Thunderbolts* Scene Sparks New Avengers, FF Speculation

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has fueled speculation about the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene, which shows the newly rebranded New Avengers observing an interdimensional ship bearing a '4' logo, accompanied by The Fantastic Four: First Steps score. Feige has stated that while the ship is called the Excelsior and a Fantastic Four ship is entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is uncertain whether they are the same vessel. This ambiguity has sparked theories about the ship possibly belonging to an alternate Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom, or involving a multiversal twist linked to Avengers: Doomsday. The confusion is heightened by Feige's history of cryptic statements and Marvel's penchant for misdirection. Thunderbolts* has been praised for its grounded narrative and a surprise twist that rebrands the team as the New Avengers, setting the stage for major developments in the MCU. Fans are now awaiting more answers with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025.