Road To (Infinity) War
Where do the heroes of the MCU go from here?
by Phil Perich for the Capes and Lunatics Blog
From all accounts, Thor: Ragnarok was another massive success for Disney and Marvel this weekend. And if the full theater I saw it in is any indication, fan interest is still high. The following is purely speculation on my part as to where the Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading story-wise. Also beware because from here on out it’s spoilers for what’s happened in the MCU movies and the news and rumors we’ve received online.
King of Thunder
After the events of Thor: Ragnarok, I believe we’re on the ground floor of the evolution of Thor. Not only do we get the death of Thor’s father Odin, but Thor also becomes more like his father, losing an eye and possessing more power than he’s ever had before, even without his hammer. in my opinion after Avengers: Infinity War, we will see less of Thor as he guides his people to a new home, a new Asgard. But we may get a new Thor in the MCU. There is a female Thor in Marvel Comics right now. But with Natalie Portman seemingly gone for good from the MCU, could the newly introduced Valkyrie take Thor’s place on an all new, all different Avengers team wielding a repaired Mjolnir?
Always Hits the Mark
For months, Kevin Feige and others behind the production of Avengers: Infinity War have teased that not everyone will make it out alive. Is it possible that one of the more mortal characters will die attempting to stop Thanos along with their more powerful teammates? There has been online speculation for awhile now that Hawkeye may be destined to meet his end soon. We’ve also seen behind the scenes photos of Jeremy Renner wearing what appears to be a new uniform. Has Clint Barton taken on the identity of Ronin as he did in the comics following his death and resurrection? And even if he survives the cosmic level battle, does this leave the possibility of a new Hawkeye in the MCU and on the Avengers? Currently their are two Hawkeyes in Marvel Comics, Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. Could Kate be the Avengers new archer in the next phase of the MCU?
Patriot Games
Another somewhat mortal character who keeps getting his name put on the rumored death list is Captain America, Steve Rogers. Having already cheated death once at the end of World War II, how lone can Steve’s luck last. And like Hawkeye, it seems Steve won’t be Captain America at the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War. Will the next evolution of an Avengers team have a new “heart and soul” because Steve will be gone? And if that’s the case, will someone else pick up the shield and mantle of Captain America going forward, like Sam Wilson or Bucky Barnes in the comics? Or could it be a previously unseen character like John Walker aka US Agent?
Hostile Takeover
And what about the fate of Tony Stark, Iron Man? He was the first hero in the MCU and been around the longest. And let’s not forget that Robert Downey Junior not only makes the largest salary out of the entire cast, but most of Hollywood. So would the creators give him a heroic death where Tony sacrifices his life and future happiness with Pepper Potts to defeat Thanos or will they simply have him give up the mantle of Iron Man like he appeared to do at the end of Iron Man 3? Could we see a day where Tony just plays a mentor to characters like Peter Parker and any future MCU heroes? And if Tony is no longer Iron Man, who would take his place? James Rhodes as War Machine/Iron Patriot or could we once again see another next generation character such as Ironheart aka Riri Williams?
Joe Can Fix It
One of the biggest revelations from Thor: Ragnarok is the further evolution of the Hulk. Thanks to the odd way time runs on the planet Sakar, the Hulk was free to live his own life without the threat of reverting back to Bruce Banner for two years. This plot was based on the Planet Hulk comics but it also reminded me of Peter David’s legendary run on the Incredible Hulk when the Hulk was able to live a life as a leg breaker in Las Vegas for three Bruce Banner free months. Maybe it’s that reason and my love of the Vegas storyline, but I would love to see the Hulk evolve even further into his gray incarnation. While somewhat smaller and less powerful, the gray Hulk is more intelligent and craftier than his green counterpart. I would love to see Mark Ruffalo play the role of the gray Hulk especially if we got some scenes in Las Vegas!
Do you have any ideas or a wish list for future MCU characters or events? Let me know!
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