Five things to get excited about the new 'Avengers' movie

ByJustin Sedgwick KFSN logo
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
(Marvel)
Marvel

In 2012, Tony Stark and crew suited up against Loki and his minions in the epic comic vehicle "The Avengers." Now the third highest grossing film in history, "The Avengers" was responsible for launching Marvel into a new stratosphere of popularity, where names like Tony Stark and Nick Fury, and terms like S.H.I.E.L.D. "Hulk smash" became part of the public lexicon. "Avengers" love is still going strong, and on Tuesday, Marvel finally released the plot details behind the highly-anticipated sequel, "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

Here is the official synopsis provided by Marvel:

Marvel Studios presents "Avengers: Age of Ultron," the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" won't come out until May 1, 2015. But here's five things that to get you excited about next Summer's biggest movie hit.

1. James Spader

NBC

Star of "The Blacklist" and countless other classic films and television series, the mysterious and charismatic Spader will be voicing the primary antagonist in the film, Ultron. The first "Avengers" showed that the villain could easily be the most entertaining part of the film (who doesn't love Loki?) And with Spader's mesmerizing vocals, you can expect Ultron to climb to the highest ranks of Marvel villainy.

2. Elizabeth Olsen

Eric Charbonneau / AP

Originally receiving attention as the younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Elizabeth has grown into one of the most talented actresses of her age in the past few years, most notably after a haunting turn in the harrowing cult drama "Martha Marcy May Marlene." Olsen will play Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," whose ability to alter reality will be a major plot point.

3. Robert Downey Jr.

Evan Agostini / AP

Of course, the Marvel universe's exponential popularity is owed much to Robert Downey Jr.'s spot-on take as Tony Stark in the "Iron Man" films. But after Downey commented that he doesn't feel another stand alone "Iron Man" film is likely, we need to savor every sardonic, clever-witted moment the hero can offer.

4. More grown-up storytelling, courtesy of Joss Whedon

Dan Steinberg / AP

What do "Toy Story," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and "The Avengers" have in common? They were all penned by Joss Whedon, the reigning president of the fanboy universe. But Joss has a special knack in making comic book movies available to mainstream audiences while still keeping more passionate fanboys happy. Whedon has commented that he wants "Age of Ultron" to be a little more grown up and complex than the first film, so you can be sure his bona fide storytelling abilities will shine again.

5. Larger Marvel universe

Marvel / Disney

Each Marvel film reveals a little bit more about the universe at large and where the universe is going in later years. And with a definite "Avengers 3" in the works with some likely crossover from this summer's monster hit "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Age of Ultron" is required viewing for any Marvel fan.

Check out this "Avengers: Age of Ultron" teaser from 2013's Comic-Con below.

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Marvel and ABC Owned Television Stations are owned by The Walt Disney Company.