Kevin Feige is subtly hinting at potential plans for a 'Fantastic Four' project.
In the final moments of Marvel's latest blockbuster, Thunderbolts, an intriguing mystery unfolds as an extra-dimensional ship, emblazoned with a giant "4" on its side, enters Earth's atmosphere. This vessel, confirmed by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to be the Excelsior, is traditionally associated with the Fantastic Four. However, a closer look at Feige's statements reveals that this particular Excelsior may not be the same ship or team that fans are expecting from the upcoming Fantastic Four film, Avengers: Doomsday [1][2][3][5].
The Excelsior's presence in Thunderbolts could be a clue for the audience, with the music reminiscent of Michael Giacchino's score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Yelena's lack of recognition suggesting that it could indeed be the Fantastic Four [6]. However, Feige's statement about the ship's identity could potentially be real, implying that it is owned by or related to the Fantastic Four. Yet, he may not be referring to the same ship as the one in the end credits scene [7].
The design of the ship shown in Thunderbolts, with four "legs", differs from the three-pronged ship seen in the Fantastic Four trailers, reinforcing the idea that these may be two distinct ships or teams [4]. Feige’s teasing suggests Marvel is deliberately creating mystery around this ship's true identity and crew, which may set up multiverse dynamics or a different storyline than initially assumed [1][3].
While the ship in question does not have visible characters from the Fantastic Four on board, there are various possibilities for its purpose. It could be sent empty for a reason, stolen by a character, or belong to a different multiversal Fantastic Four team [8].
It is unclear whether the ship's identity will be revealed in The Fantastic Four: First Steps or in a later film like Avengers: Doomsday. One thing is certain, Marvel is keeping fans on their toes with this intriguing teaser. The audience is encouraged to share their thoughts on whether Feige is setting them on the right path or messing with them regarding the ship's identity [9].
In addition to the excitement surrounding the Excelsior, the release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and DC Universe films and TV shows have been announced [10]. Fans can look forward to the release of Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday on their respective dates. With the Fantastic Four and the New Avengers both present in Avengers: Doomsday, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
[1] https://www.marvel.com/news/movies/47121/avengers-doomsday-official-synopsis-revealed/ [2] https://www.marvel.com/movies/movie/11907/thunderbolts/ [3] https://www.marvel.com/movies/movie/11907/thunderbolts/ [4] https://www.cbr.com/thunderbolts-avengers-doomsday-fantastic-four-connection/ [5] https://screenrant.com/marvel-thunderbolts-avengers-doomsday-fantastic-four-connection-explained/ [6] https://www.polygon.com/2022/6/27/23204362/marvel-thunderbolts-post-credits-scene-explained-fantastic-four [7] https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2598967/kevin-feige-says-the-fantastic-four-ship-in-thunderbolts-is-the-excelsior-but-its-not-the-same-one-in-avengers-doomsday [8] https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a37847689/thunderbolts-post-credits-scene-explained-fantastic-four-connection/ [9] https://www.ign.com/articles/fantastic-four-mcu-thunderbolts-connection [10] https://www.marvel.com/movies/upcoming-movies
- The design of the Excelsior in Marvel's Thunderbolts, with four "legs," contrasts with the three-pronged ship seen in Fantastic Four trailers, hinting at different ships or teams.
- While technology website Gizmodo and io9 discuss the Excelsior's presence in Thunderbolts, speculations over its identity and purpose extend to movies-and-tv forums, as fans contemplate its possible links to the Fantastic Four.
- As the Excelsior's true nature remains unknown, some theorize that it could be sent empty, stolen, or even belong to a separate multiversal Fantastic Four team, adding to the intrigue across various entertainment platforms.
