While we still have a lot to learn about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one cannot help but to speculate that which he loves. And I'll admit, this isn't %100 speculation--just a written article on what could happen, and why I want it to happen. As Phase Two ends and Phase Three begins, theories will change, grow and die--and us fanboys will continue to write more. Though Avengers: Infinity War is still three years away from its first chapter, I believe I may have cracked a piece of the puzzle, and I share that with you here.

Before I start on what will happen in that movie, however, I must first share what I believe will happen in the Phase Three films, primarily Captain America: Civil War.

Back in December, when the infamous "Sony Hack" took place (North Korea ain't so bad, eh?), there was a piece of info that stuck out to me. To quote nailbiter:

If the deal goes through and Marvel gains control of Spider-Man they don't want Spidey's next solo film to be a continuation of the Captain America: Civil War plot just because he would be making a cameo in it. But, Spidey's new universe would "exist in a world where that story has happened" and "superheroes are now divided into two groups."

 
This quote indicates in a Spider-Man solo film, taking place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, there are still two opposing parties of superheroes. It is no coincidence that both the Captain America and Avengers threequels use the word "War" in their title. When Avengers: Infinity War opens up in theaters, the Superhero Civil War will still be going on--the back-half of it, that is (perhaps this is where Ant-Man breaks Black Widow out of prison?). This would make a lot of sense, as Age of Ultron is supposed to set up Civil War while still being relevant to the Avengers series itself.

However, like all fun things, this Civil War must come to an end. It is my belief that Tony Stark will kick the dust in Captain America: Civil War, rather than have Cap die as per comic book faithfulness. There are some that argue no one should die--but first let me argue my point. We haven't seen Age of Ultron, but we know that the six original Avengers do make it out alive. We know all actors are contracted through Infinity War, and while some of us don't want to see it, we must face the possibility (and at this point, even probability) that Steve Rogers will pass down the mantle of Captain America. This would be a huge surprise and gut-punch to the audience, as he is the most-beloved character out of them all.
 
In the events following this surprising twist, Cap and his troops unite to take down Baron Zemo and/or Crossbones, who are responsible for Stark's death. However, this doesn't settle the Superhuman Registration Act issue, perhaps pushing the act's need even further. The first half of Infinity War will pick up where this movie leaves off.

Avengers: Infinity War Part One

The superhero world is scrambled. While Captain America might have been fighting for what he believed in, the world is uncertain of where superheroes stand. Since we're not even out of Phase Two yet, it's hard to say if anything in this article is likely or not. But for it's sake, let's say the heroes are still fighting. Someone is going to have to unite the heroes once again.

Could this person be Loki? While Loki is an evil bastard, I seriously doubt that he wants to see the entire universe obliterated. Plus, him working for Thanos as some people believe wouldn't fit his character; I believe it was never his intent to deliver Thanos that Tesseract, as he is always trying to work his own angle. Anyways, after the events of Thor: Ragnarok play out and he is dethroned, it would make sense for him to go after the Infinity Stones. After all, that particular threequel is rumored to involve the Sceptor and/or Tesseract. Perhaps he knows Thanos is coming, and knows he would never be able to best him by himself.

Even if it isn't Loki, what I'm trying to say is that someone will unite the superheroes together, and that Loki or a similar character gets ahold of all six Infinity Stones, and/or the Infinity Gauntlet.

Let's pause for a moment.

We have only seen Thanos twice now, but those two times might be hinting at something. In the first Avengers we seem him flash a quick and evil grin at the prospect of courting death. Two years later in Guardians of the Galaxy, we see him threaten Ronan in his sanctuary once more--though never leaving his chair.
 
It's been pointed out by several CBM users that the four Infinity Stones we've seen thus far each correspond to a letter in Thanos' name. However, this note usually stops here, with nobody seeming to think there's anything meaningful behind it.

Here they are:
 
T- Tesseract
H-
A- Aether
N-
O- Orb
S- Scepter
 
Now here's my train of thought on this: Could Thanos have a bigger tie to the Infinity Stones than we previously imagined? Korath has said that Thanos is "the most powerful being in the universe"--could this mean Thanos is even closer to being a god than the Asgardians?

The meat of my theory is this: Thanos is trapped in this sanctuary of his, by what I'm not sure. It could be some sort of Odinforce, he could be trapped by Death herself, who knows. He's in love with Death; he would not be so lazy as to refuse to go after the Infinity Stones himself. Other people can come and go as they please, but he cannot leave. So he gets others to do the dirty work for him, namely Loki and Ronan. Perhaps they themselves don't know he is trapped!
 
But when all six Infinity Stones are together, he is freed. Maybe he appears where they are, maybe it just releases his restriction, maybe they are him, somehow. Like I said, so much is unknown. But with people like Loki or maybe even Red Skull having a militarized background, they would want to recruit the superheroes to fight with him, even if they had all the Infinity Stones (it's likely even they don't know the entire power of it).

So that is the plot of part one. The superheroes fight, they are united, relationships amongst the heroes are formed and the feeling of a crossover is cemented. Someone, preferably Loki, finds his way throughout the galaxy (perhaps using the Tesseract) and collects them all--with the intention of getting them before Thanos can. But as all six are joined together, Loki's worst fear is realized as Mad Titan appears, taking the gems from him and standing in complete, Infinity-sized power. And that is the cliffhanger for Avengers: Infinity War Part One.

Avengers: Infinity War Part Two

The thing about the original Infinity Gauntlet comic storyline is that while it's entertaining and has plot, there's not much in the character development route for the heroes. So that's something they have to execute perfectly in this film, especially since they'll be fighting the villain to end all villains.
 
For this reason, I'd like to see the resurrection of Tony Stark, through Infinity Stone involvement. Like Rogers had to in the comics, Stark relives his entire life. I think it'd be much more fun to see Stark do this than Rogers; one idea I had was him reacting to the events of 9/11, to keep the movie grounded and emotional. After emerging back to life he's more determined than ever to do what's right: Stop Thanos and avenge the world. This epic journey through Stark's life could also give the audience a conclusive feeling, giving Marvel the perfect opportunity to recast.

But tying back to Captain America: Civil War, it'd be interesting to show that Steve Rogers was actually wrong in his actions to the Superhuman Registration Act. That maybe he got a little prideful in what he thought were noble actions. It'd honestly be better to show this in Part One, but him going through that, realizing that even Captain America is faulty and has to be humbled, makes him worthy of lifting Thor's Mjolnir in Part Two. After making up with Stark, later in the movie they all fight Thanos again--and this time he picks up Mjolnir.

Thanos kills him anyway, stripping the team of all hope. But that should be the theme and struggle of this movie: Hope. However, we've grazed very far into fan-fic territory, so I'll just leave it at it'd be cool if Ultron was the one who ultimately stopped Thanos.

But anyway, that's where I think this is all headed. It's a pretty original theory--at least, I've heard none like it before, so I felt compelled to share it. Feel free to praise or hate in the usual place!