Avengers: Age Of Ultron Marvel Universe Easter Eggs

Naturally, any time the Avengers assemble, there are references to their respective lives in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But In Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Easter Eggs didn't limit themselves to our already established heroes. Rather, we also got hints to the future.

Do not read any further if you do not want events from Avengers: Age of Ultron spoiled!

Wakanda

Wakanda was first mentioned by Bruce Banner, when he struggled to pronounce the name of this African nation. The Avengers had to make a trip around the world to visit the dried out city (which happens to be rich in Vibranium) in an early attempt to stop Ultron. More importantly, Wakanda is home to the Black Panther. 

Ulysses Klaw

Andy Serkis' character, Ulysses Klaw, made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as the Wakandan arms dealer. Though he had two complete arms and hands to start the film, Ultron sliced off one arm in a fit of rage. In Marvel comics, Klaw has one hand with a claw for the other and operates as a major nemesis of Black Panther's.

Peggy Carter & Heimdall

Avengers: Age of Ultron packed more non-villainous characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe than any of the Universe's predecessors. During dream sequences initiated by the mind control ability of Scarlet Witch, both Captain America and Thor saw prominent figures from their lives. Cap journeyed back to the 1940's and joined Peggy Carter, who recently starred in Agent Carter, for a dance. Peggy tried to convince Steve that the battle is over, he can stay with her and live happily ever after, but Rogers knew this was a twisted form a torture being inflicted on him.

Thor's dream sequence took him to Asgard, where he saw Heimdall, the keeper of Bifrost who oversees the entire universe. Thor, startled to see Heimdall's completely white eyes, asked Heimdall what was wrong. Heimdall responded by choking Thor.

"Missing Persons" Cases

Also among the characters making surprise appearances was Sam Wilson, the Falcon. Wilson originally debuted as Captain America's sidekick in The Winter Soldier, this time around joking that he is enjoying working missing person's cases while Cap does the avenging.

This may be more significant to Captain America's story than it appears at first glance. Bucky, Steve Rogers' best friend growing up, may be the focus of the missing persons case Wilson is referencing. By the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Rogers knew that the Winter Soldier was in fact an experimented upon Bucky Barnes. Perhaps Wilson is assisting Rogers in locating his old friend.

Pepper Potts & Jane Foster

On the short list of characters who did not make the cut of appearing in Age of Ultron are Tony Stark's girlfriend Pepper Potts and Thor's mortal love interest, Jane Foster. The two most likely didn't appear as a result of Gwyneth Paltrow's and Natalie Portman's availabilities, but that doesn't mean their presence was not felt.

During the party at Avengers tower, Thor and Tony Stark made mention of their girlfriends. When asked where they were, Stark said that Pepper has a business to run and Thor responded "Jane's better."

Stan Lee

Stan Lee appeared in the film for his cameo. This time, it was a bit extended. When Thor and Steve Rogers treated themselves to 1000 year aged Asgardian liquor not suitable for any mortal, Lee insisted that as a World War II veteran who stormed the beaches, he could handle any liquor there is. Wrong, of course, he was escorted from the party - to drunk to stand on his own - bidding the party farewell with an enthusiastic, "Excelsior!"

Tony Stark's Dream

Stark's dream sequence at the hands of Scarlet Witch may have been the most telling about the future. Stark found himself in space with Chitauri Leviathans flying overhead. In front of him, each Avenger lay dead. The Hulk had arrows in his back, Cap's shield was broken and he told Stark he could have done more to save them.

While this may seem to stem from the guilt inside Stark, planning on going behind their backs to create Ultron, it may have actually been a look into the future. We know Infinity War is coming, where the Avengers will square off with the Mad Titan, Thanos. Perhaps, that battle is taken to the cosmos as it is in the comics, and Stark finds the Avengers killed at the hands of Thanos, much like the Infinty Gauntlet comic series.

New Avengers Facility

By the end of the film, Avengers tower is no longer the headquarters for the Avengers. S.H.I.E.L.D. has long fallen and the Avengers need a home. Captain America enters what is labeled across the bottom of the screen as the "New Avengers Facility." Inside, Cap finds just that, a line-up of New Avengers. His team consists of Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, the Falcon, War Machine and the Vision.

Infinity Gauntlet

The end credits scene features one of the most chilling moments in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Infinity Gauntlet raises up and presents itself for Thanos who says, "Fine, I'll do it myself," as he puts on the ever-powerful glove. As for what he will do himself - probably either destroy the Earth after Ultron failed or collect the Infinity Gems, then destroy the Earth. After all, if you want something done right - do it yourself, right?