I have a vision of the future for the MCU, one that sometimes is in-line with what the studio is doing and other times more fanciful and idealistic. Usually on the level of fanatical. However, with the past pieces I've written, for Batman, Man of Steel and Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. I wanted to put a piece together with some of my thoughts toward what I really think would make the MCU and the Marvel Cosmic Universe that much more special.
Some of these ideas are a bit of a stretch while others seem to be extremely sensible if not absolutely necessary. Either way, I hope you enjoy the read.
Happy Labor Day
8. Introduce the Kree, Shi'ar and the Skulls
All we got in
Guardians of the Galaxy was a fanatical maniac in Ronan the Accuser, not an actual full on introduction to the Kree, even if we got to see a random conversation that had virtually no political courtesy in it between Nova Prime and a random Kree delegate. We've yet to really see the Kree and as a result, the Supreme Intelligence.
The Kree are vastly important, opening them up allows us to gain access to Mar-Vell, the original Captain Marvel that was also partly responsible for Carol Danvers, Ms. Marvel, gaining her powers. Whether we get this in a lone origin story adding Danvers to the fray and making Mar-Vell a secondary character, possibly killing the poor guy off (again) allows the addition of Danvers to the Avengers. Using most of her storyline, specifically S.W.O.R.D. in this climate is almost a must, due to S.H.I.E.L.D. being out of the picture. It almost makes perfect sense! Bring on the Kree!!!
Not only the Kree but the Shi'ar and the Skrulls. Begin to fully unlock the Marvel Cosmic Universe by adding these races that are at the heart of the conflict. That have also been at the beginning of much of the issues our heroes are dealing with. Specifically the Celestials, the Infinity Stones, the Titans, (specifically) Thanos and eventually the Inhumans.
Guardians opened the opportunity to continue these various species in the comics, with their worlds and series onto the screen. From War of Kings, Realm of Kings and even the Infinity Watch/Crusade. While some may argue that the Skrulls aspect open up Secret Invasion which is not really parallel to where the MCU is going, there are other options that adding them into the fray can bring.
The Shi'ar definitely pose a greater addition with Vulcan, Gladiator and the War/Realm of Kings scenarios that combine the Guardians, the Avengers and even the Inhumans. An entire Guardians film would easily take up this aspect alone. With all of the revisionist changes made, I wouldn't be surprised if we see the M'kraan crystal used as an Infinity Stone of sorts. While using this group of beings is dangerously close to stories tied to the
X-MEN we haven't seen any of these stories, short of the Phoenix Saga (butchered in the past) make it to the screen. Adding this material would easily be a wonderful way to continue those storylines into Phase 3 and continuing to open up the Marvel Cosmic Universe.
7. The Collector Releasing Adam Warlock From his Cocoon
We haven't completely confirmed whether it is Adam Warlock or not, but it is almost a certainty that the cocoon in the Collectors museum is Warlock (if I missed a confirmation from Feige, post it). Getting to see him released would be a moment the MCU would 'marvel' for many years to come. The Collector can either use him to gain an Infinity stone or because he desires to defeat Thanos, based on the comic book explained visions Tivan has that Thanos will destroy the universe.
While I argued in a previous article that Tivan was underutilized. I look back and think he is the perfect plot device to deliver more history lessons about the Celestials, how they created the Titans / Deviants, resulting in the Skrull race and the eventual experiments on humans by the Kree resulting in the Inhumans. How it all ties together with Earth. He can tie most if not all of the MCU and Cosmic Universe together in a variety of ways being utilized in scenes like the one he has in Guardians.
Not only for Warlock or Tivan's random history lessons, but for Collectors comic book identity to be explored for the mainstream audience. We (CBM'ers) know that he is an Elder of the Universe. But the general audience has no clue how important he is. How he has been collecting life throughout the universe to eventually repopulate the cosmos when the beings in his visions eventually will destroy all life, Thanos being one of those beings in one possible outcome.
Adding much of this could easily be done in small breadcrumbs throughout the next set of films. Unfortunately we'd only gain this from the next possible three, if not four films. Thor 3, Guardians 2, Avengers 2 (most likely 3) and possibly somewhere in the Doctor Stranger film. So revelations by the Collector would likely make massive impacts. I can easily see a post credit teaser of the Cocoon opening up revealing Warlock. I can tell you right now, if I see that on the big screen I'm jumping out of my chair!
6. Add War of Kings Episodically
I may have already spoken lightly about this topic in the earlier part of this list, but I'm not sure folks truly understand the depth of this amazing set of comics. War of Kings follows both of the events from Annihilation (past the Ultron series arc) and opens up a huge set of storylines. Stories that eventually lead to a separate story arc called Realm of Kings and the Cancerverse with an evil version of the Avengers led by a very powerful Cancerverse Captain Marvel. An arc so crazy they had to bring back Thanos to defeat this evil incarnation of Mar-Vell.
War of Kings could easily showcase Vulcan as the head of the Shi'ar Empire or a storyline with his rise to power until the film culminates into his ascension to the throne with a possible cliffhanger leaving open a variety of questions for the next set of films to answer. While the comics have one scenario, a complete revision can reset this story for the purposes of the MCU.
In terms of films this is very tough to pull off with the set amount of films leading to Avengers 3, but doing this episodically at some point in a series led by the Inhumans would be phenomenal. Of course I would state it needs to be far more connected to the MCU than Agents of SHIELD. Without digressing to far from topic, Agents has tied into the MCU but has ignored a lot of issues for the sake of its own plot devices. an Inhumans series would be amazing to tie into the MCU and showcase more aspects of the Shi'ar points of these stories as they connect to Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet.
5. Death of Captain America
"A little Push" is what Fury described was needed during the events of the
Avengers film. The push was turned into Coulson and honestly he was a simple additional character, he wasn't really a large piece of the puzzle. He is now that his character has been made more important; overall he was insignificant and yet the team and the audience drew a lot of inspiration from his death. Imagine what would come from the death of Captain America...I weep at this thought because he is my favorite Marvel character, however, how epic would the situation have to be for his death to occur?
There are an enormous amount of clues that this is coming. Whether or not it is imminent isn't the question I pose here. Whether his death is permanent or somehow reversed down the line is also not out of the question. But for the purposes of a 'push' or to create a hopeless and bleak situation. His death would be a very easy event to construct during one of the upcoming films.
There's even the interim plot device to replace him for a small period of time to allow the shock of his death to rally the audience and the characters in the film to their purpose. Even if it ends up not being permanent. Like Fury or Captain himself after the events of his first 'death'.
Some folks think this might be sacrilege or just plain crazy, but if you truly think about it, there are characters that will have to die or be completely removed from the game when Thanos finally himself enters the fight. If we consider a centerfold out of the Infinity Gauntlet comic...Everyone is killed, until they're later brought back. Oh comic books...how easily we can kill everyone and toss in a plot device that gives us a happy ending.
I'm not proposing the ending always be happy. Sometimes you need some tragedy to continue to define your heroes. I think Captain America poses the most amazing aspect to draw out those emotions in the audience.
4. Enter Surtur
We've yet to fully explore the nine realms and it's still one of those awkward concepts that the mainstream don't understand. I've heard everything at conventions from "aren't the nine realms nine dimensions to separate universes?" to "it's different parts of the same planet!"...I've usually wanted to smack people when they say these things, but I cant. Unless I have a boffer sword and we're in an AMT Guard ring at that event.
We saw a tiny piece of Muspelheim in Thor 2, but all we really saw was a red circle of lava nd magma through the portal way. Not much really. Even though I've explained to many comic fans during panels at conventions that the nine realms are just nine separate planets within their charge that are interconnected, not that there are only nine realms in the cosmos.
It's hard to convey the various issues with the borrowed Norse mythology into the Marvel mythos. Because of the timeline aspects presented in the Thor films. But nevertheless we need to see all of the nine realms and none more important than Muspelheim and opening up the MCU to Surtur and his very special sword.
I can even see a crossover for this character to be described as Mephisto or even Dormammu for Doctor Strange. Even if that ultimately is somewhat ripping apart the source material and combining it into a new plot device...it would still be a very welcome one and would nicely place a few aspects of the MCU neatly together.
Whether Surtur remains completely contained to the Thor film, getting a revisionist view of what the nine realms truly represent with the inclusion of Surtur and the Ragnarok concept for Asgard would greatly aid the mainstream audiences understanding of what they are. In truth, it would aid the comic book fandom in gaining perspective on what the MCU is trying to convey the nine realms are as well.
If we are to just infer from the very opening of Thor 2, which was awkward and somewhat forced. Asgard is at the center of creation as are the Dark Elves. Making them far more important to the storyline than we've generally understood. The third Thor film can aide in tying some of these loose ends together with Surtur at the center of the conflict. I'd just prefer no more weird, poorly written prologues with Anthony Hopkins narrating a very inconsistent universal creation mythos.
Obviously destroying Surtur wouldn't really be the best scenario as I think tying him in directly or in collusion with characters like Mephisto and or Dormammu makes a terrific amount of sense. But that's just me and this is just a personal editorial feature.
3. Battle Between the Hulk & Starks Hulk-Buster
This may be a bit of a stretch, but swallow the red pill and follow me down, my method may prove better than my madness. During the events of the Incredible Hulk, which some folks seem to forget is part of the MCU; Marvel alluded to the possible origin of the Leader. Having him make some form of appearance, even if it's say in Agents of SHIELD, could easily lead toward a scenario that gives rise to Hulk's eventual banishment leading to the events of Planet Hulk/World War Hulk...
It also doesn't have to be a banishment scenario. Consider for a moment in
Thor 2, two F-22 (or 35, couldn't tell which) pilots flew through the portal to Vanaheim and crashed. A portal scenario could lead to Hulk being marooned on a different planet. Either way, we get the Hulk in a situation that leads to a set of films we've wanted to see for a long time. I think we're well beyond watching him rampage through a city. At this point it would be pretty stupid.
One of the triggers I believe would be amazing for this scenario involves Stark using his 'new' Hulk-Buster
armor to try and contain the Hulk in any number of scenarios. Loki or a newly introduced enchantress taking over the Hulk's mind, Thanos using the mind gem to control him...take a pick at the scenario. It would all work. Even if the concept itself is somewhat outlandish in the current climate of the MCU.
Although losing Betty Ross in the process would be the proper spark for World War Hulk in this scenario. We already witnessed Sakaaran's in Guardians of the Galaxy, it would be interesting to see Sakaar and possibly the Red King among other characters like Korg, Lavin, Hiroim and most of all Beta Ray Bill as a result. We already saw a Kronan in
Thor: The Dark World which Thor dispatches with relative ease. Another possible foreshadowing (however unlikely) of the Planet/World War Hulk scenario I describe above. If you have seen the animated feature
Planet Hulk you'll know that this image below is the live action version of what Korg would look like. Korg fought alongside Hulk in the arena in that film and killed his brothers, three other Kronans.
Even if it's just a battle, for whatever reason, even training, to see Stark in a massive Hulk-Buster suit vs the Hulk would be amazing and a much welcome scene to be brought to life.
2. Thanos to actually (or just plain FINALLY) Destroy a Star System
I've said this before in various comments and articles. Thanos is not a conqueror. Not in the sense we generally perceive. All he cares about is getting Mistress Death to appear. To do that he kills trillions as beings in sacrifice to hopefully cause her to swoon over him. What we've seen so far isn't exactly contrary to his behavior, even if it seems so. He wasn't really been trying to conquer Earth, he was trying to get the Tesseract.
That aside, we still need to see him destroy a star system. Maybe even a small galaxy. Something to demonstrate both his power and near insane level of zeal for the embodiment of death. An act so epic it separates him completely from any other villain we've yet seen and may ever see. It would certainly put a massive exclamation point on powerhouse villains in the annals of comic book movies. Everyone tries to destroy the earth, big whoop! This guy can take out the universe. We need to see some of this.
Whether this is a Death Star reminiscent scene to simply establish power or if this is more of a scene to be extremely specific toward another plot point. Like the destruction of Xandar. It would continue to establish Thanos in a more appropriate tone as opposed to just keeping him sitting on a throne without doing much else, other than plotting. Whether it is him doing the destruction directly or his ship as in the comics, destroying a Star which then annihilates a system. It would be joyously relished by audiences.
I also think we need to see this after the less than stellar appearance he had in Guardians. Yes it was awesome to see him finally speaking, but it was downplayed by the fact that Ronan was the main villain in that film.
1. Thanos to Actually Wield the Infinity Gauntlet
Most films that have some kind of apocalyptic end usually have all of the heroes racing to stop the enemy from gaining his goal of ultimate power, or to stop them from setting off the dirty bomb, from releasing the virus or stopping the world from ending in some form.
I actually hate it when we don't get to see, to quote Dennis Hopper in
Speed, "the bomb from becoming..." because usually that may be the best aspect of the film itself. Very seldom do films show us the apocalyptic scenario for a hero to overcome. I think we've seen too many scenarios where the final battle is anticlimactic or ended too quickly.
Thor: The Dark World comes to mind, even though the battle was interesting, Thor got more of a fight than he expected out of Kurse than he did from Malekith. Yet Malekith was wielding an Infinity Stone, the fight should have become extremely more difficult for Thor. If anything, the situation demanded that the Avengers come to aid him at that moment. Just like others should have entered the game during
Captain America: The Winter Soldier when all of SHIELD was falling apart.
Plot devices kept those scenarios from taking proper shape and I think in the end cheapens the experience for fans. If Iron Man can suddenly appear at the whim of Fury in Germany to help Captain America deal with Loki...I think it's plausible he and others can appear similarly in all of these films...They're part of a cinematic universe for a reason!
Thanos gaining the gauntlet would essentially mean he has gained godhood, but it would also potentially entertain the notion of extreme pride and vanity that can be played on just as in the comics. I believe seeing this culminate into his godhood would lead to some of the most epic climactic and apocalyptic battles we will see on the silver screen as far as comics are concerned. Something to make DC truly have to up their game with the Justice League.
While everything is seemingly gearing toward this end, I sure hope it isn't ended by a stupid plot device or made gimmicky and ridiculous like the Silver Surfer's board in the
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer film. That would be insulting to all of us.
The film that portends to have Thanos decimate our heroes with gauntlet in hand will likely be the highest grossing film in comic book history until Justice League attempts to contend with it for that space at the box office. Because of this, it needs to have the above aspect of the film itself be so EPIC that our minds and hearts can't handle the awesome.
At least, that's my take on it.
What aspects of the comics and cosmic universe do you want to see brought to life in the next films and series of the MCU? Are your wishes more outlandish? Are you concerned certain aspects are going to be missed? I want to hear from you! Share, tweet, comment, pin, paint a picture with your story. Or just post a gif that sums it all up for the "lol's". Don't forget to click the giant red thumb, every time you do I giggle with glee while putting lotion on its skin.
By @EmanuelFCamacho
This article is part of a series of preceding and proceeding editorial features called "Vision of the Future"