Marvel’s Unresolved End-Credits Scenes: 14 Cameos and Storylines That Haven’t Paid Off (Yet)

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Ever since Samuel L. Jackson made his debut as Nick Fury in “Iron Man” at the end of 2008, viewers have been patiently waiting during the credits for a sneak peek of what’s to come in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, due to the pandemic disrupting Marvel’s release schedule, these post-credit scenes now hint at a more uncertain future, introducing a variety of fresh characters and storylines without definite endpoints. As “Captain America: Brave New World” sets sail towards 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday” (with Robert Downey Jr.) and 2027’s “Avengers: Secret Wars” (featuring most of the cast), let’s review the unresolved plots and characters remaining in Marvel’s feature films and Disney+ series. (Be aware, there are SPOILERS ahead!)

    “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? None

    What’s Happening? Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) gets a clean slate for her actions in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” returning to the CIA. However, it turns out she’s continued her illegal activities as the black market operative known as the Power Broker and plans to peddle confidential government information.

    Is There Any Chance This Investment Will Ever Yield Returns? If it does, it’s likely to be seen in the context of “Brave New World” or May’s “Thunderbolts”; VanCamp isn’t confirmed for either production, but she might make an unexpected appearance. After all, unusual events occur quite frequently these days!

    “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021) — Mid credits scene

    Surprise Cameos? Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Carol Danvers (Brie Larson)

    Have We Met Before? Yes

    Bruce, Carol, and a few others, which include Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), Katy (Awkwafina), and Wong (Benedict Wong), are gathering together to look into the enigmatic “beacon” that’s part of Shang-Chi’s 10 rings.

    Could it eventually prove worthwhile? There’s definitely something intriguing about those rings, but a follow-up to “Shang-Chi” has been in an uncertain state for quite some time now.

    “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021) — End credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? None

    As a film enthusiast, I find myself captivated by the turn of events: My eyes widen at the sight of Shang-Chi’s sister, Xialing, ascending to power within the Ten Rings organization. This momentous occasion unfolds in the fortress she inherited from her father, Wenwu, a powerful figure I had come to know.

    Could the Ten Rings Make a Comeback? The fine print indicates “the Ten Rings will return” — however, as shown earlier, it remains to be seen if this will indeed happen.

    “Eternals” (2021) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameos? Eros (Harry Styles) and Pip the Troll (Patton Oswalt)

    Have We Met Before? No

    In the current situation, Thanos’ debauched brother and his small emissary appear, promising assistance to Eternals Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), and Thena (Angelina Jolie) as they search for their missing companions.

    Will The Eternals Ever Recoup Their Investment? Not Immediately, but in the realm of imagination, they certainly could. However, given its status as Marvel Cinematic Universe’s initial box office disappointment, it seems less likely for now.

    “Eternals” (2021) — End credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? Blade (Mahershala Ali), voice only

    Have We Met Before? No

    Is everything all set, Dane Whitman (Kit Harington)? Blade is asking whether you’re prepared to handle the cursed Ebony Blade.

    Is There Hope for a ‘Blade’ Movie from Marvel? Despite numerous obstacles over the years, Marvel persists in their plans for a “Blade” film. However, it seems that Dane’s blade will continue to gather dust in its case.

    “Moon Knight” (2022) — Mid-credits scene 

    Could we say instead: Jake Lockley, a character long hinted at as an additional persona for Marc Spector, finally steps onto the scene for the first time?

    Have We Met Before? Sort of.

    What’s the Situation? Jake abducts Arthur Harrow (played by Ethan Hawke), who is Marc’s enemy, from a mental institution, puts him in a luxury limousine, and then murders him.

    Is There Any Chance We’ll See More of Moon Knight Soon? It’s uncertain, as Isaac has expressed interest in reprising his role and recently lent his voice to a Spector variant in the animated series “What If…?”, but it’s been quite some time since there have been discussions about further “Moon Knight”.

    “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? Clea (Charlize Theron)

    Have We Met Before? No

    As a devoted film enthusiast, I find myself in a rather peculiar situation, reminiscent of Doctor Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) predicament in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead of the Dark Dimension, I find myself in a universe-threatening scenario. The sorceress has made it clear to me that my actions have resulted in an “incursion” of sorts, and now we must work together to rectify this cosmic disturbance.

    As a devoted admirer, I’m confidently speculating that yes, this will indeed prove fruitful! The character played by Charlize Theron will undoubtedly have a significant impact in the “Secret Wars” storyline, so brace yourself for more captivating appearances with her sporting dramatic purple eyeliner.

    “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? Hercules (Brett Goldstein)

    Have We Met Before? No

    What’s the situation here? The semi-naked, mighty demigod, under the orders of his father Zeus, portrayed by Russell Crowe, is tasked with eliminating Thor.

    Is There Any Chance Another ‘Thor’ Movie Will Be Made? It appears, even to the admirers of Goldstein’s hairy torso (which includes everyone), that Chris Hemsworth himself seems less than excited about a possible fifth “Thor” film.

    “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? Toussaint/T’Challa II (Divine Love Konadu-Sun)

    Have We Met Before? No

    In a given scenario, Nakia (played by Lupita Nyong’o) presents T’Challa’s hidden child, whom she has been nurturing in Haiti, to his aunt Shuri (performed by Letitia Wright).

    Is it likely that the next “Black Panther” film will be successful? Based on Denzel Washington’s statements, it seems almost inevitable.

    “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameos? Immortus, Rama-Tut, Centurion and a bunch of other Kangs (Jonathan Majors)

    Have We Met Before? Not in this form

    What’s the Scene? Thousands of Kang variants plot to take over the multiverse.

    Will This Ever Pay Off? No. Marvel fired Majors after he was convicted of harassment and assault.

    “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? None

    What’s the Situation? Rocket (Bradley Cooper), now at the helm, assembles a fresh Guardians team consisting of Groot (Vin Diesel), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), Cosmo (Maria Bakalova) and Phyla (Kai Zen).

    Is It Likely That This Investment Will Bring a Return? It seems unlikely. With “Guardians” writer-director James Gunn now co-running DC Studios, it’s challenging to envision a new film without his involvement.

    “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023) — End credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? None

    What’s Going On Here? Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt) is having breakfast, specifically cereal, and chatting idly with his grandpa (Gregg Henry) concerning the doings of their nearby residents.

    As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got a hunch that this storyline might bear fruit in the future. The intriguing teaser at the end hints at the “return of the Legendary Star-Lord,” without explicitly mentioning the Guardians, which makes me lean towards “Secret Wars” being a strong possibility.

    “The Marvels” (2023) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? Binary (Lashana Lynch) and Hank McCoy, aka Beast (Kelsey Grammer)

    Have We Met Before? Binary, no; Beast, yes (in 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men” movies)

    In this altered world, Monica (Teyonah Parris) stirs to life, discovering a universe where characters like Beast and a version of her mother, Maria, who is part of the X-Men, are real.

    When Will We See the X-Men in the MCU? It’s certain that the X-Men will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it remains uncertain if Monica, Binary, and Grammer’s portrayal of Beast will be part of the mix – this secret is known only to Professor X or Kevin Feige.

    “Echo” (2024) — Mid-credits scene

    Surprise Cameo? None

    As he soared back to New York City aboard his private plane, a battered Wilson Fisk (played by Vincent D’Onofrio) picked up snippets of commentators discussing the undecided mayoral election. An intriguing thought began to take shape in his mind.

    When Will We See Results? The results are imminent! As hinted in the preview of “Daredevil: Born Again” (releasing on March 4), Fisk has successfully become the mayor.

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2025-02-13 21:58