In the Shang-Chi post-credit scene, Captain Marvel is quickly called away by an emergency beacon. So where was the galactic defender headed?
Warning: SPOILERS for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) made a brief appearance during the mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, though she quickly took off once again to handle an "emergency." The short scene didn't go into detail on what her emergency could be, but there are a few possible reasons for Captain Marvel to disappear suddenly. So, where did Carol leave to in such a hurry?
Following Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina) regaling their friends with their recent adventures, the Shang-Chi's mid-credit scene picks up with Wong, Carol Danvers, and Bruce Banner - the latter of which are both experts in their respective fields - discussing the Ten Rings with Shang-Chi and Katy in either Kamar-Taj or the Sanctum Sanctorum. Wong, Carol, and Bruce are able to piece together some information about the Ten Rings — they're ancient, incredibly powerful, and they're sending a beacon out to "other life." Shortly after this discovery, Carol gets a signal that drags her away from the meeting to handle an emergency.
The most likely scenario is that this emergency is setting up Captain Marvel's upcoming movie, The Marvels. The movie is set to further explore Carol's world and her role within the Avengers universe as a sequel to her origin story, Captain Marvel. The Marvels will also incorporate the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, introducing Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan to the MCU. Carol stressed the emergency was something that required her attention; possibly an emergency great enough to require a team-up between Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel to handle it. The sequel's villain has yet to be confirmed, though Zawe Ashton has been cast to play the role. With the sequel slated for 2022, it would make sense for Larson's mid-credit scene to tease at her next cinematic experience.
It's likely this brief scene also serves to establish what Captain Marvel has been up to during Shang-Chi and between the events of Avengers: Endgame and The Marvels. After the snap, it was revealed that Carol was patrolling the galaxy for any sign of trouble, all while reporting back to Black Widow using the same holographic technology seen in the Shang-Chi mid-credits scene. While her hair growth reveals some time has passed since the events of Endgame, it seems Carol is up to the same old gig, keeping an eye out for intergalactic threats. Bruce's comment about the frequency of her quick departures also alludes to the fact that Carol has kept in contact with the Avengers post-Endgame.
With The Marvels still in development, fans can only speculate what emergency is awaiting Captain Marvel on the other side of that distress signal. Carol has previously explained that she handles the universe's biggest and baddest problems; so, for her to leave in such a hurry, it was likely a doozy of an emergency. With Carol Danvers and Kamala Khan teaming up to take on the next intergalactic threat, the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings credit scene is hinting at something big in their future.
Next: Shang-Chi Ending Explained: 6 Biggest Questions, Answered
