5 Ways In Which Avengers: Age Of Ultron Sets Up Phase 3

5) Captain America: Civil War

The big one. Given that Robert Downey Jr.’s appearance in Captain America: Civil War was made public shortly before the arrival of Age of Ultron, the fraught relationship between Cap and Iron Man took on extra meaning going into Joss Whedon’s superhero sequel. It is, by some margin, the most intriguing groundwork being laid for Phase 3, considering the ramifications that the conflict will have on the Avengers roster and the MCU as a whole.

It’s also an event perfectly foreshadowed through Stark’s overall intention behind Ultron. At a crucial moment in the sequel, we see Tony’s trailblazing ideology clash with Cap’s pragmatism, and it’s a division that has been long on the cards for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As a matter of fact, much like previous reports hinted, Age of Ultron closes with a wholly new line-up of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

SPOILERS

With Hulk/Bruce Banner AWOL, Thor returning to Asgard one more, and Tony Stark driving into the sunset, Captain America leads the charge at S.H.I.E.L.D.’s new-fangled HQ. We’ll not go into details about the specifics of the new roster, though it’s evident that Marvel is already dividing its heroes into two camps before the arrival of the Russo brothers’ Civil War next year.

END SPOILERS

Tell us, what do you think of Avengers: Age of Ultron? Indeed, were you disappointed that Joss Whedon’s opus didn’t reference Ant-Man or Daredevil throughout the course of its bombastic running time? Let us know down in the comments below.