Every Marvel Post-Credit Scene That Hasn’t Paid Off (Yet)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has made post-credit scenes a tradition, often teasing future films, introducing new characters, or tying up loose ends with a quick laugh. However, not every scene delivers on its promise, leaving some storylines and cameos dangling without resolution in later projects.

I’ve always loved the excitement of waiting through the credits for a glimpse of what’s next, but some teases have left me wondering where they went. Here are 10 Marvel post-credit scenes that haven’t paid off, exploring the setups that still linger in the MCU’s vast universe.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

In one of five post-credit scenes, Stakar Ogord, played by Sylvester Stallone, reunites the original Guardians team, including Michelle Yeoh’s Aleta and Ving Rhames’ Charlie-27. The scene hints at a new cosmic team-up, but they haven’t reappeared.

I was thrilled by the star-studded lineup, expecting a spin-off adventure. With James Gunn now at DC Studios, this tease feels like a forgotten nod to comic fans.

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Nick Fury and Maria Hill are revealed as Skrulls Talos and Soren, with the real Fury on a space station working with Skrulls. This setup for a cosmic S.H.I.E.L.D. operation hasn’t been revisited.

I loved the twist of Fury being off-world, but it’s odd that ‘Secret Invasion’ ignored this space station entirely. It feels like a missed chance for a bigger cosmic story.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

In prison, Adrian Toomes, the Vulture, meets Mac Gargan, aka Scorpion, played by Michael Mando, who hints at forming a team to take down Spider-Man. This Sinister Six tease hasn’t materialized.

I was pumped for a villain team-up, especially with Keaton’s Vulture. The multiverse focus in later Spider-Man films shifted away from this grounded setup.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Karl Mordo, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, turns against sorcery, stripping Jonathan Pangborn of his magic and declaring there are ‘too many sorcerers.’ This crusade against magic users hasn’t been followed up.

I found Mordo’s dark turn chilling, but ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022) focused on a different Mordo variant. His Earth-616 mission remains untouched.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Brett Goldstein debuts as Hercules, tasked by Zeus to hunt Thor. This setup for a godly showdown hasn’t been referenced in later projects or rumored ‘Thor 5’ plans.

I was excited by Hercules’ comic-accurate bravado, but with no clear Thor sequel, this feels like a throwaway tease. Goldstein’s casting deserves more than a one-off cameo.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Charlize Theron appears as Clea, pulling Stephen Strange into the Dark Dimension to fix an incursion. This major comic character’s debut hasn’t led to a ‘Doctor Strange 3’ announcement.

I was stunned by Theron’s casting and the cosmic stakes of Clea’s mission. With no confirmed sequel, this scene feels like a distant promise for Strange’s future.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Xialing, played by Meng’er Zhang, takes over the Ten Rings organization, with a title card promising their return. Neither she nor the group has appeared since.

I loved Xialing’s fierce takeover, but the lack of follow-up in other projects is puzzling. A Shang-Chi sequel might resolve this, but it’s still unconfirmed.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Wong recruits Shang-Chi and Katy to investigate the Ten Rings’ mysterious signal, with Bruce Banner and Carol Danvers appearing via hologram. The rings’ origins remain unexplored.

I was intrigued by the rings’ cosmic mystery, but no project has picked up this thread. It feels like a big setup left hanging in the multiverse saga.

Eternals (2021)

Dane Whitman, played by Kit Harington, contemplates the Ebony Blade, only to be interrupted by Mahershala Ali’s off-screen Blade asking if he’s ready. Neither character has returned.

I was hyped for Black Knight and Blade’s MCU debut, but production delays on ‘Blade’ have stalled this. It’s a frustrating tease with no clear payoff in sight.

Eternals (2021)

Patton Oswalt’s Pip the Troll introduces Harry Styles as Eros, Thanos’ brother, offering to help the Eternals. With no ‘Eternals 2’ planned, this cosmic cameo hasn’t gone anywhere.

I was surprised by Styles’ casting, but ‘Eternals’ poor reception likely shelved this plot. It’s a shame such a big tease feels like a dead end.

Which unresolved Marvel post-credit scene are you most curious about, or is there another tease I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!