WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Infinity Stone: The Mind Gem
In previous Marvel films, since phase one in fact, the Infinity Stones weren’t specifically identified as they are in The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Fans were left to speculate, but it wasn’t a stretch to believe Loki’s staff contained the Mind Gem. That is confirmed and featured prominently throughout the new Joss Whedon-directed film. Perhaps most notably as the gem seated comfortably in The Vision’s forehead.
Stan Lee’s Cameo
The least surprising and easily identified Easter Egg is Stan Lee’s cameo. During some sort of reunion party between many of the heroes, including War Machine and Falcoln, there is a small group of military veterans huddled around Thor. There is one veteran that bets he can handle Thor’s Asgardian alcoholic beverage. Thor assures him that no mortal can handle the 1000-year old whisky. The question is answered…Stan Lee is mortal.
Here’s the best part though: as the icon is dragged away from the party, he slurs his famous catchphrase “Excelsior!”
Reclaimed Chitauri Technology
The Battle of New York left the city in shambles during The Avengers. We get glimpses of the aftermath from Avengers tower, including a memorial area. But the question of what happened to all those aliens is answered. During the opening action sequence, the Avengers are seeking Loki’s staff from the evil HYDRA. The soldiers are all sporting armor and weapons created by the Chitauri. The organization also got their hands on a war-torn Leviathan warship, though it doesn’t function in the film.
Captain America’s Shield Bike
Not so much an Easter Egg as it is an homage to classic Cap. Black Widow does some “cleaning up” as she recovers Cap’s shield in a high speed chase scene. Cruising her high-tech motorbike, the Widow reaches down, grabs the shield and attaches it to the handlebars. Of course, the bike also appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger, but it’s still awesome every time they do it!
Black Panther
Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) makes a fabulous appearance in The Avengers: Age of Ultron. He should most certainly show up in the upcoming Black Panther standalone film as an adversary to the titular hero. In this outing, Klaue is the arms dealer smuggling large amounts of Vibranium. His operation takes place in Wakanda where he’s at the center of a major turning point in Ultron’s plan. He even has his arm chopped off, though that’s a deviation from the comics!
Mad Titan End Credits
We waited. We waited even longer. But Joss Whedon wasn’t kidding when he said there would be no final post-credit scene. There is a stinger (pre-roll scene) though! It involves the Mad Titan, Thanos, lifting a gold hand gauntlet…the Infinity Gauntlet. He looks to the camera with an evil smirk and says, “Fine. I’ll do it myself!” I got chills bro!
The Crimson Cowl
This is an Easter Egg for those unfamiliar with Marvel comics. Ultron unveils himself to the twins from under a red robe where he recruits the enhanced duo for his plan. This is in reference to the Crimson Cowl, a popular villain and the first appearance of soon-to-be Ultron in the comics.
The Avengers 2.0
As the film closes and the team disperse to their respective lives, Cap and Black Widow take aim at a new team of Avengers. The new Avengers consist of Falcon, War Machine, Scarlet Witch and The Vision. What perilous adventures are ahead for the united team? We’ll have to wait for the MCU to continue growing, but one thing’s for certain…The Avengers will return!
