hidden observer who surreptitiously witnesses the unfolding events in each Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film serves to strengthen the connections within the series. However, the identity and purpose of this enigmatic figure remain unclear. One might wonder why the Watchers require someone else to monitor Earth’s superheroes when that is supposedly their role. Lee’s brief appearance is a delightful surprise for dedicated fans, but since Lee has passed away, any further exploration of this intriguing character seems out of reach, left only as a tantalizing mystery among the cosmos.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

In the pantheon of Marvel Comics’ memorable villains, Spider-Man’s rogues gallery stands out with characters like Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Venom. The 2017 movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming” introduced new adversaries, particularly Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes, the black market arms dealer, the Vulture. Familiar faces from Spider-Man’s past, such as Shocker, Tinkerer, Darter, and Scorpion, were also present, hinting at the possible creation of a supervillain group similar to the Sinister Six, who made their debut in “The Amazing Spider-Man” Annual #1 (1964).

In the closing scenes of “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Vulture crosses paths with Scorpion in prison. Despite Scorpion hinting that he has allies on the outside who wish to harm Spider-Man, Vulture decides against disclosing Spider-Man’s secret identity. However, any potential plot development from this scene was diverted by the post-credits sequence featuring a different Spider-Man adversary – Morbius.

In the storyline of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the occurrences transport the character Vulture into the universe of the 2022 film “Morbius.” There, he meets Jared Leto’s character, a real vampire, and proposes an alliance. Unfortunately for Toomes, “Morbius” was twice unsuccessful at the box office, leaving his character seemingly stuck in another dimension, and potentially ruling out any chance of a Sinister Six collaboration.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it seems they haven’t always found the perfect role for Sharon Carter. First appearing in the 1966 comic “Tales of Suspense” #75, Sharon, also known as Agent 13, is a proficient SHIELD agent and has had an on-off romantic relationship with Captain America. She also shares a unique familial connection with Steve Rogers’ first love, Peggy Carter, who is his grand-niece. While Peggy was initially a minor character in the comics, her popularity skyrocketed after Hayley Atwell’s portrayal in 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger.

2014’s sequel “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” introduced Sharon, portrayed by Emily VanCamp. In 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” her character shared a questionably received kiss with Steve Rogers, a fact that even Emily VanCamp herself acknowledged in an interview with Collider as not entirely successful. The 2019 film “Avengers: Endgame” saw Steve reconnecting with Peggy, while Sharon remained unresolved until the 2021 series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Originally assisting Captain America, Sharon later concealed her identity as she transformed into the malevolent figure called The Power Broker. The concluding episode, titled “One World, One Peace,” hints at Sharon’s devious intentions in using her recent amnesty to exploit government secrets, signaling her descent into villainy. Regrettably, Sharon has yet to resurface within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, either as Agent 13 or The Power Broker, leaving her character with a somewhat tragic conclusion given her heroic background in comic books.

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

The 25th Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” showcases the intricate web and continuity that the universe has developed as it progressed into its fourth phase. The 2021 production not only introduces audiences to the martial artist Shang-Chi and the fantastical realm of Ta Lo, but also resolves lingering storylines from the initial MCU film, “Iron Man,” and its subsequent sequel, “Iron Man 3.

The movie titled “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” manages to pack quite a punch within its 132 minutes, but it concludes with a couple of unresolved plot points. In an additional scene during the credits, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina) are informed by Wong (Benedict Wong), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), and Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) that the mystical Ten Rings are broadcasting a potent signal towards an unknown destination. This appears to be a clear hint for a follow-up, yet there’s no confirmed sequel title or release date for another “Shang-Chi” standalone film as of now, leaving its continuation up in the air. Simu Liu is set to reappear in 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday,” but the fate of additional “Shang-Chi” adventures remains undecided.

In simple terms, after the movie’s end credits roll, we find Xialing, Shang-Chi’s younger sister (played by Meng’er Zhang), covertly rebuilding the Ten Rings, a terrorist group that once imprisoned Tony Stark. The film concludes with a hint that “The Ten Rings Will Return,” yet neither Xialing nor her organization have resurfaced in any Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie or series to date.

Eternals

Under the guidance of Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao, “Eternals” was initially intended to launch a fresh superhero series for Marvel Studios. However, instead of receiving acclaim, this film – the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) production to be labeled as “rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes – turned out to be a narrative cul-de-sac, leaving many questions unanswered in its wake.

Towards the end of the extra scene, the Eternals are taken aback by the sudden appearance of Pip the Troll, who appears to be inebriated and can teleport. He then presents Eros, a charming prince from Titan who is also Thanos’s unbeknownst brother, played by Harry Styles. The choice of actor-musician Styles for the role of Eros hints at director Chloé Zhao having significant ideas for an “Eternals” sequel. However, in July 2024, Marvel’s chief creative officer Kevin Feige told Inverse that there are currently no plans for “Eternals 2.”

In the final scene after the credits, there’s a subtle hint towards another challenging Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project. The character Dane Whitman, played by Kit Harington, grabs the cursed Ebony Blade when a voice from off-screen asks if he’s ready for it. This voice turns out to be an unnamed Mahershala Ali, who was announced as the vampire hunter Blade in 2019 for Marvel’s revival of the beloved action-horror series. Unfortunately, due to production hold-ups, Mahershala’s “Blade” film hasn’t yet been released in the MCU. In the meantime, Wesley Snipes reprised his role as Blade from New Line Cinema in “Deadpool and Wolverine.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Fans who are eager for a showdown between Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Tom Hardy’s Venom might have to be patient as these characters hail from separate cinematic worlds owned by Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures. There was, however, a fleeting moment of crossover.

In the aftermath of the credits for “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (2021), Venom and Eddie Brock find themselves mysteriously transported into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here, they come across a news broadcast identifying Spider-Man as Peter Parker. A few months later, the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home” unveiled that this crossover was an unintentional consequence of one of Doctor Strange’s flawed spells. During the mid-credits scene, Brock and Venom are seen in a Mexican bar, pondering about reaching out to Spider-Man. However, as the spell is undone, they are sent back home unwittingly, leaving behind a minuscule remnant of the symbiote in the MCU.

The future of the symbiote within the MCU remains a mystery, and it appears that Tom Holland as the symbiote Spider-Man might not be seen in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” set for 2026. Excluding Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios’ plans, one may wonder how this symbiote could travel from Mexico to New York City?

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness

Despite his immense magical power, Doctor Strange fails to create a satisfying cliffhanger or cinematic resolution in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” The 2021 sequel to “Doctor Strange” includes a mid-credits scene where Doctor Strange is ambushed in New York City by Clea, a woman with enigmatic powers tied to the mystic realm. Clea invites Strange to follow her through a portal into the Dark Dimension, promising to help him address an interdimensional crisis.

In the comic book series “Strange Tales,” published in 1964, the powerful sorceress Clea made her first appearance. She is the niece of the malevolent Dormammu and has had a complex relationship with Doctor Strange, serving as both his long-term love interest and eventually his wife. For a period, she even held the title of Sorcerer Supreme. The upcoming movie “Multiverse of Madness” marks Clea’s return, promising a fresh, exciting journey for Doctor Strange. Although incursions pose the greatest danger to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multi-phase “Multiverse Saga,” neither Clea nor Doctor Strange have been seen since or confirmed for any upcoming “Avengers” film.

Thor: Love and Thunder

Following “Eternals” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, we have “Thor: Love and Thunder”, another Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. This film concludes by presenting a thrilling debut of a fresh character, but unfortunately, this character does not make any further appearances.

In a concluding scene for the fourth “Thor” film, Zeus, portrayed by Russell Crowe, recovers from his conflict with the God of Thunder in the city of Omnipotence. Lamenting that mortals no longer fear gods and have shifted their reverence towards superheroes instead, Zeus commands his son Hercules to pursue Thor (Chris Hemsworth) with the intention of ending his life.

Portrayed by Brett Goldstein, known for his role in “Ted Lasso”, the character Hercules is remarkably true to his comic book counterpart, who debuted in 1965’s “Journey into Mystery” Annual #1, sporting a muscular physique and armed with a mace. In the comics, this Greek demigod often clashed with Thor and eventually became an Avenger. Although a confrontation between these two superheroes on screen has yet to occur, given Chris Hemsworth’s upcoming role in “Avengers: Doomsday”, it seems that Hercules’ attempts to defeat Thor have been futile so far.

Moon Knight

Poor Marc Spector. The 2022 Marvel miniseries, “Moon Knight,” focuses on Spector (portrayed by Oscar Isaac), a troubled mercenary grappling with multiple personalities. As he struggles, he transforms into the embodiment of the Egyptian moon deity Khonshu (voiced by F. Murray Abraham). He then embarks on a mission to thwart the wicked cult leader Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke), all while battling his anxious alternate self, Steven Grant.

In the final episode titled “Gods and Monsters”, Spector overcomes Harrow, makes amends with Grant, and renounces Khonshu’s vengeful path. However, we were led to believe this was the end until a surprising twist in the mid-credits scene. An unidentified figure snatches Harrow (who now houses the perilous goddess Ammit) from a mental health facility and transports him into a limo. Here, Harrow encounters Khonshu who hints that Spector is more troubled than he realizes. Khonshu further reveals that his partner is Jake Lockley, a previously unacknowledged alter unfamiliar to Spector and Grant, who quickly takes Harrow’s life.

This unexpected finale could significantly impact Moon Knight’s journey ahead. Unlike characters such as Spector and Grant, Lockley doesn’t flinch when it comes to taking lives for the will of a merciless lunar deity. The contrast between Marc Spector and Jake Lockley sets the stage for an enticing narrative in another “Moon Knight” series, although no sequel has been confirmed yet. Regardless of where Spector is currently, he remains bound by Khonshu’s control.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

2022’s Disney+ series “She-Hulk: Lawyer in the Jungle Gym” infused the Marvel Universe with a madcap blend of action, humor, and legal turmoil. One of its standout features was the array of special guest stars – Daredevil, The Wrecking Crew, Porcupine, to name a few. However, the post-credit scene sparked intrigue while still leaving us in stitches.

In Episode 9 titled “Whose Show is This?”, Emil Blonsky/The Abomination (Tim Roth) calmly goes back to Supermax jail for breaching his parole conditions. Despite this, he doesn’t end up serving a lengthy term. Instead, his fellow Golden Daggers Club sparring partner Wong helps him escape using an interdimensional gateway. As they banter about the Wi-Fi at Kamar-Taj, they vanish from sight.

Even though the comic relief in the situation is apparent, it’s yet to be clarified what the far-reaching consequences could be if Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme was responsible for freeing past foes from prison. It seems that Tim Roth, who played a significant role alongside Liv Tyler and Tim Blake Nelson in “The Incredible Hulk,” won’t reappear in the 2025 film “Captain America: Brave New World.” This implies that Emil Blonsky, whose character Roth portrayed, may still be at large. Does Kamar-Taj have a policy against extraditing individuals?

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

In the movie “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” Kang the Conqueror, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, made his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), marking him as a significant future antagonist at that time. Originating from Marvel Comics, Kang is one of their strongest villains and first appeared in “Fantastic Four” #19 back in 1963. In this comic book storyline, he was introduced under the alias Rama-Tut. Since then, it’s been established that Kang is a multiversal time-traveler whose invasions throughout history have led to numerous alternate versions of himself emerging.

In the finale of “Quantumania”, Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) assumes Kang has been vanquished. However, during the closing credits, a surprising twist unfolds as the Council of Kangs (portrayed by Majors) convene to dominate the multiverse. Initially planned as the prelude for the anticipated “Avengers” film, “The Kang Dynasty”, announced in 2022, Kang seemed destined for a prominent role in future Marvel Cinematic Universe events.

However, it’s clear that the events depicted in “Quantumania,” a pivotal post-credits scene in the MCU, will not materialize as planned due to the past incidents involving Majors. In 2023, Majors was arrested on charges of domestic abuse and later convicted of reckless assault and harassment. This led to Marvel Studios dismissing Majors, effectively canceling all plans for Kang the Conqueror in the MCU.

As a result, the fifth Avengers film underwent significant changes, and in 2024, Marvel announced a new title, “Avengers: Doomsday,” starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. This dramatic alteration in the franchise’s trajectory underscores the fact that “Quantumania” serves as one of the most significant instances where an MCU post-credits scene will not fulfill its promised payoff.

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Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy ends on a decisive note as the group of intergalactic outcasts part ways, with Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) traveling to Earth to reconnect with his grandpa. However, the scenes during and after the credits hint at potential future stories that may or may not come to fruition.

Initially, a mid-credit sequence presents a fresh lineup for the Guardians of the Galaxy, spearheaded by Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), featuring an adult Groot (Vin Diesel), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), Cosmo (Maria Bakalova), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), and Phyla-Vell (Kai Zen). The end credits scene, however, finds Star-Lord relishing a simple breakfast with his grandfather (Gregg Henry). Though this scene tugs at the heartstrings, Marvel hints that “The Famed Star-Lord Will Make a Comeback.” With his return to Earth, Star-Lord reenters the circle of terrestrial champions such as the Avengers. However, neither an upcoming project involving the newly formed Guardians nor Star-Lord himself has been officially confirmed.

The Marvels

The film titled “The Marvels,” which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, holds the unwanted title of being the lowest-earning movie within this franchise. The upcoming 2023 sequel to “Captain Marvel” (and incorporating events from the TV series “WandaVision” and “Ms. Marvel”), “The Marvels,” unfortunately flopped at the box office, causing uncertainty about the cinematic futures of its three protagonists. Interestingly, the post-credits scene of this film resides in an unusual position within the MCU: it’s one of the most impactful ending previews, setting up a significant narrative shift that will be resolved in “Avengers: Doomsday.” However, two of the characters showcased during this scene won’t appear in the next movie.

In the thrilling conclusion to “The Marvels,” I, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Paris), make the ultimate sacrifice to seal a rift between realities. Post-credits, I find myself in an alternate universe, where I’m greeted by a variant of my late mother, Maria (Lashana Lynch), who goes by Binary, a powerful superheroine here. Additionally, I meet the mutant X-Man Beast, portrayed by Kelsey Grammar, who is set to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday,” one of several stars from the former Fox X-Men films returning. Interestingly, neither Paris nor Lynch are listed among the cast for “Avengers: Doomsday.” With “The Marvels” underperforming at the box office, could this mean an abrupt end to my cross-dimensional family reunion with Maria?

Deadpool and Wolverine

It’s important to note that when watching “Deadpool and Wolverine,” fans of Marvel Cinematic Universe might not find a typical post-movie teaser. This is because the post-credits scene of the first “Deadpool” back in 2016 was more about humor, as it mimicked “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool announced that Cable would appear in the sequel, rather than setting up a future movie event.

2024’s “Deadpool and Wolverine” Part 3 concludes humorously, echoing an earlier gag with a clever reference back. In the Time Variance Authority headquarters, Deadpool plays a recording for the audience, confirming that he wasn’t the one who comically slaughtered Johnny Storm (played by Chris Evans) in the Void.

After Deadpool exits the frame, it’s unclear if he remains at the TVA headquarters. We wonder about his arrival and future involvement with the events of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” If the Time Variance Authority is part of these stories, that is. And as for Deadpool becoming an Avenger, perhaps that’s a question better left unanswered, but the prospect of him causing more chaos within the TVA keeps our imaginations intrigued. However, maybe we should just enjoy the mystery without overanalyzing this particular scene.

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2025-04-21 19:33