‘Thunderbolts*’ ending surprise: Director reveals it wasn’t the original plan and why they had to change it
Marvel Studios pushed for a more definitive ending; Schreier’s original vision was much more open-ended.

Jake Schreier, director of ’Thunderbolts*’, has revealed that the film’s original ending was drastically different from what audiences saw in theaters. According to reports from Collider and CBR, the ending was changed after test screenings didn’t react as expected, leading to last-minute adjustments.
Why was the ending changed?
The initial version of the ending was reportedly more open-ended, allowing for greater ambiguity in character fates. However, Marvel Studios wanted a more definitive resolution, leading to reshoots and key narrative alterations.
Schreier explained that the adjustments were made to ensure the film’s final act aligned with future MCU storylines, saying:
“We had a version of the ending that took a different direction, but ultimately, we needed something that set up what’s coming next.”
While some character arcs were modified, the core themes of the film remained intact, with the post-credits scene playing a critical role in establishing future Marvel projects.
What was the original ending?
While Schreier didn’t disclose exact details, insider reports suggest that the initial ending featured a major twist that changed how the Thunderbolts’ actions were perceived. Some sources believe it involved a darker, more morally complex conclusion, rather than the one audiences ultimately saw.
The altered version now provides a clearer setup for upcoming MCU films, ensuring that the events of ’Thunderbolts*’ have direct consequences in future storylines.
The revelation that ’Thunderbolts*’ underwent major last-minute changes has sparked debate among fans. While some appreciate the more definitive ending, others wonder what could have been if Schreier’s original vision had remained intact.
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