1. Post credit scenes in Marvel used to be special
Back in 2008, Iron Man dropped Nick Fury and the “Avengers Initiative” at the tail end of the credits—and movie history changed. It was unexpected, cool, and meaningful.
Fast forward to 2025, and now Marvel end credit scenes are jammed into every release like marketing trailers. They tease spin-offs that never get made, introduce characters who disappear, or worse—set up stories that never get resolved.
2. They’re now just empty hype
We’re in the era of Marvel phase fatigue. Half the time, audiences aren’t even sure what they’re supposed to be excited about anymore. Case in point: Clea in Doctor Strange 2. Nothing has followed it up. Same with the Eternals’ cliffhanger. Or Harry Styles.
There’s no payoff—just placeholders for something that might happen two years and five delays from now.
3. They rarely add value to the story
- Most post-credit scenes have no narrative relevance.
- They exist to tease sequels, not finish the movie you just watched.
- They undermine actual endings with forced taglines and cameos.
- Marvel’s worst post credit scenes feel like meme bait, not storytelling.
And yes, post credit scenes are dead—at least in terms of impact. When was the last time one genuinely surprised you?
4. Audiences are leaving before they even show up
Here’s the harsh reality: most viewers now Google “how many post credit scenes in Ant-Man 3” before the movie even starts. The surprise is gone. It’s become expected—worse, required. And if the content isn’t exciting? They just bounce.
Want proof? Check IndieWire’s breakdown on why post credit scenes fail.
5. Studios like DC are ditching the formula
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad used a single post credit scene to tee up Peacemaker—and it worked. The Batman used viral marketing instead of a tag. Even Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 used its scenes for closure, not sequel bait.
The best Marvel post credit scenes had context and energy. Most now feel like focus-grouped filler.
TL;DR (For The Skippers)– Why post credit scenes in Marvel films don’t work anymore
- They no longer surprise or delight.
- They set up stories that never happen.
- They reduce emotional payoff in the actual film.
- They’re functionally just mini-trailers.
- Other studios are doing better with less.
If you like your satire smarter, check out our review of The Naked Gun (2025)—a reboot that actually sticks the landing.
Final thought: let the credits roll
Not every story needs a “what’s next.” Not every universe needs to tease 12 more. The post credit scenes Marvel pioneered were brilliant once. But now? They’re filler.
Let the movie end. Let people leave the theater satisfied. Or better yet—let studios earn our attention with the film itself, not the 90 seconds after it.
