The Avengers return next year with probably the most eagerly-awaited movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series...
It’s the first half of a two-part story
Infinity War is being lensed back-to-back with its direct sequel, an untitled movie (though it was originally to have been called Infinity War Part 2) that will close Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and which will be released in 2019.
It’s the beginning of the end of the Avengers as we know them
We already had a hint in Age of Ultron that the classic line-up of the Avengers – Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor and Hawkeye – are soon to become a thing of the past. New Avengers appeared to be readying up to take their place, and Marvel Studios supremo Kevin Feige has already confirmed that Infinity War will be the final chapter for some beloved Marvel favourites.
So, does this mean that Infinity War, and its sequel, will be the last hurrah for Iron Man, Captain America, Thor etc? It certainly looks like it could be...
The film is like a Marvel Cinematic Universe megamix
Almost every frontline Marvel character from the past nine years of the MCU will be popping up in Infinity War and the joy will be in seeing characters we’ve never seen meet interacting with each other for the first time.
While we’re looking forward to seeing Spider-Man, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther etc hooking up, it’s the inclusion of the Guardians of the Galaxy that we’re really excited about. So far, the Guardians films are the only Marvel movies that, due to their being set in outer space, kind of exist in their own little bubble. It’s going to be worth the price of the ticket alone to see Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Groot and Rocket mix it up with Avengers.
Thanos is the villain
Thanos, as played by Josh Brolin, has been teased in various MCU movies now, but Infinity War finally puts the purple-faced ubervillain centre stage as he attempts to amass the Infinity Stones for a gauntlet that will allow him to inflict his will on all reality.
We probably won’t be seeing any TV faces
There were hopes that, given how many big screen superheroes are joining the fight against Thanos in Infinity War, that some of Marvel’s small screen heroes might get in on the act.
Sadly, it doesn’t look like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage or Iron Fist (collectively known as the Defenders) will be making an appearance. Since Daredevil took its bow a few years ago, Marvel have kept the Netflix corner of the MCU entirely separate to the movie world. Although they technically take place in the same narrative universe (the events of Avengers Assemble have been referenced in Daredevil), the differing tones (the Netflix shows are certainly more violent and sexual than the movies) have made blending the two quite problematic.
Joss Whedon’s not involved this timeJoss Whedon created two of the best MCU movies in Avengers Assemble and Avengers: Age of Ultron, but sadly, he’s already handed in his Marvel notice (he’s currently finishing off DC’s Justice League before starting on Batgirl). Happily, he’s been replaced as director by Anthony and Joe Russo, who are two of the finest directors on Marvel’s books.
It’s out 27 April 2018
That's a whole week before America gets it. FINALLY we get something FIRST!