Buzz
Heroes facing off against villains.
From mighty superheroes and sinister villains to powerful gods, these films deliver non-stop action. What more could anyone want from blockbuster hits like Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man, and Thor?
Many fans enjoy hunting for hidden Easter eggs or uncovering subtle hints that could validate their favorite theories. They often rewatch these films repeatedly, piecing together scattered clues to craft elaborate explanations about the storylines.
Below are 10 of the most bizarre and fascinating fan theories surrounding Marvel’s biggest superhero films.
Spoiler Warning: If you haven’t watched these Marvel films yet, proceed with caution. We’re about to share details you might prefer to avoid for now. Consider this your heads-up.
10. Coronavirus Prediction
With many rewatching Marvel movies during quarantine, a timely fan theory emerged. In Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers is seen in Times Square, where billboards in the background display a Corona beer advertisement and what appears to be a virus-like image. This sparked a theory suggesting the film foreshadowed the coronavirus outbreak.
This theory didn’t last long, though. Film critic William Mullally investigated and revealed that the so-called “virus” image was actually an overhead shot of dry spaghetti. Despite this debunking being widely shared online, some fans remain convinced the virus theory holds water.
9. Galactus Connection
In Guardians of the Galaxy, the Collector provides the heroes with an explanation of the Infinity Stones' origins. These stones play a pivotal role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
As the Collector narrates, the universe's history and the stones' background are illustrated. This has sparked a fresh fan theory suggesting that one of the planets shown is Taa, the home of Galan, who later transforms into Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds.
In the sixth iteration of the Multiverse, Galan emerged as the only survivor after the universe completed its renewal cycle. He then fused with the Sentience of the Universe, transforming into Galactus.
The theory suggests that the Sentience of the Universe is depicted during the Collector’s explanation of the Infinity Stones' creation. Additionally, some fans argue that the design on Galactus’s helmet resembles the pattern on the Celestial’s staff.
Had this theory about Galactus’s origin been accurate, it would have resolved the final Easter egg in the film—ending a four-year quest by dedicated fans.
However, director James Gunn dispelled these rumors in 2018, responding to a tweet: “Receiving many messages about Galactus in the Collector scenes. No, he’s not present in any form.”
8. The Butthole Theory
Following the release of Avengers: Infinity War in 2018, fans were consumed with speculation about which hero in Avengers: Endgame would ultimately defeat the purple tyrant, Thanos.
One of the most bizarre theories proposed that Ant-Man would be the ideal candidate to take down Thanos. By shrinking to a minuscule size, entering Thanos’s body, and then enlarging himself, Ant-Man could theoretically destroy the villain from within.
Fortunately, the makers of Endgame opted for a less graphic and more dignified method to eliminate Thanos.
7. Brother From Another Mother
The Marvel Multiverse seems to ignite unparalleled creativity among its fans. When Tony Stark and Steve Rogers turned against each other in Captain America: Civil War, numerous theories (beyond the obvious) surfaced to explain their intense rivalry.
Some fans believe that Peggy Carter, Captain America’s great love, might have been Tony Stark’s (Iron Man’s) mother. They speculate that Howard Stark’s flirtatious interactions with Peggy in The First Avenger could have led to a relationship after Captain America’s disappearance and presumed death.
However, this theory doesn’t align with the established timelines. Additionally, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) writers have clarified that Peggy’s children were always intended to be Captain America’s.
6. Spider-Man And 9/11
In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker (Spider-Man) shows a noticeable fear of heights. Combined with scenes featuring skyscrapers, planes, and debris, some fans theorize that Peter’s parents, who died in a plane crash, perished in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
This theory, however, doesn’t hold up, as the MCU has its own version of 9/11, referred to as “the incident”—the alien invasion in the first Avengers movie. Orchestrated by Loki under Thanos’s control, it caused massive destruction in New York.
5. Doctor Strange And The Snap
While some films reveal the hero as the villain in the final act, the MCU typically keeps its heroes and villains distinct. However, a controversial theory challenges this notion.
Doctor Strange, the master sorcerer and Earth’s protector, is theorized to have orchestrated the shocking moment when Thanos used the Infinity Gauntlet to wipe out half the universe.
This theory suggests that Stephen Strange aimed to eliminate Thanos, Iron Man, Vision, Hulk, Thor, and the Infinity Stones, viewing them as threats to Earth’s survival. Ultimately, he only succeeded in removing Vision and Iron Man.
The theory delves deeper, explaining Strange’s reasoning for each hero and villain’s downfall. Tony Stark was reckless, Vision was an unnatural creation, Hulk was unpredictable, and Thor failed to protect his own world, making him unreliable for Earth. Additionally, the Infinity Stones endangered reality itself, and their removal was necessary to safeguard existence.
Some theories even suggest that Doctor Strange didn’t truly vanish after the snap. Instead, he staged his disappearance.
4. The Heart-Shaped Herb
In Avengers: Infinity War, during the Battle of Wakanda, Captain America and Black Panther spearhead the fight against the Black Order and Outriders. This moment sparked a theory that both heroes share similar abilities, derived from the Heart-Shaped Herb.
Captain America’s strength stems from the Super Soldier Serum, developed by Dr. Abraham Erskine. His initial experiment failed, resulting in the creation of the Red Skull. Collaborating with Howard Stark, Erskine refined the serum, successfully transforming Steve Rogers into Captain America.
Howard Stark provided Captain America with his iconic shield, crafted from vibranium. Since vibranium is exclusive to Wakanda, this theory suggests Stark learned about Black Panther’s abilities and obtained the Heart-Shaped Herb to refine the Super Soldier Serum.
3. ‘I Have Telepathy’
Avengers: Endgame shattered global records upon its 2019 release. As one of the most awaited superhero films, it revealed the ultimate destinies of numerous beloved characters and marked Captain Marvel’s first collaboration with the Avengers.
In a memorable scene, Thor scrutinizes Captain Marvel, seemingly assessing her. As he steps closer, she holds his gaze without hesitation. Even when Stormbreaker hurtles toward Thor’s hand, narrowly missing her head, Marvel remains unfazed. Thor expresses his approval by saying, “I like this one.”
A peculiar theory claims that Captain Marvel whispers, “I have telepathy,” when she turns to face Thor. Allegedly, this line is only audible when the volume is cranked up to 400 percent.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have dismissed this theory, clarifying that it wasn’t among the many Easter eggs hidden in Marvel movies.
2. Hulk vs. Thanos
The release of Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 left audiences worldwide stunned as Thanos inserted the final Infinity Stone into the Gauntlet, snapped his fingers, and watched heroes disintegrate into dust. Such a shocking moment naturally sparked countless fan theories as soon as the credits began to roll.
Another jaw-dropping moment in Infinity War features Hulk’s crushing defeat at the hands of Thanos. Fans were baffled, given Hulk’s immense strength showcased in Thor: Ragnarok and his earlier dominance over Loki.
A widely discussed theory suggests that Hulk’s power waned as Bruce Banner grew stronger, gradually taking control of Hulk’s body. By the time of Infinity War, Hulk had weakened significantly, leaving him no match for Thanos.
In Avengers: Endgame, the Hulk we once knew is no more. Instead, we meet Professor Hulk, a massive, green version of Bruce Banner who lacks the raw power of his former self.
1. Lighthearted Thor
Thor: Ragnarok was one of the most eagerly awaited Marvel films. Upon its release, fans praised its humor, but beneath the laughs lay a darker narrative: the deaths of Odin and the Warriors Three, Hela’s rise, the destruction of Mjolnir, the fall of Asgard’s army, and the ultimate annihilation of Asgard itself.
A Reddit theory proposes that Thor narrates the events of Ragnarok in a lighthearted manner to soften the blow of the tragedies that unfolded. This approach helps uplift the Asgardian refugees and allows Thor to cope with the loss of his father and the destruction of his homeland.
Does this also imply that Thor embellished certain details of his battle with Hulk?
