You would think that with all the marketing Marvel is doing for the Avengers that there would actually not be a single unseen scene left in the movie. On closer inspection though, you realize that they have actually been cleverly avoiding any real story elements in all the promos. One aspect of that story that has remained clouded in mystery the most is exactly who/what is the army that has arch-villain Loki’s back in this epic playground brawl.
Well, in this latest TV spot for the highly anticipated superhero film, we finally get our first clear – albeit incredibly brief – look at the villains. Thank Xenu for screen captures, I guess.
And for those of you that haven’t developed those keen powers of observation from years of pixel hunting in point and click adventure games as I have, here’s a handy screen capture of that half a second revelation. (Click for a larger version):
Now up until now, we’ve heard all kinds of stories as to who/what these alien villains could or could not be, and after the Skrulls were explicitly ruled out, most assumed that Loki would be turning to his distant Asgardian relatives, the Ice Giants. That is no Ice Giant. So what could they be?
Geekdom has been positively aflutter as to who they could be: Sons of Muspell? Badoon? Korbinites? The Kardashians without makeup?
Well, I guess it’s time for me throw my hat into the ring with my bit of rampant speculation.
[WARNING: THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET REALLY GEEKY AROUND HERE!]
The chitinous armour and appearance remind me of one of Marvel’s alien races: The Annihilation Wave. The Wave was an army of creatures from the Negative Zone – an alternate universe discovered by Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards – who nearly took over the entire galaxy under the leadership of Annihilus. Annihilus was massively powerful by himself, but he was able to subjugate and control the wave through the use of the Cosmic Control Rod.
Now I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but in nearly all the promos material released thus far, Loki has suddenly begun sporting a glowing blue cane.
Unless he’s moonlighting as an interdimensional pimp (he certainly dresses the part), I have a feeling that he may have found the rod. At the end of Thor, he fell off the Rainbow Bridge – a passage between dimensions – so it’s not very far fetched that he could have ended up in the Negative Zone, found the rod, used it to take control of the locals and brought them back for some sweet revenge.
If this is true, the question of course would be: Where is Annihilus? Last time I checked, he’s not exactly the sharing type. He’s going to want his army and glowy stick back. And who better to setup as a villain for the inevitable Avengers 2 than a super strong insectoid overlord who was able to go toe to toe with Galactus – you know, the Eater of Worlds! – and still live to talk about it?
Last Updated: April 3, 2012
Sonny Bonds
April 3, 2012 at 14:28
The CG on Hulk is looking good so I hope to see more Hulk and less Banner. I cannot stand Mark Ruffalo.
Justin Hess
April 3, 2012 at 18:05
I’m always baffled by people who say they don’t like Mark Ruffalo. The man is one of the best
actors of his generation and is usually the best thing in any movie he is in.
Ruffalo was one of the best things in David Fincher’s Zodiac and that film was wall to wall perfection. He doesn’t shout or go for Pacino-esque grandstanding, just very quiet understated performances, that are so good, you barely notice the acting.
My money’s on him being one of the best things in The Avengers
Kervyn Cloete
April 4, 2012 at 11:58
While I agree with you on Ruffalo, I have a feeling that his going to be completely upstaged by his green skinned counterpart.
Justin Hess
April 4, 2012 at 13:54
It’s hard not to be upstaged by a furious, out of control, 8 foot tall green man who smashes through walls and throws tanks at things. That’s no fault of Ruffalo’s.
But for repeat viewing, an set pieces that involve the Hulk can get old very fast and long term wise, I think Ruffalo will be seen as one of the best things about the Avengers film
Flameboy
April 3, 2012 at 14:37
I like where you are going with this. Have you been reading Fantastic Four lately? Kinda ties in nicely.
Trevor Mcconnell
April 10, 2012 at 17:03
I was thinking the same thing…I however am not as confident with that assumption. There are so many life forms this could be. However, regardless of what they are they look mean and there is a lot of them so I am excited!