History has been made, as Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War tops Star Wars: The Force Awakens with record-breaking opening weekend box-office numbers. Because of its unprecedented success, the inter-web is buzzing about what will happen next in the MCU, specifically the untitled Avengers 4. Officially, Avengers: Infinity War took in a whopping estimate of $640 million globally, with approximately $260 million of that taking place domestically. These numbers are setting world records, reinforcing the fact that Kevin Feige and crew know what they’re doing when it comes to making comic book movies.

Following Avengers: Infinity War are two more MCU films, but they won’t occur within the current timeline established in Infinity War. Ant-Man and the Wasp are allegedly set to take place following Captain America: Civil War, which would be about two years prior to Avengers: Infinity War. Captain Marvel is also coming before Avengers 4, as suggested by the post-credit scene, but will be taking place in the 90s. When Avengers 4 gets released, May of 2019, the story will either resume where Avengers: Infinity War left off, or possibly bring audiences into the past one more time.

Marvel head Kevin Feige has stated in the past that, “90% of the studio’s attention right now is on Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers 4, and Spider-Man: Homecoming 2. Of which some of these films will fall in Phase 3 while others will begin Phase 4. Because of this, fan theories are everywhere regarding how Avengers 4 will play out and what will the MCU look like upon entering Phase 4. We’ve compiled the best of these fan theories from the inter-web, and are ready to explore them in further detail, hoping to unlock the mystery of the MCU future.

Be warned: There are spoilers ahead for Avengers: Infinity War

24 The Original Six Theory

Via gamespot.com

Thanks to the #sweaties over at Collider Heroes’ with Jon Schnepp leading the roundtable, there’s a theory regarding the core principle of Avengers: Infinity War playing into Avengers 4. In Infinity War there is the theme of Thanos, where half the universe needs to be wiped out for its own good. And there’s the Captain America theme, in which sacrificing an individual for the greater good shouldn’t have to be a choice.

Thanos may win the battle in Avengers: Infinity War. But the war is far from over.

Schnepp and company are suggesting the original six members of the Avengers were spared because it will be their sacrifices which brings back the MCU characters who got dusted. In the traditional sense, being a hero means putting your life before others, willing to sacrifice yourself if necessary for the greater good. It’s an act of willing to risk everything to save a stranger, without a selfish bone in your body (kudos to My Hero Academia). The heroes of Avengers: Infinity War forgot this crucial code. Perhaps they had become complacent in their own egos and powers, or maybe they let emotions come before duty. Either way, they’ve been officially schooled and now is the time to make things right once again.

23 Intergalactic Pager Saves The Day

Via Screenrant.com
Captain Marvel MCU Infinity War

You’ve got to give props to Keven Feige for being the marketing genius he is. After everything fans witnessed during the end of Avengers: Infinity War, in conjunction with the post-credit scene, it’s a given that the movie Captain Marvel will be a must-see film. During an interview in 2017 with Heroic Hollywood, Kevin Feige stated Captain Marvel will tie-in into Avengers 4. “We're really focusing on Captain Marvel and the work that Anna and Ryan are doing. It's going to be a big part of heading toward this epic conclusion and epic finale of 22 movies over the course of 10 years.”

Captain Marvel is hiding out somewhere in deep space, which is why Fury has an Intergalactic Pager on stand-by. 

Very little has been released concerning the upcoming Captain Marvel film, but there are a few details floating about. According to script promotional material, there will be an appearance of Mar-Vell, along with a version of the Psychic-Magnitron accident that changes the DNA and genetic makeup of Carol Danvers to a half-human, half-Kree. The accident is what makes her immortal, by stopping the aging process. This means she’ll be packing quite a punch, along with a host of super-human powers which can compete against Thanos. Especially, if Thor and the rest of the Avengers are fighting by her side. (Props to Jay Washington of Collider Heroes’ for the name Intergalactic Pager).

22 Pre-Snap Vs. Post-Snap

via Pinterest

The pre-snap vs. post-snap theory seems to be the most common in the land of the inter-web. I first heard it from Perri Nemiroff on Collider during an Infinity War spoiler review, so I’ll toss the props to her for mentioning it first. The theory is simple in nature. Those who perished pre-snap are gone for good (the only exception being Gamora) and those who perished post-snap will return in Avengers 4. Gamora gets a pass, only because her soul could’ve become part of the Soul Stone. Whether her soul can return to a broken body thrown off a cliff is unknown.

The MCU characters who ended up being eliminated, prior to Thanos snapping his fingers include Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Heimdall (Idris Elba) Vision (Paul Bettany), and most likely The Collector (Benicio del Toro), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and everyone on the planet of Nova. Post-snap characters who faded to dust include Spider-Man (most heartbreaking of them all), Star-Lord, Mantis, Drax, Doctor Strange, Bucky, Groot, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, Falcon, Maria Hill and Nick Fury.

Pre-snap eliminations are gone for good and post-snap will likely return. But will there be a cost to perform this action, much like there was a price to pay for obtaining the Soul Stone? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments.

21 Old Friends Forgive

Via Pursue News
Marvel Avengers Captain America and Iron Man

Throughout the course of Avengers: Infinity War, the tension between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers is mentioned several times. Yes, it moves the story along and explains why the heroes are split — but it felt too “on the nose” to be nothing more than a plot-hole patch. Cap and Iron Man are going to run into each other in Avengers 4. Banner’s comment to Stark before everything hits the fan assures this.

“The end of the world is here, Thanos is coming; does it really matter who you’re not talking to?”

While it’ll be nice to see the two oldies hug and make-up, this pairing will have a major impact in Avengers 4. As it is likely the last time we’ll see Captain America (played by Chris Evans) in an MCU film, and possibly Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) as well. Considering how imperative both have been to the MCU, and not just because of their individual character arc’s (money), it would be fitting to see them exit on the highest note possible.

Banner and Natasha will also probably have a make-up scene (possibly even a make-out one) in which it will contribute towards the complications of Hulk not wanting to come out and play. This would explain why their relationship was brushed over in Avengers: Infinity War.

20 Wielding The Infinity Gauntlet

Via MCUExchange and Screenrant.com
Marvel Avengers Comics Infinity Gauntlet

Everyone has a theory on who will wield the Infinity Gauntlet next (if it still works), so I’m doing a mash-up version of this with a few of my own opinions. There are four MCU characters who can likely wield the gauntlet if the Avengers happen to take it back from Thanos. These include Thor, Nebula, Captain Marvel,  and Captain America. Thor’s body could withstand the power of the Infinity Gauntlet no problem, so he seems to be the obvious choice. Captain Marvel comes in next, due to her half-Kree, half human nature which makes her immortal. Nebula is based off the comics, in which for a period she does wield the Infinity Gauntlet. Although, she also uses it inappropriately and ends up being detained because of it. This leaves Captain America, who was almost able to lift Mjölnir in Avengers: Age of Ultron in addition to having a body which might be able to endure the Infinity Gauntlet.

The one big name that isn’t on this list is that of Adam Warlock.

Kevin Feige has stated that audiences won’t see Warlock until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but this doesn’t guarantee we won’t see him show up in Avengers 4. If Adam Warlock was to make an appearance, in conjunction with Captain Marvel, Thanos is in for way more than he bargained for.

19 Valkyrie Changes The Tide

Via Via ComicBook1
Valkyrie MCU

One of the biggest questions coming out of the opening weekend success of Avengers: Infinity War was where in the galaxy is Valkyrie? In the opening moments of Infinity War, it appears that the ship Thor was commandeering with the remaining Asgardians was split in half. Director Joe Russo has confirmed Valkyrie survived Thanos’ attack, leading half of the Asgardians to safety via escape pods. But the escape likely didn’t go according to plan, leaving her incapacitated during the rest of the film. But they won’t remain that way forever.

Word of what’s taking place across the galaxy is bound to catch up with her, prompting a visit to Titan to challenge Thanos head-on. Or, Thor catches up with her and the two of them head to Titan in search of Tony Stark and the others. Either way, she’ll end up getting to Titan, with a ship, picking up Tony and Nebula. Since Iron Man obviously plays an important role in the one timeline for success, it will be Valkyrie who changes the tide in the overall war. Putting events into motion which will ultimately lead towards a much different ending than the previous fought battles. Whether she’ll be sober while accomplishing this great feat is yet undetermined.

18 Going 90s With Avengers Forever

Via comicbook.com
Marvel Avengers Forever

One of the most brilliant aspects of the MCU is the number of potential storylines which have yet to be adopted from the pages of Marvel Comics. One such tale includes a group known to die-hards as the Avengers Forever (could this be the title of Avengers 4). Dave Trumbore in an article for Collider and Jon Schnepp have both brought this storyline up, as it would fit nicely with the introduction of Captain Marvel. Carol Danvers' movie is set to take place in the 90s, which ironically is the same decade the Avengers Forever story is told in.

Avengers Forever included a host of Marvel characters like Tempus, Rick Jones, and Kang the Conqueror — who also happen to be tied into the Kree-Skrull war (a storyline we know is taking place in Captain Marvel). There were also hints of our modern-day Avengers going back to their roots when photos were leaked of Captain America wearing an outdated suit. These pictures originated during the filming of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4. Schnepp, who is a huge comic book enthusiast, has been preaching for some time now that Kang the Conqueror needs to become part of the MCU. With a trip back in time, the #sweaties king just might get the story he’s been longing for.

17 Ants Invasion 

Via Marvel Studios and Screenrant.com
Marvel Ant-Man and the Wasp with Cassie Lang

The new trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp has dropped, containing a few goodies which could impact Avengers 4 and play a part in the future of the MCU. Stringing along to the guitar riffs of the 1982 Ants Invasion song, a sequence spoken by Cassie Lang teases what may be coming soon for Scott Lang’s daughter. Thanks to Molly Freeman over at ScreenRant, the line Cassie Lang speaks could be hinting towards her superhero reveal. The words spoken were, “I wish I could fight bad guys like you!”

In conjunction with this line, is news regarding Emma Fuhrmann joining Avengers 4 as a teenage version of Cassie Lang (see the last entry to find out how this ties in with other theories). Scott’s daughter was first featured in Marvel Comics in under the name of Stature Young Avengers #6. She has also gone by the name Stinger in Astonishing Ant-Man #6. Cassie Lang may be suiting up for the ultimate showdown come Avengers 4, leading into a series of films featuring her, Ant-Man, and the Wasp.

In addition to the Cassie Lang news, the trailer also confirmed they’ll be meddling with the Quantum Realm. This could play a huge part regarding Avengers 4, even with Ant-Man and the Wasp sitting it out for Avengers: Infinity War.

16 Phase 4 House Of M

Via Marvel.com
Marvel House of M

Nick Romano is the first to publish an article regarding the House of M, which for those who are out of the loop, is a powerful story involving a crossover between the Avengers and X-Men. It’s extremely unlikely fans will see this play out for the Avengers 4 film, but going forward into Phase 4 and the next 5 years, it’s very plausible the House of M will be re-created for the MCU.

The tale takes place as an unstable Wanda Maximoff uses her reality-bending powers to create a world in which Mutants are the rulers and humans are the minority. Giving power over to Magneto and his crew of misfit mutants. Crossing over the X-Men into the MCU will be one of the more anticipated moves by Feige and Marvel, once the ink is dry on the Fox deal. There might be stipulations on how soon Disney and Marvel can use some of these characters, which is why we won’t likely see this a story like this play out until Phase 4.

On the slight off-chance that we’re in the dark more than we know, using this story in Avengers 4 would fit nicely. If Vision is gone for good, then it’s possible Wanda (when brought back from being dusted) could crack. Leading to the events that took place in the House of M story in conjunction with trying to defeat Thanos for good.

15 Cat And Mouse Theory

Via Collider
Marvel Avengers Captain America

Time travel is a finicky thing. As Baron Mordo stated in Dr. Strange, “Tampering with continuum probabilities is forbidden! Temporal manipulations can create branches in time. Unstable dimensional openings. Spatial paradoxes! Time loops! You wanna get stuck reliving the same moment over and over forever or never having existed at all?” We know this hasn’t deterred the good doctor, but it’s something he obviously considers each time he uses the Time Stone.

In the MCU, Dr. Strange hasn’t reversed more than 30 minutes of time. What would happen if time was reversed more than 24 hours? Would branches occur, creating multiple timelines full of events which should have never taken place?

Now you may ask, why not call on an Eternal to reverse time. Someone with more experience than a casual user of the Time Stone. Doing this would create a cat and mouse game between Thanos (using the Time Stone) and an Eternal changing time. Talk about a time paradox conundrum. It would be a giant mess. Kevin Feige has always kept the stories in the MCU simple and easy to follow along to. It seems unlikely Avengers 4 will follow the cat and mouse theory, but anything is possible.

14 Tampering With Time Stone

Via ComicBook.com
Marvel Infinity War Dr. Strange

In my previous article of Everything You Missed in Infinity War, I mentioned the post-credit scene had a timeline problem, and I think it’s because Dr. Strange did something to the Time Stone, prior to giving it to Thanos. Continuity of a movie should line up with a post-credit scene, but technically it doesn’t have to. Hence, why this is still a theory. In the post-credit scene from Avengers: Infinity War, the timeline is off regarding when people start fading into dust. I proposed this could be possible because Dr. Strange tampered with the Time Stone before handing it over to Thanos. This would explain why the Gauntlet looked fried after he used it and would provide an opportunity for those who got dusted to return. When Dr. Strange takes his 14 million plus trips into the future, he see’s only one timeline in which the heroes succeed.

Fast-forward some and Dr. Strange suddenly prevents Thanos from permanently taking Iron Man out by offering him the Time Stone. Ironically, this goes against what Strange said to Tony on the spaceship prior to arriving on Titan. Many believe this is because Tony is part of that one timeline which needs to happen. There is also a sneaky look Dr. Strange has on his face as Thanos grabs the Time Stone. It is one of satisfaction, along with a crooked smile of “I’ve got you.”

13 Iron Man Redemption Arc

Via screenrant.com
Marvel Infinity War Iron Man and Spider-Man

Of all the theories floating around on the inter-web, the Tony Stark redemption arc is the one most fans can agree on. Iron Man holds significance within the MCU as it was technically Iron Man 1 which put the MCU on the long road towards success. For a decade now, Tony Stark has played a vital role. Not just in the Avengers films, but in conjunction with all the other heroes and their standalone movies. Normally he is causing more problems than solving them, which is why fans are betting the pot regarding him having some form of redemption arc in Avengers 4.

It would be fitting to see Tony Stark go out on the highest note possible. To finally see him at peace, no longer flipping out over the next baddie to invade Earth’s atmosphere. Even if Iron Man somehow manages to survive the events of Avengers 4, it would still be cool to witness a redemption upon his character. How this will all play out, however, is still being largely debated. Some feel Tony will use the Time Stone or Infinity Gauntlet to reverse time, while others think he’ll have to sacrifice his life to the Soul Stone in exchange for the Avengers who got dusted in Infinity War.

12 Wong Is Sorcerer Supreme

Via cbr.com
Marvel Avengers Dr. Strange

There have been Sorcerer Supremes prior to Dr. Strange and the Ancient One in Marvel Comics, so it wouldn’t come as a shock to see Wong step into the role in Avengers 4. Wong knows his stuff, being that he is master of the Mystic Arts of Kamar-Taj. Other Marvel comic characters who have held the title of Sorcerer Supreme in the past include Agamotto (the first Sorcerer Supreme), Merlin, Doctor Voodoo (Jericho Drumm), and Margali Szardos.

The Eye of Agamotto was destroyed by Thanos, but that doesn’t mean there might not be another artifact stored away (collecting dust) that Wong could use in conjunction with the Time Stone.

I believe Wong will play an important role in reversing the events from Avengers: Infinity War and am excited to see his stoic character get the screen time he deserves. In the standalone Dr. Strange movie, Wong was essentially a talented librarian who hadn’t seen a bunch of action. Therefore, his skills were lacking when put to use. But since then he’s had more than enough experience, plus he’s had the bonus of working side-by-side with Dr. Strange. An opportunity he wasn’t given under the Ancient One. If Dr. Strange does return in Avengers 4, will Wong remain Sorcerer Supreme?

11 Marvel Defenders Re-Introduction

Via Gizmodo Australia
Marvel Defenders

No, I’m not referring to the series featured on Netflix with Iron Fist, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. Although, it would be nice to see 3 of those 4 characters eventually join the Avengers on the big screen. This theory is way bigger. Proposed by Collider Heroes’ Jon Schnepp, the Marvel Defenders would include the original crew from the comic books. The characters featured in Marvel Defenders included Hulk, Dr. Strange, Silver Surfer, and Valkyrie.

Given that the MCU already has three of these 4 characters, with the fourth on his way thanks to the Fox Disney merger, the possibility of seeing this group together is possible. It’s also important to note, that the three MCU characters are technically still alive. Valkyrie is missing in action, Hulk is in Wakanda, and Dr. Strange is in dust limbo. But they are all available to return depending on the storyline in Avengers 4. Adding Silver Surfer to the Avengers would be an epic move. Other than Captain Marvel, he’s the one character I’m most excited to see back on the big screen. Bringing these four characters together would also be an excellent way to set up a host of Marvel Defender movies over the course of Phase 4 in the MCU.

10 Getting In Thanos’ Head

via Looper

For fans who read the comics, there is a storyline in which Adam Warlock taps into Thanos’ head, changing his perspective. Nebula during this series also wields the Infinity Gauntlet, along with Adam Warlock. When the dust settles, all those who once disappeared have returned and Thanos takes up farming as a hobby. It’s unlikely Avengers 4 will play out in this manner, but there are bits to this story which can easily be borrowed. James Gunn has stated Adam Warlock won’t appear in the MCU until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. But we can’t take his word on it fully since fans were also told Red Skull wouldn’t be in Avengers: Infinity War.

If Warlock was to appear in Avengers 4, it would line up with the Russo brothers comment of part 2 being longer and bigger than part 1 of Infinity War. His possible connection with the Soul Stone could lead him towards confronting Thanos, who many believe is currently residing as King over the Soul Stone universe (final shot of him watching the sunset). It may seem like a bit of a stretch, but it’s still a plausible theory. Especially if Adam Warlock can talk Thanos into giving the Infinity Gauntlet over to him. After they fight it out, of course.

9 Letting The Universe Decide

via: popsugar.com, comicalarm.com

The introduction of Thanos into the MCU was spectacular. Most are hailing him as the best villain yet, and I agree. One of the things which made his character so unique was his willingness to believe he was tasked with restoring balance to the universe. While his actions and moral compass are clearly off, he truly believes he’s a 100% right. So, when all is said and done, and he’s watched the sunset on a new universe — what will his next action be? Some believe he’ll return the Infinity Stones randomly back into the galaxy, allowing fate and the universe to decide what happens next.

This theory can come off as being lazy writing, but it does line up with how Thanos thinks.

He believes in balance and is determined to know if he’s right. The deed is done, now it’s time for the galaxy to prove whether he was correct or not. In speeding up this process, he allows the Stones to randomly find new homes in the universe since it seems the Infinity Gauntlet may be beyond repair. This theory is a bit of a stretch, but it’s still worth mentioning. If this was to happen, I believe Thanos would hold onto the Soul Stone, knowing the soul of Gamora is locked within it.

8 Shuri Takes On Black Panther Mantel

Via The Source
Marvel Avengers Shuri as Black Panther

Courtesy of Rosie Knight over at Nerdist, there’s a theory floating around regarding Shuri taking over the mantle of Black Panther while T’Challa is absent. The comics have shown this side to Shuri, and the MCU even hinted at it in Black Panther. Shuri raised her hand during the challenge for the throne scene, and Coogler showed that women have been King of Wakanda in the past when T’Challa visited the ancestral plane. Making it likely that there has also been a female Black Panther too. At the end of Avengers: Infinity War, Shuri is unaccounted for. This was likely done intentionally, to give additional emotional power to the scene in Avengers 4, when she finds out T’Challa turned to dust. Prompting her to take on the role of Black Panther.

I would love to see this theory be correct, as Shuri was my favorite character to be introduced in Black Panther. She’s got the brains, willpower, drive, and athleticism to pull off the job. Plus, she’s a ton of fun to watch in every scene she’s in. Half of being Black Panther is knowing how to use the tech, anyway. And since she created it all, it’s plausible to say she’s got the role already nailed.

7 Soul Stone Is Afterlife In MCU

Via Best Of Comic Books
Marvel Avengers Thanos and Gamora Soul Stone

Amidst the pre-snap and post-snap discussions, is a theory revolving around how the Soul Stone is being portrayed in Avengers: Infinity War. Many believe those who faded away were transported to the Soul Stone. Gamora being the only exception (transported) because her body needed to be sacrificed. Which should prove to be interesting if she should happen to return.

The theory states the Soul Stone is acting as a realm of the afterlife, taking the place of the entity known as Lady-Death in the comics.

For those in the dark, Thanos wanted to impress this afterlife entity in the comic book story Infinity War. Which is why he takes to eliminating half the souls in the universe. Not only did he want to impress her, he was in love with her. The MCU has changed this, naturally, but the symbolism may have crossed over. If the Soul Stone now represents the afterlife, then all those who turned to dust are temporarily trapped within it. This would also allow the Soul Stone to represent the missing entity from the comics, tying things together while giving comic fans a nod of appreciation.

If this theory is correct, then the Soul Stone is the key to bringing all who got dusted back to life. It would also tie in with the sacrificial theory I mentioned earlier, in which the original Avengers will trade their lives to bring back those who faded away.

6 The Simplicity In Un-Snap

Marvel 25 Things Wrong With Avengers Infinity War

If Avengers: Infinity War taught audiences anything, Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers believe in keeping their stories simple and easy to follow along to. Thanks to insight from Grace Randolph on Beyond the Trailer, she believes the infamous snap will be undone with a reverse snap. Yep, keeping it simple. Grace also goes on to suggest it will be none other than Iron Man himself who will perform the un-snap. Hence, returning all our beloved heroes who turned to ash.

Once Iron Man reverses the effects of the Infinity Gauntlet, with the possibility of Shuri’s assistance, they’ll then be led by Captain Marvel.

Her theory is based on multiple statements from Kevin Feige where he states that Carol Danvers will be the most powerful superhero the MCU has ever put on the big screen. I like Grace Randolph’s concept of trying to get in the head of Feige, leading to her theory of keeping it simple. But I’m not sold on it being Iron Man who will perform the un-snap. If that happens, however, I hope she is right in that it will be Shuri who helps him accomplish his part in the successful timeline towards victory for the Avengers.

5 Introduction Of The Eternals

Via Matt Hollingsworth
Marvel Eternals

The Eternals are still on the table, whether it be for Avengers 4 or Phase 4 of the MCU. Kevin Feige stated recently in an interview with The Wrap, “Eternals’ is one of many things that we are actively beginning to have creative discussions about to see if we believe in them enough to put them on a slate.”

According to Marvel Comics, “the Eternals are a fictional race of humanity appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are described as an offshoot of the evolutionary process that created sentient life on Earth. The original instigators of this process, the alien Celestials, intended the Eternals to be the defenders of Earth, which leads to the inevitability of war against their destructive counterparts, the Deviants. The Eternals were created by Jack Kirby and made their first appearance in The Eternals #1 (July 1976).”

Matt Goldberg of Collider stated in one of his recent articles, that the Eternals have already been introduced into the MCU, through the planet of Knowhere. Which is supposed to be the head of a deceased Entity. And Ego, Star-Lords paternal father, who was also considered an entity — since he is more of a planet than that of a specific race of beings since he essentially created himself from atoms. Introducing the Eternals has tons of potential, but it’s also a double edge sword. What if they’re too powerful? Would it take away from the humanity presented in the superhero movies coming out of the MCU over the past decade?