50 Questions About MCU You Need To Know Before You Watch Infinity War
- by Rose Moore
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Are you ready for Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War? This massive superhero ensemble movie is the first part of a battle that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building towards since the first superhero origin story hit the big screen all the way back in 2008. Since then, the minds behind the wildly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe have been slowly putting all the pieces together, introducing new heroes in origin stories and team-up films, letting fans see teams come together (and fall apart), and expanding the universe from the very realistic (Iron Man and his self-made suit) to the galactic (Guardians of the Galaxy) to the magical (Doctor Strange).
Now, all the pieces are in place for the ultimate epic on-screen battle, but with so many movies already released, and intimately connected to Avengers: Infinity War, can you remember everything that is going to be important, as we watch the greatest heroes of the Marvel Universe join forces? Do you already know all the minor characters as well as the big-name heroes? Can you remember where each of the Infinity Stones currently are - as well as knowing what they do, and which one has yet to be discovered? Do you remember who was on whose side during the events of Captain America: Civil War, and are you keeping track of where everyone is now?
Take our quiz to find out whether you are ready to go for Infinity War... or whether you've got some last minute cramming to do!
What movie did Thanos first appear in?
Some might think that Thanos is going to be making his very first attack on Earth in Avengers: Infinity War, but that's not actually the case. In an earlier film, Thanos was a big part of a different villain's plot to rule the world - when he loaned a trickster an army of Chitauri aliens in order to help him in his bid for power. Thanos himself may not have come with the Chitauri to battle the Avengers, but he was definitely pulling the strings in the events of this film.
What was the Space Stone originally called?
At this stage in the game, everyone has started to figure out what the powerful objects known as Infinity Stones are, and in Avengers: Infinity War the heroes will learn exactly what Thanos intends to do with them. However, in the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, some of these stones appeared with other names - like the Space Stone, which first appeared being used by Red Skull to make super weapons for HYDRA during the First World War.
Which ex-Avenger is now leading a fugitive team?
Captain America: Civil War saw a massive schism in the Avengers team, as Iron Man and Captain America came to blows over the Sokovia Accords - a document attempting to limit the abilities of superheroes to act autonomously, and make them accountable for their powers and actions as heroes. It was more than that, though, as Steve Rogers brainwashed best friend also came into play... by the end, half the heroes are now fugitives, led by which one time Avenger?
Which member of Iron Man's Civil War team went 'rogue'?
The events of Civil War did more than just split the Avengers into two warring teams - it even saw some of those teams splintering, as strong personalities clashed over what was the right thing to do. One of the heroes who was originally on the side of Iron Man and the Sokovia Accords, for example, ended up also having to go into hiding in the end, when they let Cap go, instead of bringing him to justice. Which team member was it?
Is Spider-Man an official Avenger?
One of the newest heroes to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. He made a cameo appearance in Captain America: Civil War, before getting his own solo outing in Spider-Man: Homecoming... and he spent much of his time in that movie hoping to graduate from Iron Man's occasional helper to full-blown Avenger. We know that he'll be a big part of Avengers: Infinity War, but do you know if he'll be there as an official Avenger?
Is Thor using his hammer in Infinity War?
For most of his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor has been holding his trusty hammer, Mjolnir - and it's become synonymous with the character. Originally given to him by his father, Odin, this magical hammer can only be wielded by one who is deemed 'worthy' of it - but if someone is, the hammer gives them incredible power in a fight... however, it wasn't what Thor used in his final battle in Thor: Ragnarok, nor is it the only weapon he has in the comics.
What is the name of Thanos's gang of sidekicks?
In the trailer for Infinity War, we got to see some of Thanos's minions for the first time... including a group that will be familiar to comic readers as the greatest and most powerful generals that Thanos uses to do his bidding. Their names are Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian - four extremely skilled fighters and powerful enemies that are sure to have some phenomenal battles with the heroes of Earth (and the rest of the Galaxy).
How is Thanos combining the Infinity Stones?
Thanos doesn't just want to get his hands on the Infinity Stones, he also wants to combine their powers using a golden glove that fits each of the stones into it. This combination creates a massively powerful weapon - especially considering the absolutely incredible power of each of the Stones individually! Some of them are so powerful that they cannot even be held by a living being, so it's no wonder that even a galactic God would need help to bring them all together.
Who stole the Power Stone?
Marvel audiences first saw the purple Power Stone on a near-deserted planet elsewhere in the Galaxy, where it was carefully hidden and encased in an orb. However, that wasn't enough to protect it from this enterprising thief, who had come to the planet to try and steal it and sell it on for a tidy profit. He did manage to grab the orb, but that led to a whole heap of trouble... and eventually, the formation of the Guardians of the Galaxy!
What is the name of Black Panther's home?
The newest character to get their own solo movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Black Panther, aka T'Challa, who is the King and protector of an African nation... and until recently, that nation was assumed to be a Third World Country, when in reality, it is one of the richest and most technologically advanced civilizations on the planet. Now, however, Black Panther has decided to bring his country out of the closet (so to speak), and use those resources to help the rest of the world.
Which Avenger was noticeably absent from the posters?
The Avengers: Infinity War posters are packed with heroes - with basically everyone who has ever been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe confirmed to be appearing in the film, it's not surprising that the posters are bursting at the seams with heroes. However, there was one face in particular who was very obviously missing, causing concern that he wouldn't be in the film at all! Fans of this original Avenger have been reassured, however, that he's just on a different journey at the moment.
What is the name of Captain America's fugitive team?
After the events of Captain America: Civil War, the original Avengers team is divided into two - one half of which still operates as the Avengers, answerable to the UN and the governments of the world, and openly acting as heroes. The other side, however, hasn't disappeared entirely. Several of them now operate as a superhero team in secret, working underground to continue to fight crime - and they'll be called on when Thanos appears and the Avengers need their help again!
Which two stones does Thanos have in the Infinity War trailer?
We know that Thanos is intending to collect the entire set of Infinity Stones in order to have complete control over the universe... and in the trailer for Avengers: Infinity War, he already has two in his gauntlet. One, it seems that he has stolen from where it was last left for protection, but the other looks like it will be given to him by Loki, who stole it from Odin's throne room when Asgard was destroyed in Thor: Ragnarok.
Which New Avengers will have a romance in Infinity War?
Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe is primarily concerned with the rise and fall of those with superpowers, and doesn't stint on the action scenes, that doesn't mean that it doesn't have time for romance. Love story subplots have existed (or been hinted at) in the original Avengers team between characters like Black Widow and the Hulk, as well as in solo movies with individual love interests. However, one pair of the New Avengers look like their relationship is going to be a much bigger deal in this upcoming film.
What's the name of Doctor Strange's sidekick?
Of all the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe right now, it looks like Dr Strange is the one with the smallest team - while most of the others have anything from teammates to an entire army behind them, Dr Strange works largely alone, as Sorcerer Supreme first and foremost. In this capacity, he has basically one friend and helper at the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York (two, if you want to count the semi-sentient Cloak of Levitation, that is).
What is Spider-Man's new nickname thanks to his updated suit?
In Spider-Man: Homecoming, the super suit that Peter Parker wears as Spider-Man played a big part in the film, as Spidey went from the very basic suit that he originally made himself to a much higher tech version built for him by Tony Stark. However, when he and Tony had a falling out, Stark told him that he couldn't rely on the suit to do his work for him, and threatened to take it back. Now, however, he has an even fancier, newer suit - and a name to go with it.
Who is this white-haired man?
This man first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy, where we learned the he is the keeper of the largest collection of interstellar fauna, relics and species in the galaxy - a collection that was largely destroyed, thanks to the Guardians and the Power Stone that they were holding at the time! He's not done in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet, though - he was given another stone to protect for the time being - which means that he'll be back on the radar soon...
Which is the final stone to be revealed?
In the comics, there are six infinity stones in total, and five of those six have already made an appearance in the MCU. The Mind Stone is with Vision, the Time Stone is with Doctor Strange, the Reality Stone is with the Collector, the Power Stone is with the Nova Corps, and the Space Stone was (until very recently) in Odin's Throne Room on Asgard. That means that there is only one stone that has yet to appear at all - what is it called?
Which film does the Reality Stone first appear in?
When the red Reality Stone first appeared, it was known as the Aether, and appears in a liquid form the majority of the time. In the film where it first appeared, it was shown that this stone can turn 'matter into dark matter', and can also possess a person. Of course, the heroes were able to get control of the stone and contain it (giving it to The Collector for safekeeping), but not without some serious battles before that happened.
Who is the newest member of the Guardians?
In the original Guardians of the Galaxy, this team was formed of Star Lord (aka Peter Quill, a part-human interstellar thief), Gamora (a daughter of Thanos turned hater of him), Rocket and Groot (a team of thieves made up of a technologically altered racoon and a species of sentient tree) and Drax the Destroyer (a man hellbent on revenge). The team is growing, however, with the addition of at least one more permanent, and very empathetic, member in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2.
Who is Gamora's 'sister'?
Gamora isn't the only character in Avengers: Infinity War who has come from Thanos's house and turned against the Mad Titan to join forces with other heroes for Infinity War. Her 'sister' was also taken in by Thanos as a child, but as he had them battle each other, he slowly replaced her body parts with machines, leading to her hating Gamora for always beating her, but hating their 'father' more for what he did to her - and now, she wants Thanos dead.
How did Thor lose his eye?
In Thor: Ragnarok, the look of everyone's favorite Asgardian hero changed significantly. In the earlier appearances of Thor, he has long, flowing hair, is rarely seen without his hammer, and has two eyes (as do most of the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!). However, coming into Infinity War, his hair is cropped, his hammer is no where to be seen... and like his father before him, he has only one eye. How did he lose the other one in Ragnarok?
Who has reversed Bucky's brainwashing?
In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it was revealed that Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) wasn't the only First World War soldier who was frozen in time. His best friend, Bucky Barnes, was also still alive and in the peak of his youth... but he was also brainwashed and fitted with a bionic arm, and set to murder the enemies of his controllers. It took Steve a long time to save his friend, and now he's back in action because this person has managed to undo what was done to him.
In the comics, who is Thanos in love with?
Thanos and his search for the Infinity Stones is a story arc that has been done in the marvel comics, long before it was brought to the big screen - although there are obviously going to be plenty of differences between the story on the page, and the one on the screen. From the trailers, it seems that Thanos' motivation is 'balance', but in the original, however, Thanos's motivation to destroy the universe is to impress the woman that he loves...
Where is it likely that the final Infinity Stone can be found?
We already know where five of the six Infinity Stones are - or at least, where they have been at some point in the long history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After all, from the fact that Thanos has possession of two in the trailer, it is clear that at least those two have been taken from the place they were last seen! However, one has yet to appear at all, but there have been strong hints that it will be found where?
Who is the strongest Avenger, according to Stark's Quinjet?
In Thor: Ragnarok, the buddy comedy got a bit of a twist, as Thor and Bruce Banner teamed up to try and get back home (or in Thor's case, back to Earth), and their first attempt to do so brings them back to the Quinjet that Bruce originally crashed while flying. In order to gain access to the jet, Thor has to answer a question (like a password) that has been set by Tony Stark... and the question is 'who is the strongest Avenger'?
Which planet was Thanos born on?
The history of Thanos is a complicated one, although very little of it has come up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe just yet. So far, all we've been treated to are teases of the giant purple villain himself, and the knowledge of what he did to Gamora and Nebula when he was raising them as his 'daughters', but Avengers: Infinity War is sure to fill in a lot of those blanks - including the planet he was born on in the comics.
Who is rumored to be getting a cameo before their solo movie?
While it may seem as though Avengers: Infinity War is crowded enough, given that there are literally dozens of superheroes banding together in order to take on the Mad Titan in this film, but that hasn't stopped fans speculating about which upcoming heroes might make their first cameos in the movie... with one standing front and center, given that their solo movie is currently being filmed, and it is due to hit the big screen only next year - before the second part of Infinity War.
What color is Black Widow's hair now?
All the Avengers have changed their appearance at least a little as the Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown - especially when it comes to Infinity War. Captain America has grown a beard in his time underground, Hulk has become partially controlled and aware, Thor has lost an eye... and Black Widow has changed a lot about her hair! In the first films, she had medium length, dark red curls - but that is not how she looks in Infinity War!
Which former member of SHIELD will (definitely) be appearing in Infinity War?
Since the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the previously massive organization known as SHIELD has been almost totally dismantled, thanks to HYDRA infiltration. To a small extent, it has been rebuilt in the small screen offering Agents of SHIELD, but it's still not going to be playing a big part in Avengers: Infinity War. However, at least one of the previous leaders of SHIELD will be - and while Nick Fury is only rumored to be appearing, this agent will definitely be joining the team.
Which movie launched the MCU?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been around for a decade, since this film launched in 2008, blowing away superhero fans and setting the stage for the parade of hits that Marvel/Disney studios was about to roll out. Now, ten years later, the titular character of the series has been through a lot, but he's still leading the Avengers, and will be front and center when it comes to taking down Thanos, the Mad Titan himself, in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War.
Who is this the leader of?
In Guardians of the Galaxy, this woman (Irani Rael) was an instrumental character, as she led her armed forced to victory in protecting the planet of Xandar from an attack by Ronan, who was attempting to get hold of an Infinity Stone. Her military force is well trained and extremely capable, especially when it comes to galactic protection, which is why the Guardians gave them a stone to protect... but it looks like Xandar will fall to the might of the Mad Titan.
What are the guards of the Black Panther called?
In Black Panther, fans were introduced to some of the most incredible warrior women who have ever hit the big screen. Led by Okoye, these Wakandan special forces are some of the best in the world, and are more than capable of fighting and defending their King and country - and we know that those skills are going to be put to good use in Avengers: Infinity War. They have a distinctive uniform, and love to use Wakandan (and highly advanced) spear weapons.
Which character currently posesses the Mind Stone?
The yellow Mind Stone first appeared in a blue orb, which was held by Loki during his attempt to gain control of Earth. The orb was in a scepter, which could be used to touch anyone and gain complete control over their mind. Later, when it was removed from the scepter, it was used by Tony Stark in his quest to build the perfect android, although as anyone who watched Avengers: Age of Ultron knows, a plan to try and control the Mind Stone that way went horribly wrong...
Name this shrinking heroine
Of the various powers that have been revealed over the years, one of the biggest reveal moments came in Captain America: Civil War, when Ant-Man showed off his new ability to not only shrink, but to become an absolute giant. He's not the only shrinking (and growing) superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though. There is another, one who is going to get her first chance to really suit up in Avengers: Infinity War, who can also change her size to win a fight.
Name this booze-loving warrior woman
Another newcomer hero to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is this woman, who made her first appearance in the recent Thor: Ragnarok. Initially, she appeared as a trapper on Sakaar, hunting down possible contenders for the ring, but it was soon revealed that she is actually an Asgardian, and was a warrior woman until the rest of her compatriots were destroyed by Hela, and she went into hiding... and became a big fan of drinking, which she still enjoys. A whole lot.
Which android did Tony Stark create (that tried to kill everyone)?
Tony Stark is absolutely brilliant, there is no doubt about that. However, he also has a bad habit of letting his genius run away with him, and inventing things simply because he can (like an entire army of Iron Man Suits, in Iron Man 3). However, nowhere was this more evident than when he attempted to create a global security system headed up by an android... that decided mankind was the biggest threat of all, and wanted to wipe them out completely.
Who turned out to be Peter Quill's father?
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, Peter Quill, aka Star Lord, finally learned who his real father was, after years of thinking that he was alone in the universe. Of course, it turned out that his father was also completely insane, and had been intentionally fathering children all over the galaxy for a few decades , rather than just falling in love with Quill's mom... and he and his team had to take him down. What was his name?
What's the name of Ant-Man's best friend?
One of the highlights of Ant-Man was the storytelling style of Ant-Man's best friend - who he met in prison, after the friend was caught stealing smoothie machines. Fans are hoping that this character may appear not only in Ant-Man and the Wasp (which he is confirmed for), but possibly in Infinity War - because hearing him tell a story about the Mad Titan would be an absolute treat! Even if he just has a cameo, we can't wait to see it.
What kind of food did the Avengers eat after the Battle of New York?
The big battle in the original Avengers movie is known as the Battle of New York - and it ended with a scene that became an absolute fan favorite... the team all headed out to grab some food. It's a cute reference to a moment where Tony Stark realizes that he pulled off his plan and somehow didn't die, and also cements the bond that the team has built over the course of the movie - what was the kind of food?
What is the name of the pendant that houses the Time Stone?
The Time Stone recently made it's first Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance in Doctor Strange, when Stephen Strange discovered it housed in a mystical pendant that allows the user to control time itself. He wears the pendent as he learns to become the new Sorcerer Supreme, and uses it to rewind time, and to create a time loop (which allows him to annoy Dormammu into submission). At the end of the film, he replaces it in Kamar-Taj... for right now, anyway!
What is Sam Wilson's super-name?
One of the lesser known heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is this man: Sam Wilson. A former United States Air Force pararescue airman, he became a winged superhero thanks to his military training and a special version of an experimental, winged jetpack that he wears as a hero. Since he first met Captain America in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, he has slowly become more and more important to his friend, and a part of his team during the events of Civil War.
Who dies in Avengers: Age of Ultron?
In the world of comics, death is rarely permanent, but in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it does seem to be a little more serious - with the majority of characters killed managing to actually stay dead. This character is one of those, who passed away acting as a human shield in the major battle of Avengers: Age of Ultron - a heartbreaking loss, not just to fans of the character, but because his tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was so short!
Who cameos in every Marvel movie?
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is accessible to any fan, no matter how much they know about the original comics, there are certainly plenty of jokes, Easter Eggs and cameos in every film, just for the truly die-hard Marvel fans. One of these is a standing cameo that fans wait to see in every single movie, when one of the biggest names in Marvel appears - as a very minor character, usually with just a single line... which is still enough to delight Marvel fans!
When did Thanos first appear in a post-credits scene?
The post-credits (and mid-credits) scenes are a staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe - giving fans a little hint of things to come, extending a joke or a scene from the film itself, or sometimes just having a little fun in the final minutes. Thanos made his first appearance in a post-credit scene too, hinting at the biggest bad of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. He didn't speak, simply turned and smiled, but it was still a huge moment for fans. Which movie did this scene follow?
How did Dr Strange defeat Dormammu?
Doctor Strange did a lot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe - it set up the idea that magic, true magic, now exists in this world, and that is going to change the fight against Thanos in an incredible amount of ways. It also includes a final battle where Dr Strange outsmarts his opponent, rather than actually beating him in a fight, or even directly with his powers as Sorcerer Supreme. What did Dr Strange do to trap Dormammu, and force him to leave Earth?
Which hero is capable of holding a stone?
We don't mean simply using an Infinity Stone, or utilizing it while it is fitted into something else - over the years, various people have fitted the Stones into other devices (like Dr Strange's pendant, or the Power Stone's orb) that can then allow anyone to utilize that power. However, there is only one of the heroes of the Marvel Universe who can literally take hold of a raw Infinity Stone and hold it, because their father is a 'cosmic entity'. Who is it?
Which hero secretly has a family?
Most of the lives of the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are laid out from the start - whether it is Ant-Man's daughter, Spider-Man's Aunt May, or Stephen Strange's brutal injuries... however, there was one hero who was revealed to be hiding an entire family on a farm during Avengers: Age of Ultron. They have a wife, two children, and a third on the way - something that shocked fans, and may well play into the events of Avengers: Infinity War.
Which hero was crippled in Civil War?
While the main characters have (for the most part) managed to cheat death so far, one of the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe suffered severe injuries during the events of Captain America: Civil War. This hero was hit by a blast from Vision during a battle between the two sides, and for a moment, it looked like he might not survive at all. However, it turned out that he was paralyzed from the waist down, but that some Stark tech is helping him get back on his feet.
Who killed Tony Stark's parents?
While most of the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are willing to fight together when they need to, that doesn't mean that they always get along on a personal level - or that they accept each others methods. One of the biggest schisms in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, is the result of Tony Stark learning that one of the heroes of this world killed his parents while brainwashed. He may not have known he was doing it, but there is still sure to be some unresolved tension in Infinity War.