Marvel's The Avengers: Age of Ultron is a guaranteed box office hit, but it's also the
next big junction point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
That means there are more than a few story threads and characters that could be introduced
or explored in the film, in order to further expand the MCU into Phase 3 (and beyond).
Here are 10 Marvel Cinematic Universe Easter Eggs Fans Want to See in Avengers 2.
10.
Black Panther's World
Marvel has a lot of new heroes coming in the aftermath of Avengers 2, but in the case of
Black Panther, we don't expect the character to really appear until Captain America: Civil
War.
However, Black Panther's world and backstory we fully expect to be referenced in Avengers
2.
In Avengers 2, we know that Andy Serkis will play Ulysses Klaw, a villain who, in the comics,
steals an iconic metal called Vibranium from Black Pather's homeland, Wakanda, killing
Black Panther's father in the process.
Based on trailers, Klaw helps Ultron upgrade his body with Vibranium - but how that goal
is achieved could set into motion events that eventually bring Black Panther into contact
with The Avengers.
9.
World War Hulk
It's a big expectation that Hulk will be taking a leave of absence after Avengers 2 - possibly
into space.
That speculation has led to rumors of a "Planet Hulk" movie, but that Marvel Comics story
about Hulk conquering an alien world has always been too heavy with CGI and budget demands
to seem viable as a live-action movie.
Even if we never actually see the events of "Planet Hulk" onscreen, however, the "World
War Hulk" storyline (when Hulk returns to Earth as a conquering warlord) is something
future movies could explore.
8.
Ant-Man on Deck
In bold departure from Marvel Comics history, Ant-Man (aka Hank Pym) won't be introduced
into the MCU until after Ultron has been created.
But that doesn't mean that Pym's comic book connections with the evil robot can't still
be referenced in some way.
Age of Ultron trailers have already shown flashbacks which bring historical elements
of the MCU to the forefront.
One of those historical events could conceivably be research done by Hank Pym that helps Tony
Stark create Ultron.
That's all speculation, but needless to say fans are hoping some trace of the classic
Hank Pym/Ultron origin stays intact.
7.
Agents of Carter
Given the events of the first Avengers film, there is still one big elephant-in-room within
the MCU: Phil Coulson's resurrection.
Many fans hope that the world-threatening events of Age of Ultron will at finally force
Coulson to re-unite with the super team he first inspired to work together.
On the villain side, HYDRA's experiments on superpowered beings is something that AoS
and AoU will definitely have in common - and there's also evidence in the trailers that
Peggy Carter will appear in Avengers 2.
It seems clear that Marvel TV will at least get some kind of reference from its big-budget
cousin.
6.
Strange Magic
Avengers Age of Ultron is also the venue where we expect to be introduced to yet another
new factor in the MCU (besides superpowers and cosmic beings): magic.
Based on what we've seen, there are possible connections between the Scarlet Witch and
Doctor Strange, the big mystic in the Marvel Universe, who will star in his own 2016 film
played by Benedict Cumberbatch.
The source of Scarlet Witch's psychic/telekinetic powers in Avengers 2 have been remained mysterious
- especially since the MCU cannot use mutants in its films due to legal issues with Fox.
Based on images and tie-in merchandise, Scarlet Witch's powers in the movie seem to have the
same kind of stylized energy signature as Doctor Strange, meaning Avengers 2 could be
the introduction to a whole realm of MCU magic.
5.
Beginning of the End... of Times
Avengers 2 will find Thor living amongst humanity full-time as its protector; however, the Asgardian
prince's love of mankind could be sorely tested by the time Age of Ultron is over is he could
return home only to face a greater threat to the cosmos: Sultur and the fire demons.
Now that we know Thor: Ragnarok is coming to theaters, it's clear that while Thor and
the Avengers are battling evil robots on Earth, events in Asgard are going to be headed toward
the end of days.
4.
Galactic Guardians
Since Guardians of the Galaxy became a hit, fans have wondered when in where it will connect
to Avengers.
Guardians director James Gunn has openly stated that, at least for now, the franchise is more
of its own thing, but fans no doubt hope that Age of Ultron will lay some kind of foundation
for a crossover, so things don't completely jump the shark when Rocket Raccoon is eventually
trading banter with Tony Stark.
Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet/Stones are the most obvious way to connect the two franchises,
so let's discuss THAT possibility...
3.
Beginning of Infinity
Avengers 2 could very well be the film that begins the process of turning Earth's Mightiest
Heroes into the Universe's Mightiest Heroes - and the key may be found in Loki's scepter
from the first film.
Marvel has already confirmed that Loki's scepter IS one of the Infinity Stones, and it's speculated
that in Avengers 2 it is most likely be the mind gem, which brings Ultron and/or The Vision
to life.
And once the Infinity Stones are once again in play on Earth, Thanos and his Infinity
War can't be far behind.
2.
Civil Start to War
The events of Age of Ultron (Tony Stark creating an A.I. that threatens to destroy the world),
is sure going to put a strain on The Avengers team - one that could conceivably fracture
Steve Rogers and Tony Stark's relationship, in particular.
In the aftermath of Avengers 2, Rogers and Stark will likely be standing on opposite
sides of some kind of line, and by the time Captain America: Civil War arrives, Cap and
his new team of Avengers could be going to war against Stark and whatever authority he
wields.
For fans watching Avengers 2, the hope is to see good, weighty dramatic beginnings to
the Cap/Iron Man schism, and perhaps some final (or post-credits) scene of what Captain
America's new Avengers roster looks like.
1.
Spidey Comes Home
One of the biggest headlines of the last few years has been Sony finally lending Spider-Man
to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Where, when and how Spidey will appear in the MCU has been subject of debate and speculation
- but needless to say, fans are keeping fingers crossed that Marvel has worked some kind of
introduction to the character into Avengers 2.
With casting still a mystery, it's doubtful that Spider-Man will appear in Avengers 2.
But even one strand of his webbing seen during a post-credit scene would be enough to get
Spidey mania going.
That's it for our list of Easter Eggs fans are keeping fingers crossed to see in The
Avengers: Age of Ultron!
Let us know in the comments if you have any other MCU Easter Eggs you hope to see in Avengers
2!
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