‘Fantastic Four’ post-credits scenes, ‘Doomsday’ connections explained
Fantastic Four’s Cosmic Debut: Unpacking the MCU’s Multiversal Threads
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is hurtling towards a multiversal future, and the recent “Fantastic Four: First Steps” post-credits scene has thrown a cosmic wrench into the works, hinting at a much larger, interconnected saga. the appearance of the Fantastic Four’s iconic spacecraft, the Excelsior, in earth-616, the primary MCU timeline, has sent ripples of speculation through the fandom. This pivotal moment directly connects to Samuel Sterns’ ominous warning in the “Captain America: Brave New World” post-credits scene: “The multiverse is coming.”
A Multiversal Mystery: Franklin Richards and the Excelsior
The “Thunderbolts*” post-credits scene, which saw the Excelsior arrive in their world, has fans buzzing wiht theories. The most compelling suggests that the Fantastic Four’s young, reality-warping son, Franklin Richards, might have been kidnapped by Doctor Doom and transported to an alternate universe. This theory gains traction when considering the original plans for the “Fantastic Four” franchise, which reportedly intended to feature Kang the Conqueror as the central antagonist.In the comics, Kang and Franklin Richards share a familial connection, making Kang a plausible candidate for the mysterious interloper Sue Storm encounters. While Marvel Studios has pivoted away from Kang as the primary villain following actor Jonathan Majors’ legal issues, the narrative threads of multiversal manipulation and family ties remain potent. The implication is clear: the Fantastic Four’s arrival is not just a cinematic event, but a crucial piece in the MCU’s unfolding multiversal puzzle.
The Second Scene: A Nod to Animation’s Past
Beyond the universe-altering implications, the second “Fantastic Four: First Steps” post-credits scene offers a delightful treat for long-time fans.Shown after the full credits roll, this scene serves as a charming bonus and a heartfelt tribute to the animated history of Marvel’s First Family. It’s a moment of pure fan service, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Fantastic Four.
the Road Ahead: Avengers: Doomsday and Beyond
The implications of these post-credits scenes extend far beyond the Fantastic four’s immediate adventures. The upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” slated for release on December 18, 2026, is poised to be a monumental MCU crossover event. Confirmed cast members include MCU veterans like Chris Hemsworth (Thor),Anthony mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain america),Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes),Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man),and tom Hiddleston (Loki). They will be joined by Florence pugh (Yelena Belova), David harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), and Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost), suggesting a massive convergence of heroes, including members of the Fantastic Four and the Thunderbolts/New Avengers.
Looking further into the MCU’s future, the Disney+ series “Wonder Man,” starring yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is set to debut in December. Following that, Phase 6 will continue with Marvel and Sony’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” scheduled for a July 2026 release, further weaving the intricate tapestry of the MCU’s multiversal narrative. The multiverse is indeed here, and the Fantastic Four’s arrival is just the beginning.