Thunderbolts* Ending Explained: 10 OMG MCU Moments You Have to See to Believe!

Attention! This article may reveal SPOILERS for Thunderbolts – an outstanding addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga. I was initially apprehensive about its plot, but it exceeded my expectations. The impact of Thunderbolts left me amazed, and I believe that these ten unforgettable scenes played a significant role in this success. Surprisingly, the team in this movie is comprised mainly of lesser-known characters like Ghost and Red Guardian, which could have led to a disappointing outcome. However, these characters – while entertaining – don’t hold the same level of stardom as the Avengers.

Currently, I’m optimistic that favorable reactions towards “Thunderbolts*” will lead to a strong grassroots promotion effort. With Marvel Studios’ innovative marketing strategy for “Thunderbolts*” in place, I’m confident that the New Avengers team will gain the recognition they deserve. Frankly, everyone should have the opportunity to experience these fantastic scenes from the film firsthand.

10. Sentry’s Powerful Debut

The Thunderbolts Didn’t Stand A Chance

It wasn’t entirely surprising when Sentry showed up in Thunderbolts, given the hints like Lewis Pullman’s Bob bearing the “S” symbol belt buckle and other clues in the trailers. However, I didn’t fully anticipate the awe-inspiring spectacle that unfolded as Sentry, in his full blue-and-yellow costume, swiftly overpowered the Thunderbolts after descending a staircase. He showcased an impressive arsenal of powers, unleashing them harmlessly on the team.

In the brief demonstration of Sentry’s abilities, it really drove home the significant impact of his entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Although the Thunderbolts might not be as formidable as the original Avengers, they certainly aren’t pushovers. The fact that they couldn’t even touch him during our encounter only served to emphasize Sentry’s claims of divinity in subsequent conversations. Admittedly, I was quite taken with his costume, and I suspect he’ll have a new one when we meet again in the MCU.

9. The Void Turns A Child Into A Shadow

It Made The Situation Feel Hopeless

Immediately following their loss against Sentry, the Thunderbolts spring into action with classic, down-to-earth heroics. As Manhattan plunges into turmoil due to the Void’s appearance, a touching scene unfolds where the Thunderbolts save people from perilous debris and hazards. This is climaxed by Red Guardian protecting a young girl from a tumbling concrete block. However, their noble efforts seem futile when the girl unexpectedly transforms into a shadow due to the Void.

The surprising aspect of this incident is the young age of the Void’s target, creating an impression that he had mercilessly killed an utterly innocent being. It was initially unclear that the Void was sending his victims to “rooms of shame,” which made it appear as if he had taken a life instead of merely banishing them. The gravity of the situation deepened due to the seemingly inevitable assault by the Thunderbolts, leaving Red Guardian and his team powerless to intervene.

8. The Thunderbolts Vs. The Chicken Costume

The Scene Was Sudden And Hilarious

In the beginning of the comic book “Thunderbolts*“, it’s disclosed that Bob had hit rock bottom when he took on a job spinning signs in a chicken costume during his drug addiction. This embarrassing phase of Bob’s life was significant enough to be enshrined in one of his “shame rooms”, a part of his psyche the Thunderbolts were trying to rescue from the Void’s tormented dimension. Given that these memories were both real and hostile towards their mission, this resulted in a manifestation of Bob, still in his chicken costume, attacking the team.

This instance beautifully showcased the Thunderbolts team’s knack for blending emotion and laughter, as evidenced by Bucky Barnes’ perfectly timed punch, which brought a laugh to the strange encounter’s conclusion. Though this comical scene was only hinted at in one of the Thunderbolts trailers, its outcome remained uncertain until it unfolded. In hindsight, I’m relieved that they chose to preserve this brief episode for the final version of the film.

7. Yelena’s “First Trial” For The Red Room

Yelena Relives Her Experience Luring A Friend To Her Death

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I found myself identifying with Yelena Belova as she stumbled upon the chilling consequences of touching Bob’s hand in the movie’s opening scene. Instead of the typical transport, this time it led her back to a deeply regrettable moment from her past – a mission during her days under the Red Room’s training as a Black Widow. The memory that resurfaced was one I wish I could forget: my younger self tricking an innocent friend, Anya, into the woods, only for her to fall victim to a ruthless assassination at the hands of a grown man.

The aspect that makes this scene particularly chilling is the older man who cold-bloodedly takes the life of Anya, highlighting the gravity of Yelena’s mysterious upbringing.

6. Bucky Barnes’ Motorbike Entrance

Bucky Barnes’ Best Action Sequence Was Epic

In terms of sheer action, “Thunderbolts” might not be the busiest Marvel Cinematic Universe film, but the few action scenes it does have are simply breathtaking. This was brilliantly showcased during Bucky Barnes’ initial skirmish with the Thunderbolts while chasing them down. In this particular scene, Bucky makes a daring entrance on a motorbike, brandishing a high-tech shotgun, and swiftly takes out the armored vehicles of the OXE Group that are tailing the Thunderbolts. The pinnacle of this sequence occurs when Bucky employs his vibranium arm to seize a truck’s tow rope and overturn it.

Bucky doesn’t receive as much attention in “Thunderbolts” compared to Yelena and Bob, but a single scene showcased why he deserves his popularity within the MCU. It reinforced his appeal even though he frequently takes a backseat to other characters. When he successfully apprehended all of the Thunderbolts, including two other super soldiers, it became evident that he is undeniably the most powerful member of the team.

5. Taskmaster’s Sudden Death

Taskmaster’s MCU Career Was Brought To An Abrupt End

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I must say that the speculations surrounding Taskmaster’s destiny in Thunderbolts were either confirmed or debunked quite unexpectedly at the movie’s start. In the intense four-way skirmish between Yelena, John, Ava, and Antonia, Ghost left no doubts about her prowess within the team. With a swift and precise shot to Taskmaster’s head, she completed her mission and took him out. This brutal act served as an unsettling yet thrilling moment amidst an otherwise exhilarating fight, where each fighter’s skills were magnificently displayed and skillfully coordinated.

Taskmaster’s demise was meant to emphasize that no Marvel Comics Universe (MCU) character is invincible. However, what made it particularly startling was how swiftly and without fanfare Taskmaster’s MCU journey came to an abrupt halt. To be honest, the event stirred a hint of sadness within me as I had imagined Marvel might consider further developing the character, offering him a chance for redemption following his contentious introduction in Black Widow. Instead, Ghost’s bullet served as a firm “no” to any prospects of such development.

4. Bob Discovers His Powers

The Sequence Looked Incredible

After Taskmaster’s demise, the Thunderbolts collaborated to flee from the OXE Group’s compound, utilizing their unique abilities to move forward. However, Bob was an exception as the team had no idea about the immense power he concealed. In a desperate effort to aid the team, Bob drew attention by shooting off a weapon, which resulted in a barrage of bullets coming his way. Miraculously, Bob remained unharmed before something remarkable occurred – his eyes started glowing a faint yellowish hue, and he ascended into the heavens, passing through the clouds above.

What captivates about this scene is how Thunderbolts portrayed the sudden manifestation of extraordinary superpowers within a person who didn’t even realize he possessed them. The image of Bob clumsily rising into the air, as if propelled by an invisible force, was particularly memorable. This was especially impactful when his awkward silhouette burst through the cloud cover and soared into the night sky. I can’t recall any other instances in the MCU that mirrored this moment, and I found it intriguing as it hinted at what would later unfold with the arrival of Sentry (and the Void).

3. Bob’s Final Shame Room

The Void Was Particularly Sinister

Following a series of Bob’s chambers filled with shame, I find myself confronted with a distressingly familiar scene upon entering the Malaysian lab where his powers were initially granted and the Void was first unleashed. As part of my mission given by Val, I had destroyed the Void before. Now, it’s here again, setting the stage for our climactic battle. The Void attempts to provoke a violent response within Bob by mocking him and letting out an evil laugh as Bob, in a fit of rage, starts pounding on the ground beneath him.

In a chilling display of its indomitability, The Void’s unsettling response to being overpowered revealed how resistant it is to brute force. This moment, already disquieting, was amplified by the glint of its sharp teeth and tiny, piercing eyes that shone from a faceless visage as it laughed maniacally. The team’s decision to subdue the Void by freeing Bob from his negative emotions was thus validated. Despite lacking the typical high-octane action scenes found in most Marvel Cinematic Universe films, this confrontation stood out for its haunting atmosphere and heartwarming finale, offering a distinctly refreshing experience.

2. Valentina Announces The New Avengers

The Thunderbolts Were The New Avengers All Along

Following the triumphant vanquishing of the Void within Bob’s consciousness, the Thunderbolts return to the physical world, having liberated New Yorkers from their hidden prison cells. Upon noticing Valentina Allegra de Fontaine at a distance, they swiftly approach her with the intention of confronting her. However, they are tricked into attending a press conference where Val publicly celebrates their heroic actions. It is during this event that Val reveals the meaning behind the asterisk in the Thunderbolts’ title by officially designating them as the New Avengers.

This disclosure could strengthen numerous hypotheses regarding the asterisk preceding Thunderbolts, yet it didn’t diminish the awe-inspiring quality of the moment. Rather, it lends credibility to the team, effectively designating MCU Phase 4 as the sole phase without an Avengers film, and countering a common critique about the Multiverse Saga for its scarcity of Avengers movies. Admittedly, the subsequent credits underscore that this team isn’t as flashy or widely recognized as the original one, but I believe it was among the most impactful surprises in the MCU.

1. The Post-Credits Scene

The Fantastic Four Finally Enter The MCU

In simpler terms, Thunderbolts* strengthened its case by showcasing a significant post-credits scene that left audiences talking. After 14 months had passed, the New Avengers were shown working from the old Avengers Tower. During their conversation, it was mentioned that Sam Wilson was registering the Avengers name and suing them, suggesting tension between the two teams of Avengers. Meanwhile, Yelena became aware of a mysterious object entering Earth’s orbit – it turned out to be the spaceship of the Fantastic Four.

The scene introduces Thunderbolts to two highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films: The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday. This is significant because it appears the Fantastic Four are aboard the ship, marking a thrilling expansion of the series. Furthermore, the scene generates intense discussion about the upcoming movie since it seems to imply that the Fantastic Four will be transitioning from their universe into Earth-616 of the main MCU.

2025-05-12 08:41