While it was clearly meant as a fun holiday-themed gift for fans, Hawkeye's post-credits scene - the full-length version of "Save the City" from Rogers: The Musical - received a surprisingly mixed response. At this point, we've all come to expect stingers that set the stage for future stories or feature massive reveals, so the Disney+ series not heading down that route led to some backlash.
Even Hawkeye director Ryan Thomas expressed his surprise about the direction Marvel Studios chose to head down. Now, Rogers: The Musical composer and co-lyricist, Marc Shaiman, has weighed in on the frustration shared by fans since the show's finale was released.
"I understand that there are a lot of people who would've expected and wanted the post-credits scene to be some new kernel of what's gonna happen next in the MCU. I completely get it," Shaiman told Inverse. "But it has been tough to know that by doing our job well, we made something that not everyone likes. It's been bittersweet almost, but to be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is crazy."
Despite being caught in the midst of this apparent controversy, the composer responded positively when asked about potentially returning for more MCU-themed musical numbers. "Well, of course we would. I mean, it was really a one-off. It was just there. It was an idea that almost came up as a joke one day and then they didn't let it go. It just kept coming up. But it was just to serve that one purpose of Hawkeye being in New York."
Shaiman penned "Save the City" with co-lyricist Scott Wittman; their previous credits include writing the music for Broadway musicals Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Prior to this post-credits scene, the response to Rogers: The Musical had been positive.
Relive "Save the City" from Hawkeye below: