Since Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) first appeared in Iron Man (2008), Marvel fans have stayed glued to their seats for every post-credits scene. But as the MCU expands, many of these teases remain unresolved, hinting at a future that’s yet to materialize. With Captain America: Brave New World setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), let’s revisit the unanswered questions from Marvel’s recent films and Disney+ shows.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) — Mid-Credits Scene
Surprise Cameos: Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Carol Danvers (Brie Larson).
Scene Recap: Bruce, Carol, and Wong meet Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina) to analyze a mysterious beacon within the Ten Rings.
Will It Pay Off? Maybe. Despite the rings’ significance, a Shang-Chi sequel has been in limbo for years.
Eternals (2021) — Mid-Credits Scene
Surprise Cameos: Eros (Harry Styles) and Pip the Troll (Patton Oswalt).
Scene Recap: Thanos’ brother Eros offers to help Makkari, Druig, and Thena find their missing friends.
Will It Pay Off? Unclear. With Eternals considered a flop, their future in the MCU remains uncertain.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) — Mid-Credits Scene
Surprise Cameo: Clea (Charlize Theron).
Scene Recap: Clea warns Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) about a multiverse incursion.
Will It Pay Off? Likely. Multiverse storylines will be central to Secret Wars, so expect Clea to return.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) — Mid-Credits Scene
Surprise Cameo: Hercules (Brett Goldstein).
Scene Recap: Zeus (Russell Crowe) orders Hercules to kill Thor.
Will It Pay Off? Doubtful. With no plans for Thor 5, Hercules’ future remains uncertain.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) — End-Credits Scene
Scene Recap: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) shares breakfast and gossip with his grandfather.
Will It Pay Off? Probably. The scene ends with "The Legendary Star-Lord will return", making Secret Wars a likely destination.
What’s Next for Marvel’s Loose Ends?
With Avengers: Secret Wars expected to unite heroes from across the MCU, many of these unresolved threads could finally connect. Until then, fans will keep speculating — and staying through the credits.
