Fantastic Four First Steps: Who Directed the Post-Credits Scene? Surprise Reveal Connects to Avengers: Doomsday

The post-credits scenes in Marvel Studios films have become legendary, and Fantastic Four: First Steps is no exception. In a surprising twist, director Matt Shakman has confirmed that he was not the one behind the movie’s post-credits stinger instead, that honor goes to none other than Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo known for Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

"They’re amazing at what they do and they’re lovely, generous people," said Shakman in an interview with ComicBook.com.

But why did the Russos step in? And what does it mean for the future of the MCU, especially heading into Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars? Let’s break down everything we know and why this detail is more important than it might first appear.

Why the Russos Directed the Post-Credits Scene

Shakman explained that the post-credits scene was actually filmed during the production of Avengers: Doomsday, which started earlier this year. The Russos, already deep into the next massive MCU chapter, took the opportunity to shoot the Fantastic Four’s stinger to better align it with the tone and narrative of Doomsday.

Think of it like a relay race, as Shakman describes: "You run your part and then pass the baton. I passed it to Joe and Anthony, and they’re off and running."

This decision wasn’t just about continuity it was also about logistics. With the Fantastic Four cast already involved in Doomsday, it made perfect sense for the Russos to shoot the scene while everyone was on set.

Who’s in the Scene and What Might It Show?

Marvel’s post-credits scenes often act as connective tissue, setting the tone for what’s coming next. Just like the Thunderbolts* stinger, which showed the New Avengers witnessing the arrival of the Fantastic Four on Earth-616, this new scene is likely to establish major stakes.

So what could the First Steps post-credits sequence involve?

• A meeting between the Fantastic Four and the Avengers?
• The first visual tease of Doctor Doom, rumored to be played by Robert Downey Jr.?
• Or perhaps a multiversal warning that leads directly into the conflict of Avengers: Doomsday?

Russo Brothers and Marvel’s Big Picture

This isn’t the first time Marvel has called on the Russos to set up the future. They also directed the button scene for Thunderbolts* a last-minute addition that connects directly to Avengers: Doomsday. According to director Jake Schreier, it was filmed just weeks before Thunderbolts* hit theaters.

This continuity ensures a smoother handoff from one movie to the next. The Fantastic Four will play a key role in the Multiverse Saga, especially as they’re confirmed to appear in both Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.

What This Means for the Future of the MCU

Marvel is known for meticulously planting seeds, and this move is no different. The Russo-directed post-credits scene helps establish:

• Narrative continuity across First Steps and Doomsday
• A seamless character handoff between directors
• Teasers for what’s to come in Secret Wars and beyond

It’s also a fan-service move: viewers know that when the Russos are involved, things are about to get serious.

With the Fantastic Four sequel already rumored to be in the works for the December 2028 Marvel slot, this team is clearly being positioned as foundational in Marvel’s evolving multiverse.

Matt Shakman’s willingness to let the Russo Brothers take over a key moment speaks volumes about Marvel’s collaborative process. This strategy ensures not only a consistent tone but also a stronger emotional and narrative build-up as we head into Avengers: Doomsday.

Fans now have a lot to speculate about. Will we see Doctor Doom? Will the Fantastic Four lead Earth’s defense in the multiversal war? One thing’s for sure—Marvel knows how to keep us watching through the credits.