‘The Marvels’ Mid-Credits Scene Delivers Solid MCU Premise, Post-Credits Not Essential

**Warning: MAJOR spoilers for The Marvels ahead.**

As the curtains rise on The Marvels, the anticipation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reaches a fever pitch. This isn’t just another superhero flick; it’s a pivotal chapter that’s set to steer the MCU’s epic saga into uncharted territories.

Ok, so maybe not the whole movie…. This sequel to Captain Marvel introduces a fresh trio of heroes as Carol ‘Captain Marvel’ Danvers, played by Brie Larson, teams up with Monica Rambeau and Kamala ‘Ms Marvel’  Khan, portrayed by Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani respectively. They face off against Kree extremist Dar-Benn, brought to life by Zawe Ashton.

However, Dar-Benn’s menace pales in comparison to the breaching event that happens in the film. This multiversal calamity is set to play a pivotal role in the unfolding Multiverse Saga, as the current phases of the MCU is called. But the intrigue doesn’t end there. A surprising cameo in the mid-credits scene hints at the exciting future of the MCU.

In the last act, Monica Rambeau’s journey in the film takes a dramatic turn as she remains in the other reality opened by Dar-Benn. After seemingly sacrificing herself, she awakens in an unfamiliar reality in the mid-credits scene. Here, she encounters a version of her mother, Maria, who, in this universe goes by Binary — a nod to Carol Danvers’ alter ego and a link to the X-Men.

But that’s not all.

The unexpected happens when X-Men mainstay Beast enters, portrayed once again by Kelsey Grammer. Confusion ensues when Maria does not recognize Monica, and the moment intensifies with the entry of the Beast as Monica doesn’t know who the walking, talking furry blue creature in a lab coat is.

Grammer reprises his role as Dr. Hank McCoy for the second time, after previously appearing in X-Men: The Last Stand aka X3. A younger version of McCoy appears in the prequels, including X-Men: Days of Future Past, where he’s played by Nicholas Hoult. Grammer’s Beast looks full CGI but resonates with 90s nostalgia, reminiscent of the animated series.

It’s left ambiguous whether this is the same Beast from the previous 20th Century Fox, now owned by Disney, but the production design subtly nods to the Fox X-Men franchise, now intertwined with MCU continuity.

Beast finds himself baffled by Monica’s impossible interdimensional travel. His promise to consult Charles Xavier (Professor X) adds depth to the unfolding mystery. The scene closes with a poignant and disorienting exchange between Monica and this universe’s Maria.

Eagle-eyed viewers will also notice that Binary, in a costume similar to the one Carol Danvers wore during her time with the X-Men in the Marvel Comics, has on a full set of Quantum Bands, the same one that opened the interdimensional rift that brought Monica across. 

And we know – the Captain Marvel legacy has always been about the Nega Bands, not the Quantum Bands, but The Marvels refers to the bracelets as Quantum Bands.

As the credits roll on The Marvels, viewers are left with more than just the remnants of popcorn and the echo of an epic score from X2: X-Men United. The mid-credits scene not only pays homage to the legacy of the X-Men, but also catapults the MCU into a new era.

Meanwhile, the post-credit sound is a mere Easter Egg, akin to a recent Loki episode that aired last week. It’s not a scene that warrants sticking around for.

The Marvels is now out in cinemas. Read our review.