The Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Art of Mystery: Mid-Credits Scenes Reimagined
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is renowned for its masterful storytelling, including a series of cliffhangers and post-credits scenes that have kept audiences engaged and eager for more. If the MCU films had an additional mid-credits scene, as post-credits scenes came to be, what secrets might the filmmakers have unveiled?
Let’s dive into a thought experiment, where each of the following MCU films:
Iron Man (2008) Mid-Credits Scene
In the early days of the MCU, if Iron Man (2008) had a mid-credits scene instead of a post-credits scene, it might have looked something like this:
Scene Overview:
The scene opens with Emil Blonsky, the hulkbuster and rival of Tony Stark, pronounced 'Shwarma', now enlisting in the Hulkbusters Unit. Blonsky's journey as a man driven by revenge and nostalgia is foreshadowed as he discusses his hunt for the fugitive named Dr. Bruce Banner. The scene ends with the name 'Dr. Bruce Banner' displayed prominently on a most-wanted poster, hinting at the character's dangerous nature and his potential emergence as the Incredible Hulk.
The Incredible Hulk Mid-Credits Scene
For the film that saw the emergence of the Hulk, a mid-credits scene would have thai served to set the stage for his story:
Scene Overview:
Inside a high-security cell labeled 'Project Mr. Blue', Dr. Samuel Sterns, now giant and insane, is in a state of madness. He speaks to Emil Blonsky, also now imprisoned, offering him a chance for revenge. The scene hints at the complex relationship between these two characters and sets the stage for potential future conflicts involving the Hulk.
Iron Man 2 (2010) Mid-Credits Scene
As the MCU continued to expand, Iron Man 2 (2010) would have benefited from a mid-credits scene that provided a glimpse into future conflicts:
Scene Overview:
Senior Senator Stern and James Rhodes discuss with the President the idea of creating a "Patriot suit" for use in future battles. The President agrees, citing the changing world and the potential emergence of new heroes. James Rhodes, announcing ominously, remarks, "They're already coming out of the woodwork." This scene hints at the expansion of the superhero community and sets the stage for future conflicts involving the Mandarin and other emerging threats.
Thor (2011) Mid-Credits Scene
In a silent room filled with unknown books and a mysterious green glowing Eye of Agamotto, this scene would have introduced a new element to the MCU:
Scene Overview:
The scene is a one-minute period of silence, leading to the discovery of a mysterious relic known as the 'Eye of Agamotto'. This scene hints at the existence of Doctor Stephen Strange, who would later play a pivotal role in the MCU. The silence and the unknown language written on the books leave viewers wanting to know more about the new character and his role in the cosmic narrative of the MCU.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Mid-Credits Scene
The mid-credits scene for Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) would have connected the events of the film to the broader MCU narrative:
Scene Overview:
Beyond the events of Captain America, the scene begins with Loki capturing the Tesseract, leading into a vision of Asgard in disarray. Odin, with the help of his trusted advisor Hemidall, discusses the impending "Convergence", a cosmic event that will destroy the Bifrost Bridge and plunge the Nine Realms into chaos. Odin speaks of the importance of rebuilding the Bifrost and the need for Thor to take on the role of a king, promising to earn the realms' respect through his actions. The scene ends with a glimpse of the Starship, signaling the arrival of the future.
In conclusion, mid-credits scenes serve to enhance the storytelling and build anticipation for future films. By integrating elements of mystery and foreshadowing, these scenes provide valuable context and deepen the universe's lore, enriching the fan experience and keeping them invested in the broader narrative of the MCU.