Imagine being on the set of a Marvel movie, only to discover that the post-credits scene you’re filming is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. That’s exactly what happened to the cast of *Thunderbolts*, and it’s a story that’s as fascinating as it is surprising. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this unexpected approach to filming might just be a game-changer for the entire MCU. Let’s dive in.
Published just hours ago, this revelation comes from Craig Elvy, a seasoned critic and contributor to Screen Rant since 2016. With a background in science fiction and comic books, Craig has a knack for uncovering the stories behind the scenes. You can find his work on platforms like Den of Geek and even Rotten Tomatoes, where he’s an approved critic. Connect with him on LinkedIn for more insights.
The Thunderbolts post-credits scene stands out as one of the MCU’s most unpredictable moments. What begins as light-hearted banter about copyright infringement quickly shifts to an ominous tone as a mysterious ship bearing a blue number 4 approaches Earth. This scene not only teases Fantastic Four: First Steps but also sets the stage for Avengers: Doomsday. Yet, what’s truly shocking is how this scene came to life—and the reaction it elicited from the cast.
In a recent episode of The Young Indy Chroniclers podcast, production designer Gavin Bocquet—known for his work on The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and currently on Avengers: Doomsday—shared a behind-the-scenes look at the filming process. Bocquet revealed that the scene had only three days of post-production, forcing the team to rely heavily on physical sets and practical solutions. This approach was a stark contrast to the MCU’s typical reliance on CGI and green screens.
Bocquet explained, ‘We used a physical backing of New York outside the window, with a monitor displaying the F4 ship approaching. Because of the tight schedule, everything had to be captured in-camera. The actors were genuinely reacting to the footage, not just pretending in front of a blank screen. Even the Marvel team was taken aback, commenting that it was the first time they’d seen such a practical approach on a Marvel set.’
This method not only added a tangible authenticity to the scene but also left a lasting impression on the cast and crew. For fans accustomed to the MCU’s heavy use of digital effects, this behind-the-scenes revelation adds a new layer of appreciation for the sequence. But this is the part most people miss: the impact of this approach extends far beyond Thunderbolts.
Bocquet further revealed that the physical-first philosophy used for the Thunderbolts post-credits scene influenced the main production of Avengers: Doomsday. Instead of defaulting to blue-screen backgrounds, the team opted for physical sets wherever possible. This shift promises to give Avengers: Doomsday a ‘lived-in’ quality, setting it apart from recent MCU releases that often feel overly reliant on CGI.
But here’s the controversial part: Is this return to practical effects a step in the right direction, or will it limit the creative possibilities of the MCU? Some might argue that CGI allows for more imaginative storytelling, while others believe practical effects bring a realism that’s hard to replicate. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
With Avengers: Doomsday set to release on May 2, 2025, and boasting a runtime of 127 minutes, expectations are sky-high. Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, the film is produced by none other than Kevin Feige. Starring Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes, this movie is shaping up to be anything but average. And if the Thunderbolts post-credits scene is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.
Source: Young Indy Chroniclers
