The post-credits scene of Captain America: Brave New World is certainly a conversation starter. If you haven’t seen it, be aware that this discussion will reveal both the scene and its originally intended version.

Toward the end of the film, a visit from Sam Wilson to the imprisoned Samuel Sterns in the depths of the Raft sets the stage for what’s to come. Sterns ominously warns Sam that he is unaware of the impending threats from other worlds and “the others.” Although vague, this message seems to foreshadow the multiverse storyline unfolding in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, which apparently only Doctor Strange and Monica Rambeau are currently aware of. Initially, however, “the others” might have referred specifically to the Illuminati, a group of genius-level intellects who first appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

In a recent conversation with Brave New World director Julius Onah, TheWrap touched on the Illuminati, suggesting they were part of an earlier draft of the film but were cut during reshoots. This information was later corroborated by scooper Alex Perez, who noted they would have been portrayed as heroes from different worlds, distinct from the Earth-838 version seen in Multiverse of Madness. Onah hinted that while the specifics of Sterns’ warning were left intentionally vague, the post-credit scene was always meant to serve as a warning, given that by the time of filming, Marvel had a clearer understanding of the direction of the MCU. The challenge was incorporating this without any ongoing writing due to strikes.

The potential inclusion of the Illuminati in Brave New World draws from comic book lore, where Steve Rogers was a member of the team and had a significant confrontation with them leading up to the Secret Wars event in 2015. When Rogers opposed the Illuminati’s plan to construct a weapon that could save their Earth at the cost of others, they erased his memory. Upon regaining his memories, Rogers utilized the Avengers to pursue the Illuminati. This precedence provides a foundation for the interaction between the Illuminati and a Captain America, although their cameo in Brave New World could still feel unexpected, much like Sterns’ enigmatic statement.

For more io9 news, check out the upcoming release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek projects, what’s in store for the DC Universe on film and TV, and all the details about the future of Doctor Who.