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