Hello friends. Now that we have all had our edges disintegrated into dust after seeing Infinity War, it’s time to gather our tattered spirits, use the Time Stone, and look to the future to see what could come down the pike in Avengers 4.
What Comes Next?
To be honest, Marvel had me so thoroughly shook with Infinity War that I really don’t know how they’re going to get revenge or reverse this in Avengers. I do have a feeling that the next film is going to give us an alternate reality that our heroes are living in. Those set photos of them in their old uniforms and different hairstyles mean we’re gonna be getting a bit weird. Also Ant Man and the Wasp is sure to introduce the Quantum Realm, which is what I believe will allow them to be immune to the snap. Might be good to have those two there to let our heroes know something isn’t right.
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel is clearly on the way, but from where? Or when? I don’t know how but I can absolutely see our heroes having to fight through time and space to truly reverse what Thanos did so maybe they link up with her after being sent back in time? Or somewhere in space? Also, given Captain Marvel is fighting the shape shifting Kree, might that factor into what the 4th film will deal with.
The Half Sticks, but Which Half?
So now that I am more focused on how than who, one theory I have is that if Marvel wanted to be super bold, is to make Thanos’ snap a permanent thing, but allow our heroes to take the place of the fallen ones. I could absolutely see Tony and Cap sacrificing themselves to be turned to ash in order to bring back characters.
Look to the Cartoon?
Sometimes it pays to have a roommate who has seen all this stuff. In the Infinity War cartoon, they goad Thanos into only using one stone at a time, with each Avenger having the key to defeating it. For example, the Time Stone kills everyone but Thor, who as a god gains more strength the older he gets. That’s a brilliant conceit, very much like how Broadchurch put the clues to the killer in the suspects backstories, and one I hope the movie gets into.
Who Will Return?
Most Likely
Black Panther and Spider-Man, tie. Both characters have announced sequels or heavily talked about plans.
Doctor Strange. The Master of the Mystic Arts can’t be truly dead when we’ve only seen him for the third time.
Peter, Mantis, Groot, and Star-Lord. Though Peter might deserve to stay dead given that he is really the reason they lost to Thanos, but it’s hard to see the Guardians all going given they have a part 3 coming out.
Maybe
Wanda. She has finally come into her powers but the story could be fine without her, especially if a certain mutant group makes its way into the MCU.
Falcon and Bucky. Either or could take up the mantel of Captain America, and both are played by reliable actors who still have time on their deals. Which one would hurt more to lose?
It’s Looking Bleak
Vision. They have laid the groundwork for how to rebuild him when they were trying to fix him but what good is that character without the stone? We don’t need an android among the Avengers at this point.
Gamora. The most unexpected death of Infinity War was its most weighty and should be the one to stick. I like Gamora but her death gave that movie a pathos it needed and provided Thanos a great moment.
Loki. This is part wishful thinking, cause I’m tired of him, but Loki’s death would be welcome because he has honestly run his course plot and story-wise.
Ultra Heart-Breaking Theory
DO NOT READ THIS FINAL SECTION IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE COMPLETELY TRAUMATIZED
I MEAN IT
If you listen to Storm of Spoilers you already heard this but Da7e offered his version of what would happen in the next movie and it involves the Soul Stone. Given that stone requires a sacrifice, he said he could see Tony having to kill Cap in order to wield the power of the Stone (Tony being the gauntlet wielder by virtue of Strange saying he had to be spared). When I tell yall this fucked me up more than anything in Infinity War lmao. I can already see the scene now with Tony, tears in his eyes, and Cap with a resigned yet world weary look saying something like “It’s ok Tony. I’m ready”
I hate Da7e so much.
What do you think will happen in the next movie?
I think Steve Rogers is going to sacrifice himself to save Bucky Barnes. And I think Okaye is going to sacrifice herself to save T’Challa. And I think Rocket Raccoon is going to sacrifice himself to save Groot. Most heartbreaking of all, I know that Tony Stark is going to sacrifice himself to save Peter Parker. Just to name a few
Rocket dying would make me so sad.