Let's face it: Marvel fans live for post-credits scenes. They're the cinematic equivalent of a cliffhanger, the breadcrumbs that keep us coming back for more. But what happens when those breadcrumbs feel a little stale? That's the question lingering after Captain America: Brave New World, a film that delivers a post-credits stinger so vague, it's practically a Rorschach test. Director Julius Onah recently spilled the beans on why the scene feels so out of left field—and it's a story as chaotic as the multiverse itself.
The scene in question features Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader, locked up in The Raft, the MCU's high-tech prison for super-powered baddies. When Sam Wilson's Captain America pays him a visit, Sterns drops a cryptic warning: “We'll see what happens when you have to protect this place… from the others.” Cue the dramatic music.
But here's the thing: we've been here before. The multiverse isn't exactly breaking news in the MCU. From Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home, the concept of alternate realities has been explored ad nauseam. So why does Brave New World feel the need to rehash it? According to Onah, the answer lies in the chaos of Hollywood's 2023 writers' strike.
In an interview with Collider, Onah revealed that the post-credits scene was a last-minute addition, shot during reshoots after the strike ended. Originally, the film was supposed to have a stinger that tied more directly to Sam Wilson's story arc and set up future MCU projects. But with the strike halting all development, Onah was left in the dark about what those future projects would even look like. “Who knew what Thunderbolts was going to look like, necessarily? Or the next Avengers?” he said.
The result is a scene that feels more like a placeholder than a proper tease. Sterns' warning about “the others” is intentionally vague, a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding the MCU's future at the time. It's a far cry from the tightly woven post-credits scenes of the past, like Nick Fury's iconic “Avengers Initiative” tease in Iron Man.
But let's cut Onah some slack. The writers' strike threw a wrench into everything, and he was working with limited information. Still, it's hard not to feel a little disappointed. After all, the MCU has built its reputation on meticulous planning and interconnected storytelling. When that planning falls apart, it shows.
Conclusion
So, what does Captain America: Brave New World's post-credits scene mean for the MCU? Honestly, it's hard to say. The multiverse is clearly still a big part of the plan, but the lack of specificity here suggests that Marvel is still figuring things out. For fans, it's a reminder that even the mightiest cinematic universe isn't immune to real-world challenges.
As we look ahead to Thunderbolts and the next Avengers films, one thing is clear: the MCU needs to regain its footing. The multiverse is a fascinating concept, but it's only as compelling as the stories it inspires. Here's hoping Marvel can deliver on the promise of “the others” and give us something truly worth waiting for.
Personal Impressions
As a longtime MCU fan, I can't help but feel a little conflicted about this post-credits scene. On one hand, it's exciting to see Tim Blake Nelson's Leader finally return after all these years. On the other, the scene feels like a missed opportunity. The writers' strike clearly threw a wrench into Marvel's plans, but I wish they'd found a way to make the stinger feel more meaningful. That said, I'm still holding out hope for Thunderbolts and beyond. The MCU has weathered storms before, and I have faith it can do so again.
What do you think about the Captain America: Brave New World post-credits scene? Was it a clever tease or a lazy rehash of the multiverse? Let us know in the comments!
