The recent discussions around Marvel's latest release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, highlight a continuity issue with Thunderbolts' post-credit scene. While fans anticipated a direct connection between the two films, director Matt Shakman clarified that he wasn't aware of the content in Thunderbolts when developing his script. The post-credit scene in Thunderbolts, created shortly before releasing, hints at the Fantastic Four's future integration into the MCU, however, First Steps does not address this. As the MCU continues to expand, fans will need to wait until December 18, 2026, for the next installment, Avengers: Doomsday, to see how these narratives intertwine. Additionally, Shakman has confirmed there are no plans for an extended version of The Fantastic Four: First Steps despite fan interest.

Why didn’t The Fantastic Four: First Steps connect with Thunderbolts?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Thunderbolts were developed independently, with different timelines. Director Matt Shakman was not aware of Thunderbolts' content during his script writing, leading to a lack of connection between the two films.

The Fantastic Four has been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics since their debut in 1961, and the franchise has seen mixed success in film adaptations over the years. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps being positioned as a significant entry into the MCU, fans are eager to see how the characters evolve, particularly with the inclusion of iconic villains like Doctor Doom, especially with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon. The blend of storytelling and character arc development from Shakman may signify a reset in how Marvel approaches its interconnected universe.