Sunday, February 1, 2015

Phase 2: Marvel Studios, Order of events, how everything fits together.

Marvel has weaved an intricate time line that laces together characters and important events through out their ever growing film and TV franchise.  If you are anything like me, you want to know how everything Marvel Studios releases fits together.  This list is an attempt to keep all these events strait and what to watch when, especially with Marvel's TV shows now evolving around events seen in their films.  This is an ongoing project, as I will be updating regularly.  What follows accounts for Marvels second phase, which comprises Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The  Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, and Season 1 and part of 2 of Agents of SHIELD.  View my other posts for Phase 1 and beyond


--SPOILER ALERT--
In an attempt to weave together this complicated tapestry of threads, some events and elements of the films and episodes are revealed.  I do not give away, however, endings or major plot developments.  This is meant to serve as a guide to keep order to your viewing pleasure of this ever expanding Marvel Universe.



The films and TV episodes are listed in the order that they should be viewed in sequence to stay cohesive with the passage of events within the Marvel Universe.  This post depicting Phase 2 picks up following the movies in my Phase 1 post.
Please enjoy.



Phase 2       Phase 2       Phase 2      Phase 2      Phase 2      Phase 2      Phase 2



Iron Man 3

May 4, 2012          Directed by Drew Pearce         Written by Drew Pearce & Shane Black


Synopsis:  When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  This film takes place shortly after The Avengers.  Tony Stark is coping with his vulnerability and immortality having witnessed the power and scope of gods, aliens, other dimensions and galaxies, And other beings with immense powers like The Hulk.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  The events of New York as depicted in The Avengers has left Tony Stark suffering from insomnia, panic attacks, and a form of PTSD.  Tony begins to question what he is without the suit.  He even says that, he is only a man inside a tin can.  He has developed 45 Iron Man suits with varying purposes and strengths.  We see Tony's struggles, learning that he is more than suit and at the end chooses love and life over the security and distraction of his suits.  SHIELD is referenced once as Jarvis does an information background check.  Tony is asked a number of times how he escaped that worm hole in New York usually sending him into a panic attack.  Tony's mansion is destroyed.  Tony also has his electromagnet chest piece removed.  What does this mean for powering future Iron Man suits?  Colonel Rhode's War Machine is transformed into the red, white, and blue patriotic Iron Patriot.

Cross Over Characters:  Tony Stark/Iron Man, Bruce Banner,  Pepper Potts, Colonel James Rhodes


Primary Villains:  "The Manderian", Aldrich Killian, Extremis enhanced soldiers like Savin, Brant, Taggert

Character appearances:
  • Tony Stark (5): (Robert Downey Jr.) Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Iron Man 3
  • Pepper Potts (4):  (Gwyneth Paltrow) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Iron Man 3
  • Colonel Rhodes (3): (Terrence Howard) Iron Man; (Don Cheadle) Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3
  • Bruce Banner (3):  (Edward Norton) The Incredible Hulk;(Mark Ruffalo) The Avengers, Iron Man 3
Post Credit Scene:  Tony Stark serves as his own narrator throughout this film.  The post credit scene depicts his "narration" as a therapy session with Bruce Banner serving as the uninterested and napping therapist.


Status of the Infinity Stones:  There is no new developments on the Infinity Stones in Iron Man 3.  So, their status is the same as at the end of The Avengers.   The Tesseract thought to be the Space or Cosmic Stone is presumably on Asgard.  Loki's staff, thought to be the Mind Stone is in SHIELD's possession.


Stan Lee Appearance: During a brief scene depicting a beauty contest.  Stan Lee is seen as a judge holding up a card with a score of 10.


Other Interesting Facts:




Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 1   Episodes 1 - 7

September 24, 2013  -  November 12, 2013


Synopsis:  The first Episodes introduce us to a team of SHIELD agents and their mission to protect Earth from dangerous powers that can be used for evil in reaction to the events of the Battle of New York d.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. picks up several months after the events of The Avengers.  Much of the team's charter is to clean up the aftermath of the Battle of New York depicted in The Avengers movie often times tracking down dangerous Chitauri technology.  These first 7 episodes probably run parallel to the events of Iron Man 3, but most definitely occur before Thor: The Dark World.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  The largest and most obvious connection is the reappearance of Agent Coulson who's death we previously witnessed in The Avengers.  Some how miraculously, he has cryptically survived.  The Centipede serum is said to be similar to the super soldier serum developed during WWII and administered to Steve Rodgers, and later combined with the Extremis serum seen in Iron Man 3.Other events include;

Episode 1:  Agent Hill makes an appearance supervising  Agent Coulson as he puts together his new team.  We see clips from The Avengers Battle of New York and Toys of the current Avengers in the window of a store.

Episode 2:  The team tries to obtain an old Hydra weapon, Nick Fury makes an appearance scolding Coulson for destroying "The Bus", Coulson tells Skye that the last 084 was a hammer, referencing Thor’s hammer first seen in the end credits of Iron Man 2 and later in Thor.

Episode 6: a virus is transmitted from a Chitauri helmet procured after the battle of New York.

The Avengers and the Battle of New York are referred to as changing the world and SHIELD must adapt accordingly.  This is why Coulson's team is assembled.  

Cross Over Characters:  Agent Coulson, Director Nick Fury


Primary Villains:  No single identifiable Villain

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
  • Nick Fury (7): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 2
  • Agent Maria Hill (2): (Cobie Smulders) The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 1
Other Interesting Facts:

The Avengers are not level 7 within SHIELD's top secret clearance system.

In Episode 1, Coulson says they didn't cut off the head of Centipede, foreshadowing Centipede's connection to Hydra.


Thor: The Dark World

November 8, 2013         Directed by Alan Taylor         
Written by Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus & Steven McFeely


Synopsis: When Dr Jane Foster gets cursed with a powerful object, Thor must protect it before an army and its ruthless leader try to get their hands on it to take over the remains of Earth.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  This film picks up shortly after The Avengers were Thor returns to Asgard with Loki in custody.  We see Loki's trial for his crimes on Earth with Odin presiding over the proceedings.  We can assume that the events within this film run concurrently or at least around the same time as Iron Man 3.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  After being mentally controlled by Loki's Staff in The Avengers, Dr. Selvig is seen psychologically unstable, although his insane predictions turn out to be true.  Led by Malekith, the dark elves attempt to bring eternal darkness to all the realms from Greenwich University in England.  We see some of the clean up efforts after this battle in a future episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  During the mid credit scene, we meet the Collector for the first time, an individual galactically known for collecting huge quantities of rarities.  During this same scene, Lady Sif and Volstagg give the Collector the Aether, which is the power used by Malekith and the Dark Elves throughout the movie to try and bring eternal darkness to all the realms.  The Collector asks why they are giving him this infinity stone, confirming for the first time the existence of previously speculated infinity stones.  Volstagg answers that it is unwise to keep two stones in the same place; confirming that the Asgardians have another infinity stone in their possession, most likely the previously seen Tesseract.  We see a guest feature of Captain America when Loki impersonates him while leaving Asgard with Thor.

Cross Over Characters:  Thor, Loki, Dr Selvig, Lady Sif, The Collector


Primary Villains:  Malekith and the Dark Elves

Character appearances:
  • Thor (3): (Chris Hemsworth) Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World
  • Loki (3): (Tom Hiddleston) Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World 
  • Dr Selvig (3): (Stellan Skarsgard) Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World
  • Captain America (3): (Chris Evans) Captain America: The first Avenger, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World
  • Lady Sif (2): (Jaimie Alexander) Thor, Thor: The Dark World
  • Heimdall (2): (Idris Elba) Thor, Thor: The Dark World
  • The Collector (1): (Benicio Del Toro) Thor: The Dark World
Post Credit Scene:  Mid Credit Scene:  Lady Sif and Volstagg hand off the Aether to the Collector for safe keeping.  Post Credit Scene:  Thor is seen appearing on the balcony of Jane Foster's apartment where they embrace and kiss.


Status of the Infinity Stones: The Tesseract, believed to be the Cosmic or Space Stone, is in the vault on Asgard, Loki's staff, believed to be the Mind Stone, is in the possession of S.H.I.E.L.D.  The newly revealed Aether, thought to be the Reality Stone, is in the possession of The Collector.  


Stan Lee Appearance:  After Dr. Selvig is detained after running around Stonehenge naked, he is institutionalized.  During his incarceration in the mental ward, Dr. Selvig demonstrates his theory of  intersecting realms by smashing two different shoes together. At the end of his speech, Dr. Selvig asks, “Any questions?” The camera then pans out to reveal that he is lecturing to the other patients. One of patients is Stan Lee, who replies, “Yeah, can I have my shoe back?”


Other Interesting Facts:


Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 1   Episodes 8 - 16

November 19, 2013  -  April 1, 2014


Synopsis:  The team struggles to stop the plans of Centipede, while Agent Coulson begins to learn the truth about his miraculous recovery.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  Episode 8 takes place shortly after Thor: The Dark World.  At the start of the episode, the team is in Greenwich University, England charged with cleaning up the aftermath from the final battle seen at the end of Thor: The Dark World.  Agent Sitwell makes a significant appearance who was first seen in Thor and The Avengers.  he later plays a significant role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe: Coulson tells Ward if anything goes wrong he'll spend the rest of his careerin Alaska doing night shifts on Blonsky's cryo cell.  Blonsky refers to Emil Blonsky, AKA, The Abomination, an enemy of the Hulk seen in The Incredible Hulk.

Episode 8:  The team is confronted with a group of humans given superhuman strength from sections of an Asgardian staff hidden on Earth a millennium ago by an Asgardian hiding on Earth.

Episode 12:  At the Academy, Skye reads the name, Bucky Barnes, on the Wall of Valor.  Bucky is Captain America's best friend first seen in Captain America, The First Avenger, who later becomes the Winter Soldier seen in Captain America, The Winter Soldier.

Episode 14:  Agent Coulson discovers the truth about his and later Sky's miraculous recovery.  Lets just say there is a Kree body involved.  This is the first time we see a Kree who are an alien race that make a significant appearance later in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Episode 15:  Lady Sif seen in the Thor movies makes an appearance and plays a major role in this episode chasing down an escaped Asgardian prisoner.  Agent Sitwell makes an appearance.

Cross Over Characters:  Agent Coulson, Lady Sif, Agent Sitwell


Primary Villains:  Raina/Lady in Flower Dress, Centipede, Mike Peterson/Deathlok, The Clairvoyant 

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
  • Lady Sif (3): (Jaimie Alexander) Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 15
  • Agent Sitwell (3): (Maximilino Hernandez)  Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.       Episodes 15&16

Stan Lee Appearance:  In Episode 13, Stan Lee is seen as a passenger on the train with a woman on each arm reprimanding Coulson for how he treats his "daughter" when Simmons acts out an argument when under cover.


Captain America: The Winter Soldier

April 4, 2014        Directed by Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
Written by Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Ed Brubaker


Synopsis: As Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with another super soldier, the black widow, to battle a new threat from old history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  The events depicted in this film take place 2 years after The Avengers, and there has been significant time sense the attack of the Dark Elves as seen in Thor: The Dark World.  The events in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. lead directly up to this film with Episode 16 happening concurrently with Captain America: The Winter Soldier(CA:TWS).  The overlap between Agents and S.H.I.E.L.D. and Thor: The Dark World is minimum and really has no impact on watching either except for lining up time lines.  With CA:TWS and Agents, however, there is a significant overlap.  I highly recommend watching up through episode 16, then switch over and watch CA:TWS before continuing on to episode 17.  Both of these tell the same story from 2 different perspectives and have interconnecting events.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe: CA:TWS is a pivotal event within the Marvel Universe and has far reaching implications throughout the other films/TV shows.  I'll try not to give to obvious spoilers, but lets just say HYDRA makes a surprising resurrection with very powerful and far reaching influence.  HYDRA has continued to exist within SHIELD and grow within the very organization created to confront organizations and threats like HYDRA.  By the end of the film, the foundation of SHIELD appears to have been severally compromised and its future is left uncertain.  Many of these questions are answered in episode 17 and beyond in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Cross Over Characters:  Captain America/Steve Rogers, Director Nick Fury, Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff, Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, AGent Maria Hill, Agent Jasper Sitwell, Agent Peggy Carter


Primary Villains:  Hydra, The Winter Soldier, Alexander Pierce

Character appearances:
  • Captain America (4): (Chris Evans) Captain America: The first Avenger, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Black Widow (3):  (Scarlett Johansson) Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Agent Maria Hill (3): (Cobie Smulders) The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 1, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Bucky Barnes (2): (Sebastian Stan) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Agent Carter (2):  (Hayley Atwell) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Agent Sitwell (5): (Maximilino Hernandez)  Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.       Episode 15&16, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Nick Fury (8): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 2, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Sam Wilson/Falcon (1): (Anthony Mackie) Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Dum Dum Dugan (2): (Neal McDonough) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Jim Morita (2): (Kenneth Choi) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Post Credit Scene: Mid Credit Scene:  We see 2 German scientists (one of which we learn later in an in S2 E11 of Agents of SHIELD, is Dr. List) discussing the aftermath of the SHIELD, HYDRA war.  They comment that they have something that SHIELD never new its full strength and pan to see Loki's staff from The Avengers.  Shortly after, they walk to watch the "twins" and we see 2 prisoners with supernatural abilities.  One seems to move at incredible speeds, who we can surmise is Whiplash, and a young lady that appears to be elevating wooden blocks with her mind, who we can surmise is the Scarlet Witch.  Post Credit Scene:  Bucky/The Winter Soldier is seen in disguised in the Captain America exhibit in the Smithsonian reading his own biography on a display.


Status of the Infinity Stones:
  • The Tesseract, believed to be the Cosmic or Space Stone, is still on Asgard 
  • Loki's staff, believed to be the Mind Stone, is now in the possession of HYDRA
  • Aether, thought to be the Reality Stone, is in the possession of The Collector. 

Stan Lee Appearance:  Stan Lee appears as a Smithsonian security guard who finds within the Captain America exhibit that his uniform is missing.  He then exclaims that he is so getting fired for this.    


Other Interesting Facts:



Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 1  Episodes 17 - 22

April 8, 2014  -  May 13, 2014


Synopsis:  The end of season 2  follows the team and their struggles to keep SHIELD alive following the HYDRA uprising.  At the end of the season, with Director Fury's help, they conclude that SHIELD has fallen, and must be rebuilt from a new foundation.  Agent Coulson takes the reigns as the new Director.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  The events in S1 E1-E21 seem to run concurrently with the events in CA:WS.  The biggest clue is that Coulson continually tries to contact Director Fury; however, he is unable to.  During CA:WS, Director Fury is shot repeatedly and his death is faked while he recuperates and to protect himself from further retaliation.  While he is unconscious during his recovery and subsequent hiding out is when I believe Coulson is trying to contact him throughout the end of season 1.  It isn't until the events in Washington DC are concluded with the death of Alexander Pierce, the destruction of the helicarriers, and the burning of Fury's own identity that he comes out of hiding long enough to visit Coulson to inform him that SHIELD has fallen and that he is the new director of SHIELD charged with rebuilding the organization.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Cross Over Characters:  Agent Coulson, Agent Maria Hill, Nick Fury


Primary Villains:    HYDRA, John Garrett

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
  • Agent Maria Hill (3): (Cobie Smulders) The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S1 E1 & E20, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Nick Fury (8): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S1 E2 & E22, Captain America: The Winter Soldier


Guardians of the Galaxy

August 1, 2014         Directed by James Gunn           Written by James Gunn & Nicole Perlman


Synopsis: A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.


Place within the Marvel Universe:


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:

Character appearances:
  • The Collector (2): (Benicio Del Toro) The: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy
Post Credit Scene:


Status of the Infinity Stones:


Stan Lee Appearance:


Other Interesting Facts:



Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 2  Episodes 1 - 10

September 23, 2014  -  December 9, 2014


Synopsis:  Season 2 follows the broken team as they struggle to rebuild SHIELD and combat the ever growing forces of HYDRA, while evading the US government who has branded everyone associated with SHIELD as traitors.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  This season picks up shortly after the end of season 1 and the downfall of SHIELD and the uprising of HYDRA.  Coulson is attempting to rebuild SHIELD as the new Director with very limited resources and personel from their new underground base, the Playground.


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  

Episode 1:  One of the last HYDRA bases during WWII is invaded by Peggy Carter, Dum Dum Dugan, Jim Morita, and the rest of the Roughnecks where they capture, later known as Dr. Whitehall, and the obelisk.  This obelisk plays a key role in the plot development throughout the first half of season 2.       

Episode 7:  When describing what TAHITI is, Sky says, "it was designed to revive a fallen Avenger." Like Captain America, Iron Man, those guys.

Episode 8:  We learn that the obelisk first seen in episode 1 is the first ever recorded 084 with the report being signed by Agent Carter.  During the flashback, Red Skull is mentioned as well as Whitehall being a direct disciple of his.  Coulson marvels at Director Fury's ability to always be 5 steps ahead.

Episode 9:  Raina names the "Blue Angels" seen at the TAHITI project as the source of the resurrection drug as, Kree.

Cross Over Characters:  Agent Coulson, Agent Carter, Dum Dum Dugan, Jim Morita


Primary Villains:    HYDRA, Daniel Whitehall

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
  • Agent Carter (3):  (Hayley Atwell) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S2 E1, E8
  • Dum Dum Dugan (3): (Neal McDonough) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S2 E1
  • Jim Morita (3): (Kenneth Choi) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S2 E1




Agent Carter
Episodes 1 - 8

January 6, 2015  -  February 24, 2015


Synopsis: In 1946, Peggy Carter is relegated to secretarial duties in the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR). When Howard Stark is accused of treason, he secretly recruits Peggy to clear his name with the help of his butler, Edwin Jarvis.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  The studio has said that this should be watched during Agent's of SHIELD's season 2's break.  However, the events within Agent Carter, take place in 1946.  Steve Rogers has crashed into the Arctic  towards the end of WWII and Peggy Carter is learning how to cope with his loss and acclimating into a male chauvinistic environment.  Except for the time of taking place in 1946, none of the events have a direct relationship with the rest of MCU.  We see the evolution of Agent Carter's influence in the SSR, and the development of her working and personal relationship with Howard Stark, and Edwin Jarvis.     


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Episode 1:  Opens with a clip from CA:FA of Carter and Steve Rogers talking over radio as Rogers forces the HYDRA plane down in the arctic at the end of the movie.  This scene is then followed by other clips from CA:FA as flashbacks.  Howard Stark as seen in CA:FA makes an appearance and becomes a main plot driving character.  After Howard Stark's loyalty to the United States is questioned, Agent Carter is seen reading a paper with the headlines "Stark Manhunt in 3 States" and "Captain America Ally in Hot Water".  There is also a picture of Steve Rogers.  Stark introduces Edmond Jarvis to Carter.  The name Jarvis shows up later as the computer AI that Tony Stark utilizes quit often in his tech and suites.  Vita Waves comes up which was a crucial ingredient in the success of the super soldier program as they morphed Steve Rogers into Captain America.  Also, Carter opens the top secret folder about Project Rebirth and looks longingly at a picture of Steve Rogers before his transformation.

Episode 2:  

Cross Over Characters: Agent Carter, Howard Stark, Dum Dum Dugan 


Primary Villains:  Dr. Ivchenko, Dottie Underwood,   

Character appearances:
  • Agent Carter (4):  (Hayley Atwell) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S2 E1, Agent Carter
  • Howard Stark (3):  (John Slattery) Iron Man 2(Dominic Cooper) Captain America: The First Avenger, Agent Carter S1 E1,E4,E8
  • Dum Dum Dugan (4): (Neal McDonough) Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. S2 E1, Agent Carter S1 E5


Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 2  Episodes 11 - 16

 March 3, 2015  -  April 7, 2015


Synopsis:  


Place within the Marvel Universe:  


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:    

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.


Daredevil
Season 1  Episodes 1 - 13

April 10, 2015


Synopsis:  


Place within the Marvel Universe:  


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:


Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:    

Character appearances:


Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 2  Episodes 17 - 19

April 14, 2015  -  April 28, 2015


Synopsis:  


Place within the Marvel Universe:  


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:


Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:    

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.


Avengers: Age of Ultron

May 1, 2015              Directed by Joss Whedon                Written by Joss Whedon


Synopsis:


Place within the Marvel Universe:


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:

Character appearances:

Post Credit Scene:


Status of the Infinity Stones:


Stan Lee Appearance:


Other Interesting Facts:



Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Season 2  Episodes 20 - 22

May 5, 2015  -  May 19, 2015


Synopsis:  


Place within the Marvel Universe:  


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:


Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:    

Character appearances:
  • Agent Coulson (5): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.



Ant-Man

July 17, 2015         Directed by Peyton Reed           Written by Adam McKay & Paul Rudd



Synopsis:


Place within the Marvel Universe:


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:

Character appearances:

Post Credit Scene:


Status of the Infinity Stones:


Stan Lee Appearance:


Other Interesting Facts:




A.K.A. Jessica Jones
Season 1  Episodes 1-13

TBA


Synopsis:  


Place within the Marvel Universe:  


Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:

Cross Over Characters:


Primary Villains:    

Character appearances:



Agent Carter
A.K.A. Jessica Jones
Daredevil

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Phase 1: Marvel Studios, Order of events, how everything fits together.

Marvel has weaved an intricate time line that laces together characters and important events through out their ever growing film and TV franchise.  If you are anything like me, you want to know how everything Marvel Studios releases fits together.  This list is an attempt to keep all these events strait and what to watch when, especially with Marvel's TV shows now evolving around events seen in their films.  This is an ongoing project, as I will be updating regularly.  What follows accounts for Marvels first phase, which comprises Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Avengers.  View my other posts for Phase 2 and beyond


--SPOILER ALERT--
In an attempt to weave together this complicated tapestry of threads, some events and elements of the films and episodes are revealed.  I do not give away, however, endings or major plot developments.  This is meant to serve as a guide to keep order to your viewing pleasure of this ever expanding Marvel Universe.



The films and TV episodes are listed in the order that they should be viewed in sequence to stay cohesive with the passage of events within the Marvel Universe.
Please enjoy.




Phase 1       Phase 1       Phase 1      Phase 1      Phase 1      Phase 1      Phase 1


Iron Man    

May 2, 2008      Directed by Jon Favreau       Written by mark Ferguson and others


Synopsis:  After being held captive in an Afghan cave, an industrialist creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight against evil. This leads him to conflict within his own company.

Place within the Marvel Universe:   This is the inaugural event that starts the voyage into this unprecedented interlocking vast film and TV franchise.  This is our first introduction to this "new" Marvel universe and to Tony Stark/Iron Man.  

Connecting events to the Marvel Universe:  First introduction to Agent Coulson and S.H.I.E.L.D.  Obviously the introduction of Iron Man, one of the original Avengers.  The introduction of Director Nick Fury and the first time we hear about the "Avengers Initiative". 

Cross over characters Appearing Beyond the Iron Man Films:  Tony Stark/Iron Man, Agent Coulson, Director Nick Fury, Pepper Potts.

Primary Villains:  Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger

Character appearances:
  • Iron Man (1): (Robert Downey Jr.) Iron Man
  • Pepper Potts (1):  (Gwyneth Paltrow) Iron Man
  • Agent Coulson (1): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man
  • Nick Fury (1): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man
  • Colonel Rhodes (1): (Terrence Howard) Iron Man
Post credit scene:  First introduction to Marvel's now infamous post credit scenes that typically serve as a glimpse into future films, characters, or events.  This scene serves to introduce Director Nick Fury and the first time we hear about the "Avengers Initiative".

Status of the Infinity Stones:  Unknown

Stan Lee Appearance:  He is referred to as Hef outside the party that Tony Stark crashes and is dressed and adorned with attractive women just like Hugh Hefner from Playboy.

Other interesting Facts:

Agent Coulson was original a very minor role with no name.  Clark Gregg's performance later warranted adding scenes and a last name to go with "agent".  This decision at the time unknowingly lead to one character now holding the record for performing in the most Marvel films and star In a Marvel TV show.

In the opening sequence, Tony Stark jokingly tells a solider in the Humvi to not post a picture of him and the solider on his "MySpace" page.

First and last appearance of Terrence Howard as Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes.



The Incredible Hulk       

June 13, 2008            Directed by Louis Leterrier            Written by Zak Pen


Synopsis:  Bruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government must find a cure for the monster he emerges whenever he loses his temper. However, Banner then must fight a soldier whom unleashes himself as a threat stronger than he.

Place within the Marvel Universe:  for the most part, this is a stand alone movie and is thinly connected to the rest of the Marvel Universe.  Although the second movie released by this franchise, there has been debate that the events during this film take place after Iron Man 2.  Either way, you do not miss any through lines watching them in either order.  In this film, we are introduced to Bruce Banner/The Hulk, "again", and The first time we hear about the super soilder project.  

Connecting events to the Marvel Universe:  first time we are introduced to Bruce Banner/The Hulk and the potential for him to control his rage.  Also we are introduced to the super soilder project that Bruce Banner was working on before his laboratory incident turning him into the Incredible Hulk.  We also hear that this project was an offshoot of an earlier project conducted during WWII.  This serves to foreshadow to a future Captain America movie.  In the opening credit sequence, we see a Requisition form for Stark Industry technology and a document with Nick Fury's name on it as well as continued references to S.H.I.E.L.D.  At the end, Tony Stark meets with General Ross and mentions that he is putting together a "team", continuing the events put in motion by Nick Fury at the end of Iron Man.  This demonstrated interest in Bruce Banner by Tony Stark could also explain his fascination and depth of knowledge in Banner's work and The Incredible Hulk in, Marvel's The Avengers.

Cross Over Characters:  Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk, and Tony Stark who makes a brief cameo at the end of the film.

Primary Villains:  Emil Blonsky/Abomination, General 'Thunderbolt' Ross

Character appearances:
  • Bruce Banner (1):  (Edward Norton) The Incredible Hulk
  • Iron Man (2): (Robert Downey Jr.) Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk
Post Credit Scene:  there is no scene at the end of the credits which serves as the only film in this franchise to not have a scene during or after the end credits.  At the very end of the movie, however, Tony Stark joins General Ross to comment how he believes hardware is more reliable than the super soilder program.  He also mentions putting together a "team".

Status of the Infinity Stones:  Unknown

Stan Lee Appearance:  Is seen as a typical citizen in his kitchen getting a bottle of green soda out of the fridge with a drop of Bruce Banner's blood inside.  He drops the bottle apparently having an adverse reaction to the blood tainted beverage. 

Other Interesting Facts:

During the last scene, Tony Stark tells General Ross that the super soilder program was put on "ice" for a reason.  Was this a nod to the fact that Captain America was later shown as being frozen after his run in with Hydra?

First and last appearance of Edward Norton as Bruce Banner.

When Bruce Banner arrives in a town in Gutamala, the music plays a chord that is a tribute to the 1978 TV show, The Incredible Hulk, theme song.


Iron Man 2  

May 7, 2010                Directed by Jon Favreau                 Written by Justin Theroux



Synopsis:  With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy.

Place within the Marvel Universe:
 for the most part, this film serves primarily as a sequel to Iron Man.  We learn more about Tony Stark's emotional instability to his mortality and that he has begun developing additional Iron Man suits.  There are additional Easter eggs for a potential future Captain America film.  The first time we are introduced to Natasha Romanoff an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. who in later films we learn is Black Widow.

Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  We spend a great deal more time with Director Fury and learn he has been around sense S.H.I.E.L.D.'s early days and knew Tony Stark's father, Howard Stark.  Agent Coulson heads to New Mexico to investigate an Unidentified Alien Object(UAO) which we learn in the post credit scene that it appears to be Thor's Hammer, foreshadowing another future film installment.  First time we are introduced to Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow.  Towards the end of the film, Tony Stark sees a folder with the title "Avengers Initiative" on the cover, but he learns from Director Fury that he has been deemed too unstable for the initiative, however, is invited to serve as a consultant.  After Tony agrees to serve as a consultant, It's argued that this is the point in time that he is seen meeting with General Ross at the end of The Incredible Hulk.

Cross Over Characters Appearing Beyond the Iron Man Films:  Tony Stark/Iron Man, Howard Stark, Pepper Potts, Director Nick Fury, Agent Coulson, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow

Primary Villains:  Ivan Vanko/Whiplash, Justin Hammer

Character appearances:
  • Iron Man (3): (Robert Downey Jr.) Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2
  • Black Widow (1):  (Scarlett Johansson) Iron Man 2
  • Pepper Potts (2):  (Gwyneth Paltrow) Iron Man, Iron Man 2
  • Agent Coulson (2): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2
  • Nick Fury (2): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2
  • Howard Stark (1):  (John Slattery) Iron Man 2
  • Colonel Rhodes (2): (Terrence Howard) Iron Man(Don Cheadle) Iron Man 2
Post Credit Scene:  Agent Coulson drives up to a large crater in the middle of what appears to be a New Mexican desert.  He calls who we believe to be Director Fury and tells him they found it.  The camera then pans into the crater and we see a brief close up of what appears to be Thor's Hammer.

Status of the Infinity Stones:  Unknown

Stan Lee Appearance:  Appears in the beginning of the movie in a crowd as Tony Stark is leaving the Stark Expo in suspenders and is introduced as Larry King.

Other Interesting Facts:

Howard Stark was a founding member of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Tony Stark uses what looks like Captain America's deconstructed shield to shim up his makeshift particle accelerator.


Thor  

May 6, 2011          Directed by Kenneth Branagh           Written by Ashley Miller and Others


Synopsis:  The powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Place within the Marvel Universe:  this film primarily serves to introduce the world of Asgard, it's people, and of course Thor.  We are also briefly, for the first time introduced to Clint Barton/Hawkeye and Dr. Erik Selvig who both play a large role in the future The Avengers movie.  In addition, it's the first time that we meet Loki, Thor's "brother".  Time wise, the story line picks up just before Agent Coulson finds Thor's Hammer at the end of Iron Man 2 and then subsequently connects those events throughout this film.  Although the events of the future Captain America film takes place in the past during WWII, at some point we know that the Tesseract has been uncovered and is shown presented to Dr. Erik Selvig by Director Fury for research into an unlimited power supply during the post credit scene, setting up the initial events within The Avengers movie.

Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  The film serves largely to introduce the people of Asgard and we learn that there is a race of god like beings from another world, Asgard, but there is also a vast universe out there with many inhabited worlds.  This opens the universe to new characters and plot lines in future films.  First introduction to Thor, Loki, Dr. Erik Selvig, Clint Barton/Hawkeye, who we all see in future Marvel films.  We are also introduced to Agent Sitwell and one of Thor's companions, Siff, who both make later appearances on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  We are lead to believe that Loki may have killed himself at the end of the film, but the post credit scene foreshadows his involvement in the development of the Tesseract, which is the first time we see it and is not named until later movies, and future mind controlling of Dr. Erik Selvig.  The events with Director Fury charging Dr Selvig to research the Tesseract in an underground facility with Loki's ever watchful eye during the post credit scene, directly sets up the beginning of The Avengers.  Loki later goes on to be a huge adversary for Thor and the future Avengers.  Agent Coulson has a much larger role in this film, allowing us to see his personality more.  There are few references to Stark, demonstrating he is still a player.

Cross Over Characters Appearing Beyond the Thor Films:  Thor, Loki, Dr. Erik Selvig, Agent Coulson, Siff, Agent Sitwell, Clint Barton/Hawkeye

Primary Villains:  Loki, frost Giants, the Destroyer

Character appearances:
  • Thor (1): (Chris Hemsworth) Thor
  • Hawkeye (1): (Jeremy Renner) Thor
  • Loki (1): (Tom Hiddleston) Thor
  • Dr Selvig (1): (Stellan Skarsgard) Thor
  • Agent Coulson (3): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor
  • Agent Sitwell (1): (Maximilino Hernandez)  Thor
  • Nick Fury (3): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor
  • Lady Sif (1): (Jaimie Alexander) Thor
  • Heimdall (1): (Idris Elba) Thor
Post Credit Scene:  Dr Selvig is seen escorted in an underground facility and lead to Director Fury where he presents a silver case filled with a purplish-blue glowing cube.  Director Fury presents this to Dr Selvig to begin research on an unlimited power source.  We also see the reflection of Loki in a manner that suggests a form of mind control over Dr Selvig.

Status of the Infinity Stones:  First time we see the Tesseract during the post credit scene.  We later learn this is the Space Stone which allows the user to exist in any or all locations, move any object anywhere throughout reality and warp or rearrange space.  At full potential, it grants Omnipresence.

Stan Lee Appearance:  Appears as the driver of the white pickup truck that loses it's bed when they attempt to tow Thor's hammer out of the crater in the New Mexican desert.

Other Interesting Facts:

An Agent of SHIELD as Agent Coulson when first seeing The Destroyer "Is that one of Starks?", which Agent Coulson responds, "I don't know."

At the very end of the credits, right before the end credit scene, "Thor will return in The Avengers" is seen.


Captain America The First Avenger 

July 22, 2011        Directed by Joe Johnston         Written by Christopher Markus and Others


Synopsis: Steve Rogers, a rejected military soldier transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum". But being Captain America comes at a price if he attempts to take down a war monger and a terrorist organization.

Place within the Marvel Universe: The majority of this film takes place during WWII well before Tony Stark is even born.  The opening sequence where Captain America is discovered in an icy tomb and his romp through Time Square at the end, however, are "current" day; although, it is not fully clear when within the previous 4 movies these events take place.  You do get the feeling that these early time lines of Thor, Iron Man, The Hulk, and the discovery of Captain America are happening concurrently.

Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  This is where things really start to get interesting.  Although this film can and does stand on its own as an origin story for Captain America, it also lays the foundation for the upcoming The Avengers movie, future Marvel movies, and future TV shows.  Let's get the obvious things out of the way.  Characters:  The first time we see Steve Rogers/Captain America, and by the end of the film, we know he has survived into current day.  Also the first time we see "Bucky" Barnes who is Steve Rogers' best friend and later Captain America's right hand man during the war.  Bucky later becomes a key villain in the future Captain America film as the Winter Soilder, and it is quit possible that we may see further appearances in future Marvel movies.  The first time we see Agent Peggy Carter who will have her own TV show, Agent Carter, scheduled to air in 2015. Hydra: It is also the first time we see and hear about Hydra.  Originally an offshoot of Hitler's Nazi regime that focused its efforts in researching and developing advanced technology through science and what some would say magic.  By the end of the film, Hydra seems to be dismantled with Captain America and his forces destroying all their bases and their leader, Red Skull, being defeated, but as they say in Hydra, cut one head off and two will rise.  This becomes very evident and a huge plot point in future Marvel films and TV shows.  Super Soldier Program:  We see the birth of the super soldier program as well, which has far reaching effects in the future of the Marvel Universe.  Dr. Abraham Erskine develops the super soldier serum for Hydra.  As his first test subject, the serum is injected into Hydra's leader, Johan Schmidt, who transforms into Red Skull after the procedure.  Dr. Erskine later theorizes that the serum not only enhances humane strength, but also over exaggerates psychological tendencies.  Johan Schmidt is an evil power hungry individual and is why he becomes twisted and the physical incarnate of evil after the procedure.  After Dr. Erskine later defects to the US and continues the project while searching for a test subject that is selfless and all things good.  He finds Steve Rogers and with the help of Vita-Waves supplied by Howard Stark, Captain America is born. After the procedure, Dr. Erskine is killed, but we learn later that his work survives.  As we see in The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner continues this research, but through utilizing Gamma Waves.  This is how The Hulk is born.  Later, we see Emil Blonsky injected with a small dose of the same serum injected into Steve Rogers.  This exaggerates is war mongering and uncontrollable tendencies to fight.  He then later has Bruce Banner's blood injected into him, and Abomination is born.  Tesseract:  Finally, we see the potential and power of the Tesseract.  We learn it has been hidden on Earth for a very long time by what appears to be god like beings who left a long time ago.  The Tesseract is used to build weapons and is demonstrated as an endless power source.  We also learn that mortals that make direct contact unleash its full power, but cannot contain it and are destroyed as we see at the end when Red Skull grabs the Tesseract and is destroyed.  We also see that Howard Stark recovers the Tesseract shortly after Captain America's disappearance.  This later explains Stark's research and development of the Arc Reactor and later in Iron Man 2 passes on the encrypted plans for the new element, Vibranium to his son, Tony Stark, through Nick Fury, who in turn powers his internal Arc Reactor with this new element which in turn, saves his life.  We also learned that Captain America's shield is made from this same element.

Cross Over Characters:  Steve Rogers/Captain America, Agent Peggy Carter, James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, Director Nick Fury, Howard Stark

Primary Villains:  Red Skull, Hydra

Character appearances:
  • Captain America (1): (Chris Evans) Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Agent Carter (1):  (Hayley Atwell) Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Bucky Barnes (1): (Sebastian Stan) Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Howard Stark (2):  (John Slattery) Iron Man 2(Dominic Cooper) Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Nick Fury (4): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Dum Dum Dugan (1): (Neal McDonough) Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Jim Morita (1): (Kenneth Choi) Captain America: The First Avenger 
Post Credit Scene:  The end of the movie serves to place Steve Rogers in current day.  We see him escape a facility that is dressed as a 1940's room.  He runs down the streets of NY to end up in Times Square, where Director Nick Fury confronts him and calms him down saying he has been asleep for 70 years.  The post credit scene is actually a teaser for the upcoming The Avengers movie.

Status of the Infinity Stones:  Although we learn a great deal of the history of the Tesseract, the "current" status is as we saw at the end of Thor.  In the hands of SHIELD under research lead by Dr. Selvig.

Stan Lee Appearance:  Appears as a General during an award ceremony in honor of Captain America in WW2, saying he thought that Steve Rogers would be taller (the person he thought was Rogers was not really him).

Other Interesting Facts:

Howard Stark is played by Dominic Cooper

At the very end of the credits, right before the end credit scene, "Captain America will return in The Avengers" is seen.



The Avengers 

May 4, 2012        Directed by Joss Whedon          Written by Josh Whedon and Zak Penn


Synopsis:  Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.


Place within the Marvel Universe:  The events within this film take place shortly sometime after Captain America: The First Avenger.  This is determined by seeing Director Fury recruit Steve Rogers into SHIELD, and getting the sense that Rogers has not had much time nor incentive to "get out" much.  This is also the first time The Avengers meet, learn to overcome each others personal dysfunctions, work together,  and assemble!

Connecting Events to the Marvel Universe:  The first time The Avengers assemble!  Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow learn to work as a team and fight the overwhelming forces of Loki.  SHIELD's scope and technology is revealed with the introduction of the helicarrier and huge secret facilities.  Agent Maria Hill is introduced as Nick Fury’s 2nd in command.  As HYDRA did in Captain America: The First Avenger, SHIELD has been creating weapons that harness the power of the Tesseract cryptically called Phase Two.  We see one of these guns in action during Agent Coulson’s death when he shoots Loki.  Coulson's death is a huge driving plot point for the upcoming Agents of SHIELD TV series.   First time we see Thanos in the mid credit scene.  Loki continues his destructive grab for power by making a deal with Thanos to return the Tesseract to him in exchange to rule Earth.  He is ultimately defeated, however, and returns to Asgard as a prisoner in Thor's custody.  The relationship between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts is seen flourishing throughout the film.  At the beginning of the movie, they also finish stark Tower in Manhattan, a fully self sustaining skyscraper off the grid.  Throughout the movie, the tower is seen with the name Stark on the side of the building.  By the end of the Battle of New York, only the 'A' remains.  A foreshadow to The Avengers Tower.  After a very brief introduction in the movie Thor, we get to witness Hawkeye in all his glory as an almost supernatural marksman with the bow.  Him and Black Widow are the only two Avengers that do not have any kind of super power, nor enhancing abilities.  They keep up and contribute with the rest of the Avengers solely on their training.  Tony Stark begins to acknowledge his mortality, especially in the presence of gods, super soldiers, and The Hulk.  This plays a big part in the future development of his character.  During the Battle for New York, Captain America steps up as the clear tactical leader of the Avengers.  Bruce Banner is seen transforming into The Hulk at will and controls his destructive behavior to defend New York against the Chitauri invasion.  A bond also forms between him and Tony Stark.  We learn that Black Widow has a history of death and guilt from her earlier years as an assassin.  Fury is also seen in all his glory.  A strong, determined leader who is not afraid to go against his superiors for what he knows is moralistically right.  In a short scene, Thor is assured that Jane Foster is safe, the woman that he has feelings for from the movie Thor.  This is a big plot point for future movies.  Dr. Selvig is seen early in the film overseeing research on the Tesseract in a large underground SHEILD facility.  This fulfills the foreshadowing seen during the post credit scene of Thor, when Fury is seen presenting the Tesseract to Dr. Selvig.  During this post credit scene, Loki is also seen mentally controlling the doctor.  This also comes to pass as Loki uses his staff to place Dr. Selvig under the influence of the Tesseract during nearly the entire movie.  This long term mind control has psychological repercussions that we see in future movies.

Cross Over Characters:  Thor, Tony Stark/Iron Man, Steve Rogers/Captain 
America, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Bruce Banner/The Hulk, Agent Maria Hill, Director Nick Fury, Pepper Potts, Agent Jasper Sitwell, Loki, Dr. Erik Selvig, Agent Coulson, Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Thanos


Primary Villains:  Loki, Chitauri Army

Character appearances:
  • Iron Man (4): (Robert Downey Jr.) Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, The Avengers
  • Thor (2): (Chris Hemsworth) Thor, The Avengers
  • Captain America (2): (Chris Evans) Captain America: The first Avenger, The Avengers
  • Bruce Banner (2):  (Edward Norton) The Incredible Hulk(Mark Ruffalo) The Avengers
  • Black Widow (2):  (Scarlett Johansson) Iron Man 2, The Avengers
  • Hawkeye (2): (Jeremy Renner) Thor, The Avengers
  • Loki (2): (Tom Hiddleston) Thor, The Avengers
  • Pepper Potts (3):  (Gwyneth Paltrow) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers
  • Dr Selvig (2): (Stellan Skarsgard) Thor, The Avengers
  • Agent Maria Hill (1): (Cobie Smulders) The Avengers
  • Agent Coulson (4): (Clark Gregg)  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers
  • Agent Sitwell (2): (Maximilino Hernandez)  Thor, The Avengers
  • Nick Fury (6): (Samuel L. Jackson) Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers
  • Thanos (1): (Damion Poitier) The Avengers

Post Credit Scene:  Mid Credit Scene:  first time we see Thanos being told by the leader of the Chitauri that confronting the humans is courting death.  Post Credit Scene:  All The Avengers are seen battle warn presumably shortly after the Battle of New York eating Shwarma in a half destroyed restaurant.

Status of the Infinity Stones:  The Tesseract, which is the Space or Cosmic stone, is used to open a portal to another galaxy which allows the Chitauri army to invade.  Thanks to The Avengers, this portal is closed and the Tesseract is recovered.  At the end of the film, it is seen transported presumably to Asgard with Thor and Loki in custody.  It is believed, but not confirmed that Loki's staff used throughout this film given to him by Thanos houses the Mind Stone.  At the end of the film, Black Widow uses the staff to deactivate the Tesseract portal and later hands it over to SHIELD's possession.

Stan Lee Appearance: During the news feeds concerning the public's reaction to The Avenger's towards the end of the film, Stan Lee is seen filmed in a park playing chess and is interviewed saying, "Super heroes, give me a break!"


Other Interesting Facts:




Marvel One-Shot:  Item 47


Agents of Shield
Guardians of the Galaxy Aug 1, 2014
Avengers: Age of Ultron  May 1, 2015

Marvel Studios:  Assembling
Marvel 75 Years:  From Pulp to Pop