How Loki’s scepter is in Thunderbolts* and when it was last seen in the MCU

Loki’s legendary scepter returns in the first trailer for Marvel Studios thunderbolts*Being seen again after a decade-long absence from the MCU. Marvel Studios released the first teaser trailer for thunderbolts* On September 23, rising anticipation for the high-octane Phase 5 movie that will bring together some anti-heroes and reformed villains from the MCU’s history. Bringing back so many age-old characters will be a celebration of the MCU’s past, and the return of some notable relics in thunderbolts*including Loki’s scepter of The AvengersWill continue this pattern.

thunderbolts* It’s expected to call back to various points throughout the history of the MCU, most notably Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, who debuted in 2011. Captain America: The First AvengerWill be a key member of the titular team. The first trailer for thunderbolts* revealed that Barnes’ inclusion won’t be the only reference to the MCU’s Phase 1, however. Some sort of event is expected to unfold regarding the Battle of New York, which unfolded in 2012s. The AvengersThe project that marked the first appearance of Loki’s powerful scepter.

Why Loki’s Scepter Appears in Thunderbolts*

Loki’s scepter is part of some sort of benefit in the Thunderbolts* trailer

Some scenes in thunderbolts Teaser trailer takes place as what appears to be a benefit or museum event commemorating the Battle of New York. This epic battle saw the Avengers come together for the first time to fight Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and his Chitauri army in the streets and skies of New York City, making themselves known to the world as a superhero team. It is unclear what the event is actually for thunderbolts*But various artifacts from the Battle of New York can be seen on displayOne of which is Loki’s scepter.

It seems that both Bucky Barnes and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine are involved in the event, and there’s no doubt that Bucky will feel some kind of personal connection to the show, considering his best friend’s role in the battle from New York. While the appearance of Loki’s scepter in this event is a fun callback to the MCU’s past, it’s unclear exactly how Valentina could have acquired itOr indeed any of the other artifacts. This may simply be a show of Valentina’s sheer power and influence.

Loki’s scepter was last seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron

Ultron used the mind stone in Loki’s scepter to bring Vision to life

Until then thunderbolts* Released in May 2025, it will have been a full decade since Loki’s scepter was seen in the MCU’s main continuity. The formidable weapon last appeared in 2015s Avengers: Age of UltronWhich revealed that the Scepter had an Infinity Stone, specifically the Mind Stone. The Avengers initially lead a charge against HYDRA in Sokovia to obtain the scepter from Loki, not knowing that it was used to enhance the abilities of Wanda and Pietro Maximoff. Shortly after he woke up, however, Ultron stole the scepter from the Avengers.

Hoping to create a synthetic body made of vibranium, Ultron used the mind stone from Loki’s scepter to bring the body to life. This would eventually become Vision, who used the Mind Stone many times as a powerful weapon. however, Loki’s scepter was never seen again after Ultron removed the Mind Stone, which was in Dr. Helen Cho’s laboratory in Seoul, South Korea. It is possible that Valentina was able to obtain the scepter quite easily from Seoul, allowing it to appear a decade later in thunderbolts*.

The MCU has shown Loki’s scepter in alternate universes

The scepter is Loki’s most iconic weapon across the multiverse

While Loki’s scepter has not been seen in the MCU’s main continuity since Avengers: Age of UltronVersatile versions of the weapon have been featured since then. The scepter was acquired during Avengers: Endgame Time is running out so that the Avengers can collect the Mind Stone. Loki wielded the scepter What if…? Season 1, Episode 3, “What If… The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?” And it also made appearances in Season 2, Episodes 5 and 8, “What if…Captain Carter fought the HYDRA Stamper?” and “What if… the Avengers assembled in 1602?.”

Loki’s scepter has had a huge impact on the MCU since its debut in The Avengers. In addition, it also became Loki’s preferred weapon, albeit with different capabilities, in Marvel Comics. While the scepter may be powerless without the mind stone, there is appearance within thunderbolts* will still provide a fun tie-in to the MCU’s history, and It will be an active display of how powerful, influential and evil Valentina Allegra de Fontaine really is..