Your Complete Guide To Every Film In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Are you frantically searching for a snippet of information about the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Are you desperate to check a specific release date, or find out how each film threads into the others? Well, look no further – we got this covered (sorry, we couldn't resist). Welcome to your regularly updated, one-stop shop for all things MCU, where you'll find release dates, cast lists, plot summaries, trailer, galleries and much, much more for all of your favorite Marvel films. You can either digest the entire guide for a comprehensive overview of the universe or choose the Phase you'd like to explore. Either way, you'll no doubt find everything you need to know in here. So, what are you waiting for? Click to the next page to begin reading or skip forward to a particular Phase using the links below! Phase 1 - Phase 2 - Phase 3 - Phase 4 Phase 1 Iron Man Released: May 2nd, 2008 Runtime: 2hrs 6mins Directed by: Jon Favreau Writers: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, Clark Gregg, Jon Favreau, Paul Bettany Significant characters introduced: Tony Stark/Iron Man, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, Colonel James Rhodes, Agent Phil Coulson, J.A.R.V.I.S Notable universe developments: Iron Man is created, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Fury approaches Tony Stark about his Avengers Initiative. Iron Man is based on the Marvel character of the same name, created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck and Jack Kirby in 1963. Billionaire genius engineer Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is injured and abducted by the terrorist group Ten Rings while in Afghanistan demonstrating a Stark Industries weapon of war. Fellow abductee Yinsen (Shaun Toub) saves Stark’s life by grafting an electromagnet into his chest to manage the movement of potentially lethal shrapnel around his heart. Recovering, Stark enlists the help of Yinsen in building an armoured, powered suit in order to escape. Back in the U.S with his new technology, Stark undergoes a drastic change in philosophy, having seen the effects of Stark weaponry firsthand. This agitates his Stark Industries business partner, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). Stane tries to oust Stark from his own company, and strikes deals with Ten Rings to weaponize Stark’s Iron Man technology. Stark - together with his assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and his friend Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Terrence Howard) - works to keep the technology out of Stane’s hands. The Incredible Hulk Released: June 13th, 2008 Runtime: 1hr 52mins Directed by: Louis Leterrier Writer: Zak Penn Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell Significant characters introduced: Dr. Bruce Banner/Hulk, General Thunderbolt Ross Notable universe developments: The Hulk is seen in the MCU for the first time, Tony Stark meets General Ross regarding the Avengers Initiative. The Incredible Hulk is based upon the character of the same name that was created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt) seeks to reactivate an abandoned World War II super soldier program which would render humans immune to gamma radiation. His daughter, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) is working with (and dating) Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), and she facilitates a meeting, with a view to Banner helping Ross with the program. He uses himself as a subject, but the experiment goes horribly wrong - and Banner finds that he suddenly turns into a giant green rage monster whenever his heart rate rises beyond a certain point. Wreaking havoc and destruction, Banner goes on the run with General Ross in hot pursuit, wanting to weaponize the Hulk. Five years later, General Ross has enlisted the help of Royal Marine Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), and locates Banner via his communications with an anonymous scientist, known only as Mr. Blue (Tim Blake Nelson). Banner and Mr. Blue are trying to develop a cure for his Hulkness, but the blood samples and serums they produce are used by Blonsky, who develops super agility and speed as a result. Banner finally meets with Mr. Blue in person, and discovers that he has secretly been using his blood samples for wider medicinal research – something that Banner finds disturbing. Blonsky is subjected to Banner’s blood, becomes The Abomination, and sets about destroying Harlem. Ross concedes that only Hulk can stop him, and so releases him into the city. Iron Man 2 Released: April 30th, 2010 Runtime: 2hrs 4mins Directed by: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Theroux Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg, Samuel L. Jackson Significant characters introduced: Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow Notable universe developments: Tony Stark learns more about his father’s involvement with S.H.I.E.L.D., Rhodey gets to grips with using an Iron Man suit, a drawing of the Tesseract is seen in a notebook belonging to Howard Stark, S.H.I.E.L.D. becomes aware of the arrival of Mjolnir. Tony Stark announcing that he is Iron Man draws the attention of Russian scientist Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), who begins copying the arc-reactor technology that powers the Iron Man suit and keeps shrapnel from killing Stark. Stark has discovered that the arc-reactor is gradually poisoning him, however, and is having difficulty developing an alternative. Feeling that his days are numbered, he becomes increasingly reckless. Vanko develops a powered suit of his own, and launches an attack on Stark – motivated by revenge for a personal, father-based conflict - which in turn, draws the attention of Stark’s industrial rival, Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). Stark promotes Pepper Potts to CEO of Stark Industries, and selects ‘Natalie Rushman’ (Scarlett Johansson) to be his new personal assistant. Rushman is soon revealed to be Natasha Romanoff, however – also known as Black Widow – who is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent assigned to keep an eye on Stark. Hammer enlists Vanko to develop an army of suits to put Stark out of business. Vanko, however, uses the opportunity to hardwire the suits to allow him to control them remotely and destroy Iron Man in combat. Though Iron Man, with the help of Rhodey (Don Cheadle), are successful in defeating Vanko, Stark is informed by Fury that S.H.I.E.L.D. will only require him as a consultant, because he is difficult in a team situation. This film also sees the re-casting of Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes. Played by Terrence Howard in Iron Man, he is here played by Don Cheadle. Thor Released: April 27th, 2011 Runtime: 1hr 55mins Directed by: Kenneth Branagh Writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne, J. Michael Straczynski, Mark Protosevich Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Idris Elba, Jaime Alexander, Rene Russo Significant characters introduced: Thor, Loki, Odin, Dr Jane Foster, Frigga, Heimdall, Sif, Hawkeye/Clint Barton. Notable universe developments: Thor makes contact with Earth, Loki discovers he is adopted, Odin is seen holding the Tesseract in an old illustration, Loki tries to take the throne of Asgard. Thor is based upon the Marvel character of the same name, created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby in 1962. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is the son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins), King of Asgard. As Thor makes preparations to ascend to the throne, he oversteps his boundaries and takes unsanctioned action in dealing with the Frost Giants of Jotunheim – reigniting a long-dormant conflict. Angered by the arrogance of his son, Odin relieves Thor of his godly powers, and banishes him to Earth. He sends with him his hammer, Mjolnir, but instils it with an enchantment that will only allow the worthy to wield it. On Earth, Thor lands in New Mexico where he is discovered by Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her team. The astrophysicist is enthralled by the otherworldly visitor, and becomes caught up in the action when Thor tries to retrieve his hammer from S.H.I.E.L.D., and then comes under attack from forces sent by his adoptive brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who is trying to take the throne of Asgard. Captain America: The First Avenger Released: July 29th, 2011 Runtime: 2hrs 4mins Directed by: Joe Johnston Written by: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Dominic Cooper, Stanley Tucci, Samuel L. Jackson, Toby Jones, Neal McDonough, Kenneth Choi Significant characters introduced: Steve Rogers/Captain America, Agent Peggy Carter, Bucky Barnes, Howard Stark Notable universe developments: Captain America is created, The Tesseract is physically introduced, Hydra is introduced, Bucky is presumed dead, Captain America is frozen – then found and awoken after 70 years. Captain America: The First Avenger is based upon the Marvel character of the same name, created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1941. As America joins World War II, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is desperate to join his best friend, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), in enlisting in the United States Army – but he is repeatedly rejected due to his smaller-than-average size, and multitudinous health issues. He is approached by Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), who seeks a soldier to submit to his super-soldier experiment. Erskine arranges for Rogers’ enlistment, and the young man heads to training camp, where he is required to prove himself worthy of the Army’s resources. The super-soldier experiment is successful, but the super-soldier serum is stolen by Hydra. With Erskine murdered, the U.S Army sidelines Rogers as a simple propaganda tool. However, when he hears that the unit of which Bucky Barnes is a member is missing in action, he assembles a group of soldiers to assist him in their rescue, against orders. Captain America locates and rescues the missing unit, and in doing so, uncovers the extent of the agenda being pursued by Nazi Hydra leader Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving). He has retrieved the Tesseract – a powerful artefact - from a Viking ruin, and has harnessed its immense energy. Captain America and his unit come under attack, and Bucky Barnes appears to be lost in a terrifying fall into a crevasse. Cap finally manages to destroy Schmidt, and sacrifices himself by flying the plane carrying the Tesseract into Arctic waters. Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) then recovers the Tesseract, but not Captain America. Steve Rogers wakes up in the present day and finds himself talking to S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury. Fury explains that Rogers has been asleep for 70 years, and proposes that he embrace his super powers and join The Avengers. The Avengers Released: April 26th, 2012 Runtime: 2hrs 23mins Directed by: Joss Whedon Written by: Joss Whedon, Zak Penn Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Stellan Skarsgard, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson Significant characters introduced: Agent Maria Hill, Thanos Notable universe developments: Loki tries to conquer Earth using the Tesseract and an alien race; Black Widow recruits Hulk to the Avengers; the team discovers S.H.I.E.L.D.’s plan to weaponize the Tesseract; Iron Man inserts himself into a wormhole to save the world; Thanos is revealed to be behind the attack on Earth. The Avengers is based on the Marvel team of the same name, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963. Loki – adoptive brother of Thor – strikes a deal with the extraterrestrial race known as the Chitauri, and their master, Thanos. Loki will obtain the Tesseract and give it to them in exchange for an army that will allow him to conquer Earth. He psychically enslaves a number of people, including S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). As Loki’s plan becomes clear, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury dispatches Black Widow to locate and bring in Dr. Bruce Banner. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark are also called in, and the team find and apprehend Loki, but are attacked by Thor who seeks to free his brother. Captain America and Iron Man manage to convince Thor to help them with his brother, and he brings him back in – at which point the group of superheroes discovers that the reason S.H.I.E.L.D. had the Tesseract in the first place was to weaponize it. This causes much moral wrangling among the superheroes. Loki uses the Tesseract (which contains the Infinity Space Stone) to open a wormhole above New York City, and the Chitauri arrive – destroying the city in their wake. The Avengers assemble, and battle the alien invaders for the city – but Director Fury’s superiors are unconvinced of their efficacy and launch a nuclear missile at Manhattan. Iron Man flies to the missile, seizes it and drags it into the wormhole – believing that he is making the ultimate sacrifice. He survives the experience, however. The Avengers apprehend Loki once more, and Thor takes him and the Tesseract back to Asgard. The film also sees the role of Dr. Bruce Banner/Hulk re-cast with Mark Ruffalo. Phase 2 Iron Man 3 Released: April 25th, 2013 Runtime: 2hrs 10mins Directed by: Shane Black Written by: Shane Black, Drew Pearce Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jon Favreau, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Ben Kingsley Significant characters introduced: The Mandarin, Dr Aldrich Killian Notable universe developments: Tony Stark struggles with PTSD, Rhodey is revealed as Iron Patriot; Pepper Potts harnesses the power of Extremis; the shrapnel is removed from Stark’s chest. Tony Stark is suffering the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of his near-death experience in New York. His difficulties play against the backdrop of a wave of bizarre bombings perpetrated by the Ten Rings terrorist group, seemingly led by a mysterious figure known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). Distressed when his security chief and longtime friend, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) is injured in one such bombing, Stark calls The Mandarin out in a televised challenge. An old acquaintance, Dr. Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall), arrives at Stark’s home to warn him about another old acquaintance – Dr. Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce). But, during their conversation, the Stark home is attacked by helicopter gunships. Hansen and Pepper Potts survive, and Stark has his artificial intelligence system J.A.R.V.I.S. pilot him in a suit to rural Tennessee – away from his loved ones. While in Tennessee, Stark discovers that The Mandarin is actually an oblivious British actor, and that Killian is the real Mandarin. Killian stole Hansen’s technology – called Extremis – and tried to cure his physical disability. Killian then kidnaps Pepper Potts and subjects her to the Extremis process – endangering her life – and kills Hansen. He also lures out Lt. Colonel Rhodes, as the Iron Patriot, to try and steal his suit. It transpires that Killian is working with the U.S. Vice President, and plans to attack Air Force One. Stark saves Potts, and works with Iron Patriot to defeat Killian – although, ultimately, it is Pepper Potts’ new Extremis powers that bring the conflict to a conclusion. Stark renews his romantic commitment to Potts, stabilizes her Extremis powers, and finally has the shrapnel removed from his chest. Thor: The Dark World Released: October 30th, 2013 Runtime: 1hr 52mins Directed by: Alan Taylor Written by: Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Don Payne, Robert Rodat Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston, Rene Russo, Jaime Alexander, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard Significant characters introduced: Malekith, The Collector. Notable universe developments: Dr. Jane Foster is infected with The Aether; Malekith kills Frigga; Thor and Loki work together; Loki secretly seizes the Asgardian throne; The Aether is entrusted to The Collector. Thor is protecting Asgard with his fellow warriors, and Loki is imprisoned in the Asgardian jail. A planetary event known as The Convergence approaches, which would see the Nine Realms align and portals between them randomly appear. One such portal appears in London, where Dr. Jane Foster and her team are continuing their study into the atmospheric condition that led to Thor first appearing in New Mexico in the first film. While investigating the portal in an old abandoned warehouse, Foster is transported to a different dimension, where she is infected with The Aether – an ancient power that can turn matter into dark matter. This is a weapon used by the Dark Elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), who previously battled Thor’s Grandfather, Bor. Malekith has been in suspended animation, waiting to feel a disturbance in The Aether. When he feels that it has been absorbed by Foster, he sets about tracking her down. Foster is in the different dimension for five hours before reappearing in London. Concerned by the fact that all-seeing Guardian Sentry Heimdall (Idris Elba) cannot see her, Thor travels to Earth to find her. On arrival, he sees that she is experiencing some kind of physical problem, and removes her to Asgard. This brings Malekith to Thor’s home, and a battle ensues, resulting in the death of Frigga, mother of Thor (Rene Russo). Thor enlists the help of Loki – promising him vengeance on Frigga’s killer – and travels to Svartalfheim with Loki and Jane. There, Loki seemingly sacrifices himself for Jane, by tricking Malekith into removing The Aether from her. Mourning his brother, Thor and Jane travel to Greenwich – the centre of The Convergence – where they battle Malekith to death. Thor relinquishes his ascendency to the Asgardian throne and, once Thor has left, Odin is revealed to be Loki in disguise – now having secretly seized the throne. Two Asgardian warriors take The Aether to The Collector (Benicio Del Toro), and entrust it to his care – revealing that it is, in fact, one of the six Infinity Stones (the Reality Stone). It is implied that The Collector has his own agenda. Captain America: The Winter Soldier Released: March 26th, 2014 Runtime: 2hrs 16mins Directed by: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo Written by: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Frank Grillo, Cobie Smulders, Hayley Atwell, Emily VanCamp, Toby Jones Significant characters introduced: Agent Brock Rumlow, Sam Wilson, Alexander Pierce, Sharon Carter, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff. Notable universe developments: S.H.I.E.L.D. is infiltrated by Hydra; Sam Wilson becomes Falcon; Bucky Barnes is revealed to be alive and brainwashed – and operating as the Winter Soldier; Hydra is holding Pietro and Wanda Maximoff (Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch). Two years after the New York incident, we find Captain America and Black Widow working as a team for S.H.I.E.L.D. and Director Nick Fury. He sends them on a mission to free hostages being held by terrorists on a S.H.I.E.L.D. ship, and they accompany a counter-terrorist team led by Agent Rumlow (Frank Grillo) in doing so. During the mission, Captain America discovers that Black Widow has a different set of orders, which leads Captain America to confront Fury on their return. Fury explains a S.H.I.E.L.D. project designed to use helicarriers and satellites to pre-emptively eliminate perceived threats – a plan that makes Captain America deeply uneasy. Fury becomes suspicious, however, when he is unable to decrypt data retrieved by Widow, and when he does not get a satisfactory explanation from his superior, Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford). Fury is then attacked and injured in the street, fleeing to Captain America’s apartment for help. Fury apparently dies in surgery, and Captain America and Black Widow find that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been infiltrated at all levels by Hydra – including Agent Rumlow and his team. Captain America recruits US Air Force pararescueman Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) to their cause, because he has access to a weaponized flying suit. The trio come under attack from a strange, super-powered individual who Widow identifies as The Winter Soldier, and who Captain America realizes is his best friend, Bucky Barnes. Barnes has been brainwashed by Hydra and turned into a super-soldier. Extracted by agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), they find that Fury faked his own death, and is available to collaborate with the team to bring S.H.I.E.L.D. down. The final confrontation leaves Rumlow hospitalized. Barnes experiences moments of clarity through his brainwashing and saves Captain America before disappearing into the woods, and Black Widow testifies to a senate committee – effectively outing herself as an agent. Fury – still thought by the rest of the world to be dead – heads off to find the remaining Hydra cells, and Hydra itself is revealed to be experimenting on two super-powered people (Pietro and Wanda Maximoff) using the Chitauri Sceptre, containing the Infinity Mind Stone. Guardians Of The Galaxy Released: July 31st, 2014 Runtime: 2hrs 1min Directed by: James Gunn Written by: James Gunn, Nicole Perlman Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Lee Pace, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro Significant characters introduced: Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, Drax The Destroyer, Yondu Udonta, Nebula, Ronan The Accuser. Notable universe developments: The Guardians Of The Galaxy team is created; the Inifinity Stones are explained; Thanos’ desire to collect the Infinity Stones is explored. Guardians Of The Galaxy is based upon the Marvel superhero team of the same name, formed from existing characters by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning in 2008. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is abducted from Earth by a group of space pirates named The Ravagers, following the death of his mother. The Ravagers are led by Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker). Decades later, as a grown man, Quill steals a powerful orb-shaped artefact that sets the much-feared Ronan (Lee Pace) – a member of the militaristic Kree alien race – on his tail. Ronan sends assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) to retrieve the orb from Quill. Fighting over the orb, Quill and Gamora are apprehended by bounty hunters Rocket (a raccoon) and Groot (a tree). All four are arrested by the Nova Corps (an interstellar law enforcement agency), and incarcerated. In jail, they are attacked by Drax The Destroyer (Dave Bautista) who wishes to kill Gamora as revenge for Ronan having killed his family. As the group negotiate with each other, they discover that they are all, in fact, working against Ronan, and can help each other. They decide to team up and escape. As Ronan meets with Thanos – who is Gamora’s adoptive father – the group attempt to sell the orb, and eventually take it to The Collector. Here it is revealed to contain the Infinity Power Stone, which has the capability to destroy all but the most powerful of the people to wield it. The Collector explains that the Infinity Stones are 6 different artefacts (Space Stone, Power Stone, Reality Stone, Mind Stone, Time Stone, and Soul Stone) that existed before the universe, having been created by Death, Entropy, Eternity and Infinity. The orb falls into the hands of Ronan, and the group must work to retrieve it, and save the galaxy. In the closing moments, the group hand the orb to the Nova Corps, and their criminal records are wiped clean. Quill is informed that he is only half-human, and that his real father was part of an unknown alien race. Yondu Udonta can be heard remarking that his original plan had been to deliver Quill to his real father. Avengers: Age Of Ultron Released: April 23rd, 2015 Runtime: 2hrs 21mins Directed by: Joss Whedon Written by: Joss Whedon Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Linda Cardellini, Stellan Skarsgard, Andy Serkis Significant characters introduced: Ultron Notable universe developments: The Avengers are haunted by hallucinations of death and destruction; Scarlet Witch joins The Avengers; The Vision is created with an Infinity Stone; Bruce Banner/Hulk departs to an unknown location. Now working as a cohesive team, the Avengers raid a Hydra facility in the Eastern European country of Sokovia. The facility operates under the supervision of Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann), and he has been overseeing a program of experiments on humans that test the powers of the Chitauri Sceptre – as seen in Avengers. Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) are two of his prisoners. He is super-fast, and she has the power of telekinesis and hypnosis. The Maximoffs blame Tony Stark for the deaths of their parents, as he designed the weapons that killed them. The Avengers retrieve the sceptre and, when Tony Stark and Bruce Banner begin to work on it, the find that it contains an artificial intelligence. Stark defies the opinion of the group and uses the AI to complete his Ultron program – a global defence system borne of the intense vulnerability he experienced during his brush with death at the end of Avengers. Ultron (James Spader) becomes sentient, seemingly destroys J.A.R.V.I.S., and attacks the Avengers – having determined that the biggest threat to the planet is humanity. Ultron recruits the Maximoffs and they visit arms dealer Ulysses Klaue to acquire Wakandan vibranium – a rare metallic substance that can absorb all vibrations in its vicinity, increasing its level of invulnerability. Wanda Maximoff defends Ultron by causing disturbing hallucinations in each of the Avengers – with Thor’s including the Infinity Power Stone and The Aether. Ultron forces a scientist to make him a new, synthetic body that incorporates vibranium and the Infinity Stone from Loki’s sceptre, but the Maximoffs realize the extent of his genocidal plan and switch their allegiance to the Avengers. The heroes take the dormant, synthetic body, and Stark infuses it with J.A.R.V.I.S. (retrieved from the internet), powered by the sceptre gemstone. This creates The Vision (Paul Bettany), who bears the Infinity Mind Stone in his brow. In the final battle, Vision confronts Ultron and destroys him – but only after Pietro, and countless Sokovians, are killed. During the credits, Thanos is seen to be frustrated by the ineptitude of his minions, and vows to collect the Infinity Stones himself – revealing one Infinity Gauntlet in his possession. Ant-Man Released: July 17th, 2015 Runtime: 1hr 57mins Directed by: Peyton Reed Written by: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, Bobby Cannavale, Anthony Mackie, Judy Greer, Hayley Atwell Significant characters introduced: Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Hope van Dyne, Hank Pym, Cassie Lang Notable universe developments: Scott Lang becomes Ant-Man; Hydra’s attempt to gain the Ant-Man technology is revealed; Hank Pym gives Hope van Dyne The Wasp suit. Ant-Man is based on the Marvel character of the same name, created in 1962 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby. Newly released thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is persuaded to commit a burglary with his old cell-mate, Luis (Michael Pena). He breaks into a large home and finds a strange suit. He takes it home and puts it on, but finds that it has the power to shrink him to the size of an insect. Disturbed, he breaks back into the home to return it, but is arrested. Former S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) approaches him with a job offer, involving stealing. It transpires that Pym has been forced out of his own company, Pym Technologies, by his protégé Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) - who has discovered Pym’s shrinking suit technology, and plans to sell it Hydra. Pym’s estranged daughter, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) still works for the company, and acts as something of a ‘mole.’ Motivated by the chance to prove himself to his young daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson), Lang agrees to help Pym, and an elaborate heist is planned to retrieve the shrinking suit from Pym Technologies. The team then find that Cross has used the invention to create his own suit – the Yellowjacket – and he uses this to battle Lang as Ant-Man. During the credits, Hank Pym reveals a newly-engineered suit to Hope Van Dyne – the Wasp, the previous version of which was worn by her mother – and Hope welcomes the chance to become a superhero herself. Phase 3 Captain America: Civil War Released: April 29th, 2016 Runtime: 2hrs 27mins Directed by: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo Written by: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely Starring: Robert Downey J.r, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Chadwick Boseman, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Daniel Bruhl, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Tom Holland, Martin Freeman, Marisa Tomei Significant characters introduced: T’Challa/Black Panther, Helmut Zemo, Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Aunt May Notable universe developments: The team is divided by the UN attempt to implement the Sokovia Accords – giving official oversight to the Avengers activities; Bucky Barnes kills Wakandan King T’Chaka with a bomb; Tony Stark recruits Spider-Man; Hydra’s secret stash of Winter Soldiers is revealed; Helmut Zemo reveals that Barnes killed Stark’s parents. Approximately one year after the events of Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Captain America, Black Widow, Falcon and Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) are in Lagos to prevent Brock Rumlow and his team from stealing a biological weapon from a laboratory. Rumlow tries to eliminate Captain America by blowing him up, but Scarlet Witch saves him by deflecting the blast. In the process, she destroys a building and kills several Wakandans undertaking a humanitarian mission. General Ross – now U.S Secretary Of State – informs the Avengers that the Sokovia Accords will soon be passed by the United Nations, and will lead to the appointment of a UN team charged with providing international oversight and approval to the actions of the Avengers. This divides the team, with Tony Stark agreeing to the Accords (in light of his own actions in Age Of Ultron), and Captain America being vehemently opposed (in light of his own experiences in The Winter Soldier). Black Widow attends a UN conference in Vienna, during which she meets King T’Chaka of Wakanda (John Kani), and his son, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman). King T’Chaka is then killed in a bomb blast, and security footage implicates Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier). Desperate to reach his childhood friend before T’Challa (revealed to be Black Panther) kills him to avenge his father, Captain America seeks the assistance of Agent Sharon Carter (now revealed to be the niece of Agent Peggy Carter) – who informs him that the government also intends to kill Bucky. It transpires that Barnes is under the influence of Helmut Zemo (Daniel Bruhl), who wants the location of a Hydra facility said to house a vast number of other brainwashed ‘Winter Soldiers.’ Tony Stark pieces together these clues as well, and tries to reach out to Captain America, who has ‘gone rogue.’ His attempts are re-buffed, however, as Captain America places his allegiance firmly with Bucky. In trying to solidify his side of the debate, Stark recruits a young man named Peter Parker (Tom Holland), who has secret superpowers. A showdown ensues, which leaves half of Captain America’s team incarcerated. Stark, Captain America, Barnes and Black Panther all descend upon the secret Hydra facility, where they find that Zemo has killed the remaining Winter Soldiers. He is revealed to be a survivor of the Sokovia incident, seeking to avenge the deaths of his family by irreparably fracturing the Avengers team. He finally succeeds by showing Hydra archives to Stark, Captain America and Barnes, which reveal that Barnes killed Stark’s parents. The film ends with Stark continuing his work, and Captain America liberating his allies, who had been briefly imprisoned for breaching international agreements. A grudging respect remains, but the team is no longer whole. Peter Parker is seen testing a new piece of equipment. Doctor Strange Release: October 25th, 2016 (UK)/November 4th 2016 (US) Runtime: 1hr 55mins Directed by: Scott Derrickson Written by: Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill, Jon Spaihts Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor Significant characters introduced: Doctor Stephen Strange, Baron Karl Mordo, The Ancient One, Wong, Kaecilius, Dormammu Notable universe developments: Doctor Strange steps in to lead the fight against trans-dimensional threats in place of The Ancient One; Baron Mordo becomes wary of Strange's methods and attitudes, and breaks away to start his own fight; Doctor Strange pledges to help Thor find Odin. Doctor Strange is based on the Marvel character of the same name, created by Steve Ditko in 1963. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is the world’s greatest neuro-surgeon, but is left unable to use his skills when a terrible car accident damages his hands. Seeking alternative methods of healing, he encounters a mystic named The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who reveals to him the existence of magic and alternate dimensions. The Ancient One becomes his mentor in the mystic arts. Becoming involved with the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange works alongside the sometimes antagonistic Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) - a former student of The Ancient One – and also Wong (Benedict Wong), a Master Of The Mystic Arts. They find themselves at odds with Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), who is himself a Master Of The Mystic Arts, and who broke away from the oversight of The Ancient One to form his own sect. He questions the motives of the mentor, and believes he is right to offer an alternative view. After waging a battle through the sanctums of London, New York, and Hong Kong, Doctor Strange, Wong, and Baron Mordo find themselves preventing the end of the universe by fighting the attacking Dormammu - ruler of the Dark Dimension. Doctor Strange defeats him by creating a time loop, and sends Kaecilius and his followers into the Dark Dimension. He then takes up residence in the Sanctum in New York, where he meets with Thor about finding his father, Odin. Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 2 Release: April 28th, 2017 (UK)/May 5th, 2017 (US) Directed by: James Gunn Written by: James Gunn Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Elizabeth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff, Glenn Close Significant characters introduced: Ego, Mantis, Ayesha, Taserface. Notable universe developments: Peter Quill meets his father; Yondu joins the Guardians team; the Ravagers turn on the Guardians; Gamora and Nebula achieve a breakthrough in their relationship; Other Ravager squad leaders are revealed. Set just two months after the events of Guardians Of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 finds the team travelling through the cosmos and bonding as an unconventional family, while Peter Quill/Star-Lord seeks to understand his true parentage. He is trying to fill the role of responsible leader, when the group is enlisted to help the Sovereign people. Rocket causes conflict by stealing from the Sovereign People, and the Guardians are assisted by a mysterious man who reveals himself to be Ego – Peter Quill’s biological father. Ego takes Peter, Gamora, and Drax to his home – a living planet that is an extension of himself – and introduces them to Mantis. She is an empath that Ego has raised from childhood, but essentially keeps as a pet. As Ego reveals more and more about his intentions, it becomes clear that he is not the peaceful, merciful figure that Peter hoped he would be. Gamora and Nebula struggle with the effects of their own parentage, and eventually come to terms, while Yondu finds himself in conflict with his Ravager colleagues, and reveals the truth about his relationship with Peter. As all finally unite to combat the all-powerful Ego, a wider range of Ravager squads are revealed. Spider-Man: Homecoming Release: July 7th, 2017 Directed by: Jon Watts Written by: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Donald Glover, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Hannibal Buress, Bokeem Woodbine, Kenneth Choi Significant characters introduced: Michelle, Ned, Flash Thompson, Adrian Toomes/Vulture, Herman Schultz/Shocker, Mac Gargan, Aaron Davis. Notable universe developments: Tony Stark sells Avengers Tower in New York with a view to consolidating Avengers resources at the new upstate Headquarters; Contractors, under the guidance of Adrian Toomes, scavenge for alien and Stark technology at the site of Avengers incidents, and weaponize them for crime; Spider-Man is revealed to the world and makes enemies of Adrian Toomes and Mac Gargan; Spider-Man rejects an offer to move to the Avengers Headquarters, Tony Stark reveals his intention to propose to Pepper Potts. Spider-Man: Homecoming is based on the Marvel character of the same name, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1962. After the seismic events of Captain America: Civil War, 15 year-old Peter Parker struggles to strike a balance between high school student life, and the pressures of being a superhero. Tony Stark steps in as his mentor, and tasks Happy Hogan with day-to-day supervision of the young web-slinger. Parker’s desire to take on more responsibility conflicts with Stark’s desire to restrict his activities in light of his relative inexperience. Parker also goes to great lengths to keep his superhero status secret from his Aunt, May (Marisa Tomei) – with whom he lives. His best friend Ned, however, discovers his secret, and nominates himself to be Parker’s “man in the chair.” Amid these power struggles, Parker becomes aware that Adrian Toomes is scavenging technology from the Avengers incidents sites and weaponizing them for criminal enterprise. Parker repeatedly tries to warn Stark, who is dismissive of his claims – so Parker takes Toomes on himself. In supporting roles, we meet Aaron Davis (Donald Glover), whose nephew is Miles Morales – setting up possible future appearances by that Spider-verse character. Additionally, Mac Gargan (Michael Mando) features in a credits sequence clip with an imprisoned Vulture, suggesting future appearances by Scorpion. Thor: Ragnarok Release: October 27th, 2017 (UK)/November 3rd, 2017 (US) Directed by: Taika Waititi Written by: Stephany Folsom, Eric Pearson, Christopher Yost, Craig Kyle Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jaime Alexander, Karl Urban, Tessa Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Goldblum Significant characters introduced: Hela, Valkyrie, Grandmaster, Skurge. Rumours: Thor needs to find the ultimate weapon to prevent Ragnarok (the end of all things) – does Hulk prove to be that ultimate weapon? Is Hela – Asgardian goddess of Death – the motivation for Thanos collecting the Infinity Stones? Doctor Strange may appear; it is possible that Hulk will ultimately help Thor prevent Ragnarok, which brings them both back in from the cold in time for Avengers: Infinity War. Thor is stranded, out in the universe, without his hammer. Desperately trying to make his way home before Hela destroys his world with Ragnarok - an apocalyptic event - he crosses paths with Hulk, who is stuck on a planet undertaking Gladiator matches. Thor and Hulk must fight each other to survive, in what seems to be an epic Thor-Planet Hulk story mash-up. The main villain will be Hela (played by Cate Blanchett), the Asgardian goddess of Death and ruler of Hel and Niflhelm. She is joined by the villainous Grandmaster (played by Jeff Goldblum), who is an Elder Of The Universe, master manipulator, and expert in the games of chance of most civilisations. Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson) and Skurge (played by Karl Urban) will also appear. They are both Asgardian warriors, though Skurge is known as a sometime antagonist turned hero, by the events of Ragnarok. Black Panther Release: February 16th, 2018 Directed by: Ryan Coogler Written by: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Andy Serkis, Daniel Kaluuya, Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Sterling K. Brown Significant characters introduced: Erik Killmonger, Okoye, Nakia, M’Baku/Man-Ape, Zuri, N'Jobu, Ramonda, W'Kabi, Ayo. Rumours: Possible appearances by Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), and Captain America (Chris Evans); John Boyega may appear; Though Nakia becomes the supervillain Malice in the comic books, the inclusion of Man-Ape as a second villain suggests she will remain a Dora Milaje and fight alongside Black Panther in this movie – possibly indicating that the Malice storyline could be used in a later movie (and therefore Erik Killmonger could also return, since Malice is his ally); Additional characters may include: Monica Lynne (T'Challa's love interest), N'Gassi (a senior advisor to T'Challa), Queen Divine Justice (Queen of the Jabari tribe), Achebe (an unhinged warrior-mystic), and White Wolf (T'Challa's estranged, adopted older brother). Black Panther is based upon the Marvel character of the same name, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1966. The known plot details of Black Panther are currently limited to it being a story about the newly crowned King T’Challa having to defend his country of Wakanda from enemies both without and within. The casting of Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger suggests that the story will include Killmonger’s attempted coup, as he seeks revenge for his temporary exile and the death of his father. Erik Killmonger is an expert martial artist with a genius intellect. His father was manipulated into treachery by Ulysses Klaue, and consequently died. As a result, Killmonger was exiled to New York, where he watched T’Challa become a superhero. He then appealed to the newly crowned King for clemency, and returned to Wakanda to plot his coup. Also cast are two Dora Milaje. The Dora Milaje are the personal guards of the Wakandan King, and ceremonial wives-in-training. They are selected from each of the rival tribes to serve with the King as a peace-keeping measure. They speak only to the King, and only in the obscure Hausa dialect. Okoye (played by Danai Gurira) is the Head of the Dora Milaje, and close friend of colleague Nakia (played by Lupita Nyong’o). Additionally, Winston Duke has been cast as M’Baku – one time friend of T’Challa who kills and eats a white gorilla, becoming the powerful supervillain Man-Ape. In this guise in the comics, he tries to overthrow T’Challa as leader of Wakanda. Avengers: Infinity War Release: April 27th, 2018 (UK)/May 4th, 2018 (US) Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo Written by: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely Starring: Chris Pratt, Sebastian Stan, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Robert Downey Jr Significant characters introduced: TBA Rumours: The conflict may see both the Avengers and Thanos with an Infinity Gauntlet each; The rumoured destruction of Xandar – home of the Nova Corps – by Thanos may be what draws the Guardians Of The Galaxy into the battle; Red Skull could return, having been transported to Jotunheim in Captain America: The First Avenger, Carol Danvers could be introduced. Marvel has stated that Avengers: Infinity War will begin a story that will stand as the culmination of everything that has occurred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far, since 2008’s Iron Man. It has also been explained, repeatedly, that this point of the universe will see an end to the Avengers team as we have come to know it, and the commencement of a new era for that group. It is confirmed that the cosmic supervillain Thanos will play a much larger role than he has done previously which, coupled with the presence of the word ‘Infinity’ in the title, suggests that the plot will really be a battle for the Infinity Stones. This is also supported by the fact that characters from the Guardians Of The Galaxy films are confirmed as appearing – giving this film a tone that is far different from any other Avengers film to date. Until this film, little has been made clear about Thanos – but what has been teased has supported the character he is presented as in the comic books. As the title of this movie also suggests it is loosely based upon the comic book story Avengers: Infinity Gauntlet, there is speculation that the superheroes will need to assemble as a result of Thanos’ obsession with the Goddess of Death (a version of whom will feature in Thor: Ragnarok). He seeks to impress her, and so gathers all six of the Infinity Stones, achieving god-like power over the universe. In this position, he plans to deliver half of all living souls to the Goddess of Death, in the hope of winning her attention. Ant-Man And The Wasp Release: July 6th, 2018 Directed by: Peyton Reed Written by: Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena Significant characters introduced: Possibly Janet van Dyne (the original Wasp) Rumours: Scott Lang may retrieve Janet van Dyne from the Quantum Realm; Is Sharon Stone going to be playing Janet van Dyne? The sequel to Ant-Man will evidently feature Hope van Dyne donning The Wasp suit revealed at the end of the first film. Captain Marvel Release: March 8th, 2019 Directed by:Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Written by: Meg LeFauve, Nicole Perlman Starring: Brie Larson Significant characters introduced: Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel Rumours: Captain Marvel is based upon the Marvel character Carol Danvers, created by Roy Thomas and Gene Colan in 1968. The first female-led superhero movie (and the first to involve a female director) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been confirmed as using the Carol Danvers incarnation of the popular character – which goes some way to explain its timing on the Marvel release slate, as her origin story involves Carol being an officer in the United States Air Force, tasked with overseeing security at a restricted military base. Here, she meets alien Kree hero Captain Marvel in his human guise of Dr. Walter Lawson. Later, an explosion of a Kree device causes Carol to merge with Captain Marvel at a genetic level, making her an alien-human hybrid with super strength, speed, the ability to both absorb and project vast amounts of energy, and the ability to fly. Untitled Avengers Sequel Release: April 26th, 2019 (UK)/May 3rd, 2019 (US) Directed by: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo Written by: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely Starring: Josh Brolin, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Pratt, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Olsen Significant characters introduced: TBA Rumours: Torches will be passed to a new generation of Avengers. This film was formerly referred to as Avengers: Infinity War – Part Two, but has since been determined to be a separate, though related endeavour. This suggests that, while the story still evidently concerns dealing with Thanos, this fourth Avengers film will be the final ending to the initial line-up of the Avengers team. With the flick arriving after the first solo film of Captain Marvel, it could be that Marvel intends for her to play a lead role in the Avengers team going forward – along with Ant-Man, The Wasp, Black Panther, Doctor Strange and Spider-Man. Phase 4 Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 Release: July 5th, 2019 Directed by: TBA Written by: TBA Starring: Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei Significant characters introduced: TBA Rumours: This sequel to the first Spider-Man movie of the MCU will constitute the beginning of Phase Four of the franchise. Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol 3 Release: TBA Directed by: James Gunn Written by: James Gunn Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Pom Klementieff, Karen Gillan Significant characters introduced: TBA Rumours: None