As we approach the release of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Three Finale, Avengers: Endgame, fans have turned themselves into CSI agents, closely examining all of the previous 20 plus films in the MCU library, scouring the internet, looking at toy leaks and marketing snafus, and postulating hypotheses as to what may happen in the most anticipated film of all time. One of the most interesting theories has to do with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but has potentially massive implications to this film, and the MCU’s future.
To start off this theory, first postulated by ScreenRant, we have to go back to particular moment in the film, Ant-Man & The Wasp. During one of the Quantum Realm scenes, what seems to be a city under a dome can be seen in the background for a split second. When this first came to life a self proclaimed “Insider” on Twitter attached this little “Easter Egg” with Black Knight. But, this latest theory dives much deeper into what comic book based city this could actually represent, and there is only one true fit. Based on its location and its appearance, the city appears to be Chronopolis, the home of Kang the Conqueror and Immortus (a future version of Kang). This city, in the comics, exists in Limbo, the point where timelines intersect.
The MCU has built the Quantum Realm into potentially being it’s form of Limbo, with time acting quite differently and fluid there. Janet Van Dyne even warns Scott Lang to watch out for “Time Vortexes” while his in in the Quantum Realm.
Another leak of the action figures tied into the movie, the ones that gave us our first look at the “Quantum Realm” suits for our returning heroes, lends credence to there being possibly more villains than just Thanos. In the description for Thor and Rocket’s figures, it speaking of fighting “new foes”. Could those foes be either Kang or Immortus? This film is set to start off the future of the MCU, so introducing another “Big Bad” wouldn’t be out of the question. Now, it is believed that Kang’s film rights fall with Fox and the Fantastic Four, and since the Disney/Fox merger has yet to be finalized, his inclusion may be difficult. But, Immortus may be another story. And, the inclusion of Immortus could lead to Kang the Conqueor down the line, once all of the merger’s legalities are finished.
With Time Travel being all but confirmed as being a major part of the plot for Endgame, Immortus would actually make a lot of sense as a potential villain. The rather consistent disregard for “natural law” since Dr. Strange started using the Time Stone in his solo flick, as well as Thanos’ use of the stone in Infinity War could have created some major issues in the time/space continuum, calling forth someone like Immortus to wipe out the transgressors. And, as Kang’s future self, and the rumor of the Young Avengers playing a big part of the MCU’s future, Immortus could be a launching point for quite a bit of the future connecting thread in the upcoming movies. (For those that are unaware, Iron Lad, a predominant member of the Young Avengers, is the youthful version of Kang).
This is one of the most intriguing theories to date, not only speculating what might come to pass in Endgame, but also what may happen throughout the future of the MCU. Of course, we won’t know anything for certain until we actually see the film when it hits theaters in April of 2019.
What do you think of this theory? Could we see some future villains pop up? Let us know in the comments below!