A Brief History of Post-Credits Scenes: Theater Origins, Bloopers, and the MCU

This Nerdist article traces the history and evolution of post-credits scenes, noting that while the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) massively popularized them, they existed long before.

Key points include:

1. Early Origins: The practice dates back to films like "The Silencers" (1966). "The Muppet Movie" (1979) is highlighted as a significant early example that broke the fourth wall and encouraged audiences to stay for an extra joke.
2. '80s Comedy & Bloopers: Comedies in the 1980s, such as "Cannonball Run" and "Airplane!", frequently used blooper reels or gag scenes. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) famously had a post-credits scene directly addressing the audience. James Bond films also had a tradition of promising "James Bond Will Return."
3. The MCU Revolution: The MCU, starting with Nick Fury's appearance in 2008's "Iron Man," transformed post-credits scenes from mere gags into vital tools for universe-building, sequel teases, and fan rewards. This created a strong audience expectation.
4. Television's Use: TV shows, particularly sitcoms, have long used "stingers" or brief final scenes for an extra joke before the credits fully roll or network logos appear.
5. Modern Landscape: Post-credits scenes are now a common, almost expected, feature in blockbuster and franchise filmmaking. They serve various purposes, from teasing future installments and introducing new characters to providing simple comedic payoffs or rewarding dedicated fans who stay.

Visit https://nerdist.com/article/post-credits-scenes-history-theater-television-bloopers-mcu/ to read or listen to the article.

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