Over the past 18 years, Marvel Studios has woven a complex narrative tapestry, extending far beyond individual film plots to build towards grand, overarching sagas. The 23-film Infinity Saga culminated in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, bringing together countless storylines. However, with the conclusion of that era, Marvel has faced the challenge of establishing a new central organizing principle for its expanding universe, leading to a multitude of unresolved plot threads and hints of future narratives.
To help keep track of these lingering questions, this rundown details post-credits scenes and cliffhangers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that have yet to receive a full payoff.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The mid-credits scene of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings revealed Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina) being summoned by Wong (Benedict Wong) to Kamar-Taj. There, they met with holographic projections of Bruce Banner and Captain Marvel to discuss the mysterious origins of Shang-Chi's powerful rings, which were identified as an ancient beacon transmitting an unknown signal. Following this, a post-credits scene showed Shang-Chi's sister, Xialing (Meng'er Zhang), taking control of the Ten Rings organization and modernizing it.
While a sequel to Shang-Chi is reportedly in development, director Destin Daniel Cretton is also engaged with other projects. Simu Liu is confirmed to reprise his role as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026. The identity of the recipient of the rings' ancient message remains unknown, with speculation ranging from Fin Fang Foom to other cosmic entities.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier concluded with two significant cliffhangers. John Walker (Wyatt Russell), after being stripped of his Captain America title, was recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) to become the U.S. Agent. Simultaneously, Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), revealed to be the Power Broker, was pardoned and offered a CIA position, only to be shown continuing her dealings in selling government secrets.
Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has since embraced his role as the official Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. John Walker's status as U.S. Agent is unclear, and he now operates as a mercenary. The series' overarching narrative suggested a potential conflict between Wilson's and Walker's emerging teams. The Power Broker's future activities remain a narrative loose end, though Sharon Carter is not currently slated to return in any announced projects. Both Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday.
Eternals
The conclusion of Eternals introduced Eros (Harry Styles), Thanos' brother, and Pip the Troll, who warned the remaining Eternals of impending danger. In a post-credits scene, Dane Whitman (Kit Harington) was presented with the Ebony Blade, and the voice of Blade (Mahershala Ali) questioned his readiness.
While Eternals received mixed reviews, director Chloé Zhao has expressed interest in a sequel. The introduction of the Ebony Blade positions Dane Whitman as the Black Knight, a character with connections to the Avengers in the comics. However, reports suggest that Marvel's stand-alone Blade movie is in jeopardy, and Mahershala Ali and Kit Harington may not be returning to the MCU.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home concluded with a world-altering spell cast by Doctor Strange, causing everyone to forget Peter Parker's (Tom Holland) identity as Spider-Man. This reset Peter's life, forcing him to operate without his established support system. A post-credits scene showed Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) briefly transported to the MCU, leaving behind a small piece of the Venom symbiote.
The events of Spider-Man: Brand New Day have seen Peter grappling with the consequences of the spell. The stray symbiote goo has opened the door for a potential Venom storyline within the MCU. While Tom Hardy has expressed willingness to return as Venom opposite Tom Holland's Spider-Man, past crossover plans have reportedly stalled.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Following his use of the Darkhold, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) developed a third eye and was approached by sorceress Clea (Charlize Theron). Clea warned Strange of an "incursion" and brought him to the Dark Dimension. The film also introduced America Chavez.
Strange and Clea's relationship in the comics suggests a potential future team-up in the MCU. America Chavez is also a likely candidate for future Young Avengers projects. The implications of the incursions and Strange's entanglement with the Dark Dimension are yet to be fully explored.
Moon Knight
The Moon Knight series finale revealed a third personality within Marc Spector (Oscar Isaac): Jake Lockley. In the mid-credits scene, Jake, under Khonshu's influence, murders Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke), suggesting the end of Ammit's threat and hinting at further adventures for the titular character.
While a second season of Moon Knight has not been confirmed, the character's potential integration into the mystical and horror elements of the MCU remains. Oscar Isaac's performance as Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and Jake Lockley has been praised, and a return is hoped for.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor: Love and Thunder concluded with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) adopting Gorr's daughter, Love, who wields Stormbreaker alongside him. The film also introduced Hercules (Brett Goldstein), son of Zeus, who was tasked with seeking revenge against Thor.
Chris Hemsworth has expressed openness to further Thor installments, provided the stories remain unpredictable. Director Taika Waititi is also open to returning under similar conditions. The introduction of Hercules, a significant character in Marvel Comics, suggests a potential future role, possibly in Avengers: Doomsday, where Thor and Love are confirmed to appear.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
In the season finale of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, it was revealed that Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), the Hulk, had a son named Skaar from his time on Sakaar. Additionally, Emil Blonsky, the Abomination (Tim Roth), was freed from prison by Wong (Benedict Wong) and taken to Kamar-Taj.
Despite the introduction of Skaar, a second season of She-Hulk has reportedly been passed on by Marvel. Skaar's potential future appearances could align with Young Avengers projects, and the Abomination's whereabouts remain uncertain, though he could feature in a future Hulk-centric film.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ended with the declaration that "Black Panther will return." The film's mid-credits scene introduced T'Challa's son, born in secret with Nakia. This reveal offered a poignant nod to the late Chadwick Boseman and the original narrative plans for the film.
While Letitia Wright is confirmed to return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday, a third Black Panther movie is also planned, with David Jonsson set to portray T'Challa's son as the new Black Panther.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania saw the apparent death of Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors) in the Quantum Realm, only for a mid-credits scene to reveal the existence of the Council of Kangs, comprising numerous variants of the character preparing for multiversal conquest.
The future of Kang as the primary antagonist of the Multiverse Saga became uncertain following Jonathan Majors' dismissal from Marvel due to legal issues. Subsequent developments, particularly in Loki season 2, suggested that the threat of Kang's variants may have been mitigated. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty has been retitled Avengers: Doomsday and will feature Victor Von Doom as the main antagonist, leaving the fate of the Kang variants from Quantumania ambiguous.