I had given some thought to the first entry of this article and realized I needed to honestly write a more realistic piece (if realistic is actually possible) about what I wanted to see in the next set of films that wasn't so fanciful or out of left field.
I'm adding this piece as Part II but with more control of the fanboy in me, not all of it, but some and make more suggested points toward what is practical and possible for Marvel to actually deliver. Even if to some a few of these ideas still seem fanciful they’re not at all out of the realm of possibility.
10. Introduce SWORD!
There is no more SHIELD, well, sort of? I mentioned this to some degree even though Gunn has stated he is not using Ms. Marvel and wants to keep GOTG away from terrestrial heroes. This doesn’t mean Marvel can’t bring forward a new alien defense department in SWORD and introduce Ms. Marvel through that scenario in any of its other films. Especially as either a continuation of SHIELD in some form, or as SWORD itself as part of the Governments response to the loss of one of their key defense tools.
A recent CBM comment in my previous article posed the idea that Captain Marvel may be introduced as the dead blue alien in SHIELD, Project T.A.H.I.T.I.,which was used to bring Coulson back, and may have his DNA used in some form to possibly augment a US soldier. That was a wonderful idea and would be fitting, even if it is farfetched. I think Danvers (when introduced) will be a Major in the military that is attached to Project SWORD which could be using scavenged Chitauri tech in a space station of sorts. Along with more advanced Stark tech of course. Especially if you consider how the tech for SHIELD was escalated from the first entry in Captain America through to his second film. A space station scenario would make sense for SWORD. In the animated series, SWORD utilized an alien spaceship from the future, the Damacles, Kang the Conqueror’s ship. We’re definitely not going to see some version of Kang the Conqueror, however revisions from these aspects are an excellent and likely way Danvers will make it into the MCU.
Obviously SWORD allows for a variety of other introductions into the MCU from the likely path toward Danvers becoming Ms. Marvel to an early warning system & early-response tactic against the next possible (if not inevitable) alien invasion of earth. Allowing for a separate and direct extra-terrestrial plot for our terrestrial heroes.

9. Kill off of Various Characters - Black Widow & Hawkeye
Black Widow may have given prelude to her own death in an animated outing where she discusses how she has gone from Spy-to-Soldier. Which is a very surprising difference in terms of warfare and combat. Yet she has become such an amazing fan favorite character that we’d think she is a natural for her own solo film. However, she’d be a large source of emotional content for the audience to feed off.
I know many of you may disagree with me on this but she would be an interesting character to kill off close to the end of the MCU films. Even if it is not a permanent death and we regain her in some way or a hint that she may end up surviving.
Hawkeye is another one of the main characters that seems to be closer to being killed, as much as I like his character and Jeremy Renner in the role, the scenario is almost begging for his death to occur. Marvel already rendered the character slightly useless in a few films where he wasn’t anywhere near the action. Captain America: The Winter Soldier made that painfully obvious.
Killing him off first is also very important in terms of chronology. If this were to happen it would affect Widow greatly. We don’t necessarily feel the emotional content for the situation to be vice-versa; it is probably easier to say Renner has yet to show us that Hawkeye would be shattered by her death. However, we have evidence of Natasha’s emotional attachment to her comrade. Killing him first would make far more sense.

8. Nova and Quasar
I had originally decided to leave these off because it seemed obvious they would be forthcoming. But the truth is, it's not as obvious. Quasar becomes more important near the end of the Realm of Kings arc in the comics and is the one that goes through the rift into the Cancerverse. Quasar is also a part of the storyline with the group that forms at the end of the GOTG Volume 2 run, Annihilators. With Ronan seemingly removed from the equation and the likelihood of the possible X-MEN tied Gladiator, it is more likely that anything to do with Quasar, if this amazing character comes forward, will be tied to Nova in some form.
However, I personally predict that Thanos may actually destroy Xandar (as it seems to be the key planet so far for the Guardians), giving rise to the whole of the Nova force being placed into one man. I also believe along the same lines that he, Nova, is the likely replacement for the Silver Surfer in these stories. Even if at the moment it seems that Adam Warlock is also a possibility.
We already had a massive amount of the Nova Corp die in GOTG--A final stroke in their story would spark this awesome character into the line-up of heroes we are all eagerly waiting to see interpreted.
While Wendell Vaughn did not make an appearance as yet, a sore opportunity lost, in any capacity for SHIELD (he was a SHIELD agent), making his addition into SWORD as an agent in an upcoming MCU film and couple the origins for his use of the Quantum Bands with Danvers, would be a welcome one alongside Ms. Marvels.

7. Annihilators, Because Seriously!
Ronan is dead (or obliterated in some plot device allowing his return…probably not), Kallark (Gladiator) likely belongs to FOX along with the Shi'ar Empire material as does the Silver Surfer. But Beta Ray Bill is still up for grabs and is a possible central character for this group (and sighting in GOTG). Bill can easily be a member of the Infinity Watch and can have characters like Nova and Quasar as a part of said watch. Which can be expository material for the Guardians among other characters. Others like Spaceknight and Cosmo (which is a stretch) and even Warlock himself are all applicable in this scenario. Whether they're called Annihilators is irrelevant. All of which can simply just be mentions by the Collector as people who have fought Thanos in the past.
While I honestly think Ronan dying was a partial message to the comic fandom-in-the-know that Annihilators was not happening, I still think this group is a solid possibility with a range of film entries throughout the MCU. Although the smart money says “No Camacho, this is not realistic!” I think it might be, as a series, down the road. Even if it is a possible commercial vehicle to bridge MCU with MCU2.
Beta Ray Bill, in this scenario, along with Quasar and Nova are perfect connecting characters back to Asgard, Xandar even with Hala for the Kree in tune with Earth. Of course Beta Ray Bill and Thor in the same fight is just too much awesome to bare and I doubt would be happening in this MCU as it is. But I do not think it is unrealistic.
Among my general points, a more specific concern for bringing this group into play stems from arguments about how a general Guardians group as we’ve seen so far would be capable of contending with the likes of Thanos. We know how films like these all get interpreted to fit some reality mold. While most of the MCU has worked amazingly well translated into reality. It is likely a variety of these characters will be introduced to aid in the end game of this cinematic universe. Short of overtly weakening Thanos as we’ve seen with other comic characters throughout many of the Marvel films, not just in the MCU, we’d have to see many more super-powered heroes come into play. Because I highly doubt that a singing dance off will pay off against Thanos.

6. Special Teams!
Sure we don't have Wolverine or Spider-Man but we have Doctor Strange, WarMachine, Hawkeye, Black Widow & Falcon. Very possibly soon we may likely have Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Punisher and Blade introduced into the MCU (likely in serial form). Not to mention any pivotal characters added by Agents of SHIELD along the way. Soon, toss in Ant-Man, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. With new characters being added to the Roster like Vision as well...There are many scenarios that can exist to allow for the Avengers to split--whether they are called West Coast Avengers, are put together specifically for SWORD by Ms. Marvel; or utilized in a simple plot device. Keep them separate and include all of the characters in various scenarios and missions! Without taking away from the main cast and plot would be useful, welcome and inclusive, of the massive cast this is turning out to be. This is of course if many characters end up alive and well through the next set of films. Bringing up the subject again of who should be killed off.
Sure, many of those characters have yet to have any announcements or films coming down the pipe, but we know a few of them will have tie-in series on Netflix. We also haven't included Black Panther into that Mix as the regal and sovereign of Wakanda, who will likely have something to do with Avengers: AOU if vibranium is the metal Ultron chooses to hunt down. Stan Lee continues to leak info about Panther like it’s Microsoft software...”It's coming, a bit later, a bit later, almost, it's coming...a bit later...maybe, a bit later.” Chances are with everything going on Lee isn’t necessarily over hyping this time.
5. No more Spies
The Secretive nature that existed in SHIELD needs to completely be removed from the equation. The aspects SHIELD brought to the table were cool and interesting but at this point I’m going to say that the secretive nature of SHIELD is the equivalent of Twilight with all the teenage angst. No one gives a shit anymore…yes [frick]ing secrets…big [frick]ing whoop! Move on. The drama involving tension building is getting old. SHIELD is gone, a new dynamic for these characters has to emerge. Maintain some of the air needed for secrecy with some cloak and dagger, but we need to move forward with the meat of these stories.
It was similar in essence to Stargate with the looming dangers of the various alien races they encountered yet had the government messing up the works for dramatical plot devices. It gets old really fast, especially in proven situations that time and time again the meddling is pointless and shouldn't be involved. With the MCU SHIELD itself and its secrets has become that plot device. I'm personally glad the whole thing was brought down in Captain America: The Winter Soldier...Good riddance.
Secrets need to be divulged, truths need to be told. Obviously for the sake of a series, the next season of AGENTs of SHIELD needs to adapt or attempt at rebuilding soemthing fresh and new. Personally the concept of SWORD should be merged into their storyline. The opportunity is there.
Characters need to be engaged for introduction into a later series like Luke Cage and Iron Fist in their ‘Heroes for Hire’ storyline. I would (personally) love to see Mark Dacascos play Iron Fist, even if he is much older. If you’ve seen Mark play Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat Legacy, you’ll know he would be great in the role (even looks like Danny Rand a bit) especially if you make Luke Cage slightly older as well utilizing another of my personal choices like Michael Jai White…but this isn’t a fancasting article.

4. Unleash Drax
I get that when I wrote about my 10 reasons why GOTG Sucked and elaborated why I felt Bautista was not really allowed to shine as Drax I was arguing some aspects from a fanboy perspective. Let’s face it Bautista surprised a lot of us, he was great in the role, looked fantastic and obviously worked hard to portray this character. But we still had glimpses and foreshadowing of what he might be down the road (with little to nothing to showcase his ability as Drax the Destroyer). While I am not sure how much character development he is going to specifically get. I would love nothing more than to see his powers unlocked.
I think a potential mechanism was either not used or will be described to have lasting effects down the road, regarding his dip into the cerebral fluid in GOTG. Something that may be showcased in terms of how much stronger and intelligent the character becomes.
I also think that delving deeper into his perception of what happened to his family is needed. Possibly bringing out the truth of what happened to them, his past and who is 'people' are as stated by Rocket. Perhaps even bringing Moondragon, his daughter, into play.
Bringing out Moondragon would provide multiple opportunities. One of them is the introduction of other Eternals. Mentor among them. It could also provide more expository moments for Drax and Thanos.
I am not expecting the fanboy in me to get a full on overpowered Drax, I know this. But I think the fanboy in all of us want a lot more from the character than what we got. The first film delved into his past, into his rage and uncontrolled anguish. Now we need to see some retribution for him, a reckoning. Balance the character needs in his state of being. He went from acts of blind rage, to calm and collected, way too easily in the first film and I think we all love this character and love what Bautista did with him so Let’s get a lot more and truly delve into this character, he is exceptionally important in the grand scheme of things.

3. Earthfall
GOTG is obviously staying away from Terrestrial heroes, so the aspect of Earthfall bringing Drax and the Guardians Is not very likely, at least not in GOTG2. However, Inhumans could easily have episodes where other characters like Adam Warlock, Quasar & Nova (among others) interconnect with Earth for a variety of storylines that further the MCU toward a climax.
We do need a variety of connections to the Avengers. I find it completely odd that Gunn has chosen to say he wants nothing to do with Terrestrial heroes. Something that makes me ponder how GOTG will be connected to the Avengers. Without the obvious Thanos connection. What causes them to go out to the Cosmos? The tech our terrestrial heroes have at their disposal still doesn’t really go into space, short of Thor.
The answer here is from a variation of Earthfall, Kingbreaker, the Realm of Kings and the Annihilators with the Inhuman comics. Obvious revisions are going to be needed but a solid connection to bring the existing terrestrial MCU into the Cosmic Universe is almost a must. If we consider that the goal is Thanos and his general domain is Cosmic, the MCU has remained in the terrestrial for 60% of their films. Avengers remained terrestrial but were invaded by Aliens, Thor and Thor 2 mostly existed on Asgard and always culminated on Earth. GOTG is the only real cosmic entry that truly stepped out into the ocean of stars the the Marvel Cosmic Universe lives in. They also did this in a limited fashion due to the frustration of licensing rights issues.
I for once would love to see the studios play nicely together to simply make the greatest possible films with shared and combined universes. But this will never happen so Marvel has to get creative!


2. Adam Warlock and Doctor Strange Combining Forces
In the comics Adam Warlock planned the assault on Thanos in the most Machiavellian manner possible. He was so sinister in his methods that he succeeded thwarting Thanos within his own godhood. He perpetrated most of this by sacrificing everyone to do it.
I think a revision of this scenario will be likely, but I think it’s best if perpetrated by both Warlock and Strange. Both would have the resources at their command to make it happen. However some of the above (on this list and previous article) would have to occur to be able to connect these two characters together. Strange’s film will need to make jumps in storyline to catch up to the global and interstellar events shaping up for the MCU to join aptly. Mainly a connection with Muspelheim and Surtur would also need to happen in some form to bring it all neatly together.
Of course we still haven’t a clue what role Warlock will even play in the MCU. For all we know he’ll be an evil incarnation of himself, like the Magus.
1. Extend the MCU through Guardians of the Galaxy 3…
If Avengers 3 is about Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet, Thor 3 the Ragnarok of Asgard; then the likelihood that Captain America 3 will explore the next stage of SHIELD (if not SWORD) and some other aspects nodding Civil War and possibly any type of end game for Chris Evans donning the name of the star spangled man is relatively high. All of course depending on what occurs in Avengers 2. But what about Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
With all of this in mind. What is the climactic end for GOTG 3? While it is a bit presumptuous to think in terms of a trilogy, it is quite obvious that Thanos may not meet his end in Avengers 3 or may be yet another stepping stone toward an undisclosed enemy in GOTG 3…
I don’t think they are essentially holding off for another enemy, let alone some awkward insanity with Mistress Death herself. I do think that the storyline will have to climax somewhere on a cliffhanger in Avengers 3. The potential I think Marvel is enjoying at the moment with the success of Guardians (so far) is that the potential of the Marvel Cosmic Universe is enormous. I believe they will be reevaluating some of the approach they were going to take toward the MCU’s endgame. Likely make revisions in the wake of such success, much of how the MCU originally would have ended as a set trilogy prior to the success of GOTG is more and more a definitive past tense for this shared universe as the likelihood of a third GOTG film will be needed. Whether or not Marvel completes the MCU and leaves it open for a second shared universe that ties into this one or completely creates a new one separate from the Avengers and the Guardians is still a big unknown.
What we do know of the next set of projects is that it is a vast world of heroes that can only increase in story, the finite is of course the actors who can’t continue to play these characters at this pace for much longer with the exception of a few who can still continue.
Either way, we’ve gained an amazing set of films, while a few stand alone awkwardly, they’re made better as a whole as part of the MCU.
So, where do you stand in all of this? What endings ruminate in your mind as idealistic fans or as realtistic fans? Where do you see this going? If Thanos were to die in Avengers 3, what do you think is an interesting ending for GOTG 3? Are we possibly facing the return of an Evil Cancerverse Captain Marvel as Lord Mar-Vell? Requiring bringing Thanos back to aid in his defeat? I know, fanciful thinking right!?
I want to read your thoughts in the comments below, on facebook, tweets, pins! Let us know what you think. As always hit that giant red thumb, it tickles me pink when you do.
By @EmanuelFCamacho
This article is part of a series of preceding and proceeding editorial features called "Vision of the Future"