by Graham Pierrepoint
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is certainly hard to miss right now, whether you are heavily invested in the movies or not – as what appears to be the climactic instalment to Phase 3 of the heroes and villains’ current run on the big screen, Avengers Infinity War, is bringing together just about all of the stars from all of the big movies Marvel has been pushing over the past few years. Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, The Hulk, Black Widow, Ant-Man, The Guardians of The Galaxy, Doctor Strange and more – they’re all going to be sharing the screen in what promises to be the most epic comic book movie clash of all time.
The movie is gaining plenty of hype ahead of its late April release – which has been moved forward – though quite what happens after this latest instalment in the Avengers line will remain to be seen. It’s thought that a Black Widow movie is on the cards, and a third adventure for the Guardians is certainly going to be happening – does this necessarily guarantee the survival of these characters? With no word on what happens next for big properties such as Thor or Iron Man, many fans are truly bracing themselves for a finale that could see a few beloved heroes biting the dust. The latest trailer, for one, shows Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in what appears to be an excruciatingly painful encounter – will he come out of it alive, or is it a bluff?

Watch: ▶ Thor Will Be Pivotal After 'Avengers: Infinity War'
News circulating at the moment that Doctor Strange – Benedict Cumberbatch – has no idea what is set to happen next – means that the dimension-hopping portal guardian may not get to see a second movie beyond his own – and Infinity War. “The masterplan is continually in flux, so it would be out of order for me to speculate,” advised the actor – indicating that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is constantly on the move – and that nothing has been firmed up for the Doctor beyond Avengers 4. Or is this a bluff?
Who’s to say – speculating now, ahead of Infinity War, is rather fruitless – we will simply have to see what happens to our favorite heroes in around a month’s time – and let’s hope the body count isn’t too high! Want a Thor 4, Hulk 3 or Spider-Man 2? Stay tuned… and hold your breath!