Why Avengers: Endgame Doesn't Have a Post-Credits Scene

Why Avengers: Endgame Doesn’t Have a Post-Credits Scene

“Avengers: Endgame” delivered everything we wanted… well, almost everything. Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be discussing Why Avengers: Endgame Doesn’t Have a Post-Credits Scene. Naturally, spoilers will ensue.

Ever since Nick Fury paid Tony Stark a visit at the end of the original “Iron Man,” post-credits and mid-credits scenes have not only become a staple of the MCU, but superhero movies in general. Although the MCU didn’t invent post-credits scenes, Marvel Studios definitely popularized them for this generation. Now whenever a major superhero movie comes out, be it a Marvel, DC, or Dark Horse property, audiences will still stay until the very last credit rolls in hopes of getting a little something extra. While not every modern superhero movie has a post-credits scene, the MCU included at least one in every theatrical release from “Iron Man” to “Captain Marvel.”

Sometimes the MCU uses post-credits scenes to tease what’s to come, like when Thanos briefly appeared at the conclusions of both “The Avengers” and “Age of Ultron.” Occasionally, a cut-down scene from an upcoming movie will be previewed, like Doctor Strange’s post-credits encounter with Thor which was later used as a scene in “Ragnarok.” Not all post-credits scenes are designed to generate hype, though. “Guardians of the Galaxy” closes out with Howard the Duck, which is a hilarious gag for both fans of the comic and haters of that 1986 movie. In any case, each scene has offered a nice bonus that made sitting through those lengthy credits worthwhile.

With “Avengers: Endgame” being the culmination of the Infinity Saga, fans expected a post-credits scene of epic proportions. Since Disney officially acquired Fox in March 2019, fans speculated that the post-credits scene could hint at the arrival of the Fantastic Four, X-Men, or even Galactus. Even if Marvel isn’t ready to bring Wolverine into the fold, perhaps we could finally get a good look at a character who’s already been set up, such as Adam Warlock. Loki gets away with the Tesseract in 2012, which could’ve been expanded upon in a post-credits scene. The filmmakers could even keep it simple by having several characters kick back and eat some shawarma… or cheeseburgers.

When all was said and done, however, the “Endgame” credits built up to absolutely nothing! Okay, maybe not nothing, as the credits do include a triumphant compilation of every major cast member in this ambitious ensemble piece. It’s especially poignant once we get to the six Avengers who started it all. Each of their credits comes complete with a signature from the actor who portrayed them. Considering that some of these actors are apparently retiring from the MCU, we couldn’t have asked for a more fitting curtain call. Instead of a post-credits scene, though, all we get is the sound of a hammer banging as the Marvel logo fades to black. It’s believed that this is the sound of Tony Stark forging his original Iron Man suit. Although Captain America was the first Avenger, Iron Man introduced us to the MCU. The sound of Iron Man being born brings both the Infinity Saga and the MCU full circle, serving as a mic drop of sorts. When you think about it that way, “Endgame” really didn’t need a traditional post-credits scene.

Don’t get us wrong, if Marvel wanted to include a post-credits scene in “Endgame,” we wouldn’t have objected. Even if it were amazing, however, a post-credits scene might’ve cheapened the experience. With the past 21 MCU movies, we were excited to see what happened next and the post-credits only got us more pumped. Unlike those films, though, “Endgame” is the final chapter for some of our favorite MCU characters. Chances are this is the last time we’ll see Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, and Chris Evans as Captain America, at least in a large capacity.

Speaking of Captain America, the final scene where Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter share a dance was the most emotionally satisfying ending possible. Like “Logan,” another Marvel film that didn’t have a post-credits scene, the last image of “Endgame” is so powerful that nothing more needs to be said. Sure, Marvel has plenty of material on the horizon, but “Endgame” isn’t about starting a new chapter. It’s about bringing an 11-year story arc to a close. Although we’re curious to see what happens next, we could also use a breather to allow the past 3 hours, as well as the past 22 movies, sink in.

On top of all that, “Endgame” isn’t necessarily the conclusion of Marvel’s Phase Three, at least according to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. In July 2019, we’ll be getting “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which reportedly takes place immediately after “Avengers: Endgame.” Rather than commencing the MCU’s Fourth Phase, Feige stated at a fan event that the “Spider-Man: Homecoming” sequel is the true ending of Phase Three. But wait, why would you call a movie “Avengers: Endgame” when it’s technically not the end? Maybe it’s because “Far From Home” will be less like an ending and more like an epilogue. The trailer for “Far From Home” has a few moments that call the first “Iron Man” to mind, particularly when Nick Fury drops in on an unsuspecting Peter Parker. We bet that Fury is looking to put together the next generation of Avengers or an entirely new superhero team. After all, Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff are dead, Steve Rogers’ days are numbered, Clint Barton seems ready to pass on the bow and arrow, Thor is with the Guardians of the Galaxy now, and Bruce Banner isn’t getting a solo movie anytime soon. The MCU is going to need some new blood going forward and Spider-Man could very well take Iron Man’s place as the new face of this cinematic universe.

Marvel has given us a taste of the projects they have in store, including “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Black Panther 2,” and several Disney+ shows. After “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” however, it’s unclear what exactly is next for the MCU. All we know is that the film that will kick off Phase Four will be released on May 1, 2020. Whatever that film is, “Far From Home” will likely set the stage for it, along with several other future storylines. In that sense, “Far From Home” could function as a feature-length post-credits scene, compensating for the fact that “Avengers: Endgame” didn’t have one.