For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Infinity War is quite possibly the biggest film of the last ten years. It’s the culmination of many films, plotlines, post-credit scenes and character development. Ever since we were given a brief glimpse of the Mad Titan Thanos at the end of the first Avengers film, it was clear what was being teased. The Infinity Gauntlet was coming, and Thanos was going to stop at nothing to collect all the stones one by one.
And slowly but surely, the Stones have been carefully placed in several films and the effects of putting them together have been intricately teased as we get closer to Avengers: Infinity War. And obviously, as we learnt more details thanks to press releases, toys, interviews and trailers -- the internet does what it does best, speculate. There are countless theories on the inner workings of the MCU, what’s in store for the heroes as well as their villains and most importantly, what’s going happen during Infinity War. We’ve picked out the ones that look most likely and the most drastic ones that will definitely not make it to the screen. Here are 10 crazy fan theories that might actually be real (and 10 that are already proven false).
20 MIGHT BE REAL: CAP WILL DIE
We know that the Infinity Gauntlet is going to give Thanos an infinite amount of power once he assembles all of the stones, so it’s obvious that he’s going to kill anybody that gets in his way. Captain America/Nomad/Steve Rogers will definitely be one of the first to sign up to fight against the evil Titan. But the rumor is that Cap will be one of the ones that Thanos kills.
This would line up with Tony’s vision that he saw during Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he saw the bodies of his fallen comrades. But it would also allow Bucky or Sam Wilson to take up the mantle of Captain America going forward. It’s obviously going to be heartbreaking, but Cap can’t be around forever.
19 PROVEN FALSE: ADAM WARLOCK
If you’ve read the original storyline “The Infinity Gauntlet”, you know that Adam Warlock features heavily into the plot, especially in the resolution of the threat. We even briefly saw Adam’s new cocoon in the post-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. It would make sense that his introduction would appear during Avengers: Infinity War, but that isn’t the case.
Both James Gunn and Kevin Feige have confirmed that Adam Warlock will not appear during Infinity War. But he will be in a future Guardians film, likely Vol.3. Gunn has said that he’ll be a vital part of the cosmic side of the MCU. Since Marvel are entrusting the cosmic nature of their film to James Gunn, it seems like he has definitive plans for Adam.
18 MIGHT BE REAL: SKRULLS
When it was announced that the Captain Marvel movie would see Carol Danvers going up against the Skrulls, we all instantly wondered… is a cinematic adaptation of "Secret Invasion" on its way? Add that to the fact that although it was originally said to be Infinity War Part 2, Avengers 4 is its own film. But since the two will clearly be connected in some way, it’s obvious the Russo Brothers would start sowing the seeds in Avengers: Infinity War.
The theory is that through the use of the gauntlet or the Reality Stone, a Skrull will be revealed on Earth either in the Avengers or in a seat of power that would tease the "Secret Invasion" storyline or the Captain Marvel film. It could even be the thing that brings Captain Marvel back to Earth.
17 PROVEN FALSE: CROSSBONES
We all knew that at the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier that Crossbones would return to plague Captain America and the Avengers at some point. Albeit that return was actually quite brief at the beginning of Captain America: Civil War when he blew himself up. But a theory still held out hope that he could return during Infinity War, after all the Infinity Gauntlet can do miraculous things.
However, when discussing his work on The Purge, Frank Grillo stated that he really wasn’t interested in returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mainly because it had veered off in its own direction that didn’t particularly interest him. In his defence, The Winter Soldier is a vastly different beast to many other MCU films, mainly being a spy thriller than a superhero movie.
16 MIGHT BE REAL: ‘T.H.A.N.O.S’ THEORY
Let’s face it, one of the biggest questions we’re all going into Avengers: Infinity War with is where the last Stone is. But there’s a certain theory that would help narrow down its’ location in the universe. The theory uses the objects that held each stone as they correspond to each letter in Thanos’ name. Tesseract, unknown, Aether, Necklace, Orb and Scepter.
Since the Soul Stone’s location is unknown, we’re given the letter H to pin it to. The most popular theory is in Heimdall. But another is Howard Stark, perhaps he did something to Tony with the Soul Stone and that’s why the individual Infinity Stone posters used Tony as the background image. Who knows. But if it’s true, it’s a helpful pointer along the way.
15 PROVEN FALSE: PEPPER POTTS
If there’s one thing we know about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s that Tony and Pepper’s relationship seems to be able to withstand even the mightiest of blows. Ironmonger? Easy. The upending of Stark Industries? Piece of cake. Extremis Virus? Who cares! Sure, they had a rough patch during Civil War, but when she returned during the end of Spider-Man: Homecoming, there was clearly a development in their relationship.
Specifically, it hinted that Tony was about to propose in front of a group of reporters. But a theory made a different proposal, the hand that Tony is holding in the Infinity War trailer isn’t his own, but Pepper’s after she died. But that seemed to be on a whole other planet and Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted on the Avengers 4 set wearing the same ring. Tony and Pepper forever.
14 MIGHT BE REAL: TONY STARK
If we’re going by the T.H.A.N.O.S. theory, it’s very possible that Howard Stark is the connection between the last Infinity Stone, Tony Stark and Avengers: Infinity War. We know that at the time, Howard Stark was at the forefront of scientific experimentation and invention. The theory follows the comic book story in which the Soul Stone is embedded in Tony Stark’s brain.
Perhaps Howard and his wife Maria discovered they couldn’t have children and when the scientist found the Soul Stone, used it to create a son. It could be why Thanos needed to wear the Infinity Gauntlet when fighting Tony in the trailer that we saw. If so, this doesn’t bode well for the Invincible Iron Man. If only there was a being who could phase through people in the MCU…
13 PROVEN FALSE: S.W.O.R.D.
When trailers for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season five began to debut, most fans began to assume that Coulson and the rest of the team had joined the space defense organization S.W.O.R.D. It’s a group that protect Earth from cosmic threats before they reach our world and preemptively stopping alien attacks.
However, once the season started, it became very apparent that they weren’t at S.W.O.R.D. at all. One theory set up the idea that turning the team into S.W.O.R.D. agents would be a great way of bringing them into Infinity War, but since all the filming schedules clashed and the S.W.O.R.D. idea was debunked with that first episode, it’s quite clear that isn’t the case. According to Jeph Loeb, the Avengers will learn that Coulson is still alive at some point soon though.
12 MIGHT BE REAL: RONIN
By now, everyone will have noticed that Hawkeye has been mysteriously absent from all of the promotion for Avengers: Infinity War. We didn’t see the archer in the trailer, the recent magazine covers or press appearances. But we do know that he’ll be appearing very soon because set photos saw Jeremy Renner sporting a new hairstyle and a large coat covering his costume.
But the portions of his suit that could be seen underneath the coat tease an interesting development in Clint Barton’s future. When Hawkeye wore a black and gold outfit as ‘Ronin’ he did so because he needed to move on from his Hawkeye identity. And in the aftermath of Civil War, this could be a way of protecting his family from any fallout or persecution from the authorities.
11 PROVEN FALSE: CHRIS EVANS
“Oh Captain, my Captain.” Chris Evans is one of the key players of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But for years he’s mentioned that he’s wanted to step away from acting and take a role behind the camera. Previously, he’d talked about leaving after the third Avengers film. Which meant many fans speculated that he was going to leave and die during Avengers: Infinity War.
However this isn’t the case. Since Avengers: Infinity War and the as of yet untitled Avengers 4 were shot back-to-back, it’s obvious that Chris Evans will reprise his role during the next ensemble movie. In what capacity, we’re not sure, that all depends on what Thanos does with the Infinity Gauntlet. But Chris Evans will return, even if it’s in a Binary Augmented Retro-Framing (B.A.R.F) device.
10 MIGHT BE REAL: HELA
There was a lot going on during Thor: Ragnarok, so although Hela was the driving force behind the plot, she wasn’t in it as much as we expected since the villain was played by Cate Blanchett. But the rumor is that she’s the very reason that Thanos is embarking on his reign of terror across the universe.
In the comics, Thanos was obsessed with the literal form of death, he was completely in love with her. He even wiped out half the life in the universe to show how much he cared for her. But since we’ve already been introduced to the Goddess of Death herself, it would make sense that Hela is the one Thanos is obsessed with. Plus introducing the concept of living death could be a step too far, even for the MCU.
9 PROVEN FALSE: INHUMANS
Marvel’s Inhumans, we barely knew you. But we’re glad you’re gone. Sorry. Look, let’s not avoid the subject -- Marvel’s Inhumans on ABC was a failure. It was tonally wrong, the characters weren’t that great, and the effects were disappointing. It’s easily one of Marvel’s biggest failures (if not the biggest) since the very beginning of the MCU.
One theory brought the idea that Inhumans could be included during Infinity War as a way of reviving the Royal Family from their televisual demise on ABC. But since ABC seemingly cancelled the show before it had even begun airing, why would Marvel risk their inclusion in what’s possibly their biggest film yet? Plus, it was already confirmed that the only teams to appear in Infinity War would be the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Sorry, Black Bolt.
8 MIGHT BE REAL: TIME STONE
As we know thanks to the Doctor Strange film, the Sorcerer Supreme is in possession of the Time Stone thanks to it being held inside the Eye of Agamotto. But it’s likely that this will be a key component in the fight against Thanos if he manages to assemble the Gauntlet. Given that he can wipe out half the life in the universe, some of the Avengers are going to die. But if they all perish like in the comics, there’s one way of rectifying that.
Doctor Strange could use the Time Stone to revive them all and help them change the course of time so that they all survive and defeat Thanos. Of course, Doctor Strange can’t be everywhere at once, so not all of them may survive…
7 PROVEN FALSE: THE RETURN OF MJOLNIR
We’re all in agreement that Thor: Ragnarok reinvigorated the character and managed to be one of the most unique Marvel movies yet, right? Good. Because destroying Mjolnir was the best thing they could’ve done for the character. It pushed him in a new direction and helped develop his powers further than he thought. Plus, it gives Marvel chance to change up his iconic look a little. One theory stated that the forging scene would be Thor remaking Mjolnir, but that isn’t the case at all.
We’ve seen multiple toys and Lego sets since the trailer that show off Thor’s axe, Jarnbjorn, as well as Groot-assisted version of Stormbreaker. Jarnbjorn is the weapon he previously used before he was give Mjolnir and granted all of his powers. The common theory is that he’s forging Jarnbjorn or Stormbreaker in that scene.
6 MIGHT BE REAL: CAPTAIN MARVEL
We’ll say it right now. We want Captain Marvel to appear during Avengers: Infinity War, who doesn’t? Everyone’s seen the concept art of Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, we’d like to see that as soon as possible. Sure, they’ve only confirmed that she’s going to be in Avengers 4 for now. But what a way of teasing her solo film by introducing her towards the end of the film when the Avengers need her the most?
Plus, if the theory that the introduction of Skrulls could come as soon as Infinity War, then that would be the perfect plot to draw her back to Earth and help the Avengers defeat Thanos and alert them to the big Skrull threat. It would be amazing if she turned up, blonde mohawk flowing, blazing with cosmic energy as she fights Thanos. Maybe we’re getting our hopes up.
5 PROVEN FALSE: SYMBIOTE
Everyone is anxious about the Venom solo movie purely down to the ambiguity of where it fits into the strange shared/separate nature of the Sony Spider-Man deal with Marvel. Since Sony have agreed to let Marvel use Spider-Man, it stands to reason that this means when Venom debuts, he’ll exist in the MCU.
But a theory reckons that the symbiote will be introduced during Infinity War and then flung to Earth where it’ll attach itself to Eddie Brock. Even though Amy Pascal implied that Sony and Marvel’s agreement makes them one universe, Kevin Feige is the one running the show, and he insisted that Sony’s solo films are completely separate from the MCU. Sorry Venom fans, it doesn’t look like this one is ever going to happen.
4 MIGHT BE REAL: THE SECRET OF WAKANDA
With Black Panther still proving to be a hit across the world, it’s no surprise that the film will be doubling down on T’Challa and Wakanda. During the trailer we’re shown the Outriders make their assault on Wakanda as the Avengers run towards them alongside the Wakandan armies. But, why? Sure -- Black Panther is a global phenomenon, but Infinity War was filmed a while back. There will be a specific reason behind the attack.
The theory is that even though we didn’t see the Soul Stone in Black Panther, it’s hidden inside the Vibranium meteorite that the nation is built upon. It would explain the Djalia, the spirit plane that the Black Panthers’ souls are stored in. But it would also make sense that Thanos would throw a large army at them in attempt to grab the final stone to assemble the Infinity Gauntlet.
3 PROVEN FALSE: SOUL WORLD
The Soul Stone has a whole host of wild possibilities and abilities that it grants to the user of either it or the Infinity Gauntlet. One of which draws souls inside the stone itself, into something called the Soul World. Sometimes, this will be an idyllic version of that particular soul’s life, or it’s just somewhere the souls are kept. But there was a particular theory that put a twist on some of the footage we saw during the Infinity War trailer.
The huge giant planet that some of the fight against Thanos took place on was supposedly the Soul World itself according to one theory. However, it was recently revealed during the Entertainment Weekly feature that the planet is actually the dead homeworld of Thanos himself, Titan.
2 MIGHT BE REAL: HEIMDALL
Let’s take a stab at one last theory that is highly possible given the current state of the MCU. We know that Thanos’ ship was the one to loom over the Asgardian refugees at the end of Thor: Ragnarok. But why would he do that? He has no reason to approach the Asgardians unless there’s a certain Infinity Stone embedded in one of the most important figures in Asgardian culture… Heimdall.
It would both fit into the T.H.A.N.O.S. theory that each stone fits into his name, and would also explain why Heimdall is able to see all the souls across the Marvel Cinematic Universe at will. Plus, it would be a great way for Idris Elba to exit the franchise, being killed by the mad Titan would also elevate the danger that the villain poses.
1 PROVEN FALSE: MUTANTS
Just before you get angry, we’re not saying we don’t want the mutants in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, don’t worry. The X-Men deserve to meet the rest of the heroes, but Infinity War will not be the place it happens. Because let’s not forget, the Fox/Marvel deal hasn’t actually gone through yet. And Kevin Feige has previously said that he’s not even thinking about it for quite some time. Sure, there might’ve been time to film some sort of cameo or extra scene to tease the X-Men’s involvement.
But Feige isn’t aiming for X-Men (or the Fantastic Four for that matter) to arrive until at least 2020. Sorry X-Men fans, you’ve still got a long wait before the mutants make their debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.