With Marvel's The Avengers sequel set for 2015, there is still an enormous amount of things which could happen to the production of the anticipated sequel. Joss Whedon is reportedly directing the film and overseeing the MCU franchise but what direction will they decide is best for the ultimate crossover film?
The Avengers and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vs. Thanos Theory
A popular idea has the Mad Titan steal the Infinity Gauntlet from Asgard thus making the Avengers and possibly the Guardians of the Galaxy team up to take the gauntlet wielder down. Myself and many others think this would be rushing a complex storyline and not give it the grander and build up it needs. Not only would the Avengers, even with the Guardians of the Galaxy be ridiculously out matched but it would be very confusing with the Guardians appearing in an Avengers movie. I mean isn't an Avengers movie supposed to be about the AVENGERS?
The Avengers Vs. Thanos Theory
Another popular theory before the Avengers film, was the Avengers battling Thanos alone with the Gauntlet. Not only is this illogical because they wouldn't have a possible chance of defeating him, but hardly any of the main characters in the original storyline would be included. People like Adam Warlock most notably would have to be included into an adaption of The Infinity Gauntlet. Even the theory above is much more logical!
Thanos Without The Infinity Gauntlet Theory
The third theory is Thanos doesn't have the Infinity Gauntlet and leads an army to defeat Earth to get some Infinity Gems left on Earth. Besides that it would almost be a rehash of the first movie, this idea is better than the first two. Thanos would be a match for the Avengers, yet not too powerful for them alone to foil his plans. The main problem is we have already seen it and as Joss Whedon said if he was doing Avengers 2, it would be smaller and more personal for the characters. This story would be the exact opposite.
No Thanos Theory
Some believe Thanos won't be involved in Avengers 2 at all and the cameo in Marvel's The Avengers was just to tease him for the Guardians Of The Galaxy film. I doubt this. I believe Thanos is going to play a big part in the MCU, even touching the Avengers story. At the least he should have a cameo in the Marvel's The Avengers sequel.
Thanos Behind The Scenes Theory
I believe this is the most logical theory. Thanos could be pulling the strings for such a group of villains as a version of The Masters of Evil. The solo films could easily be building up to this as well. Mandarin is reportedly the villain in Iron Man 3, just as the Enchantress and the Executioner could easily be involved in Thor: The Dark World, even Baron Zemo could easily be involved in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. While Ant-Man's release date is behind Marvel's The Avengers sequel, the film could easily be moved before to take advantage of the rumored villain Radioactive Man. Marvel has already played around with their dates of films as Thor was to be released in 2010 with Iron Man 2 and Captain America: The First Avenger was to be released with Marvel's The Avengers in 2011. This theory would support Joss Whedon's statement that the currently untitled sequel to Marvel's The Avengers, would be a much smaller and more personal, as it would use villains with personal grudges against the heroes.
What do you think? Do you agree with one of the theories above? Or do you have your own opinion? Be sure to state your thoughts in the comments and vote on the poll below.