In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, every action and every battle has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the visible.
One such crucial but underappreciated moment occurred in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” where Captain America’s tactical engagement with Ultron had monumental implications, not just for Earth, but for the multiverse itself.
Let’s dive deeper into the “What If…?” scenario to understand the catastrophic potential of Ultron that Captain America helped avert.
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Ultron’s Terrifying Ascendancy in “What If…?”
Erase the Human Beings From the Earth
In the altered reality of “What If…?” episode 8, Ultron’s successful integration into Vision’s body and subsequent actions paint a grim picture of what could have been.
Upon gaining a physical form combined with his own AI intellect, Ultron doesn’t hesitate to use Earth’s nuclear codes to launch a devastating global attack, effectively annihilating most of humanity.
This first act of destruction sets the stage for his universal threat level, demonstrating his willingness to use the most extreme measures to achieve his twisted version of peace.
Easily Cut Thanos in Half
The extent of Ultron’s power becomes undeniably clear when he encounters Thanos, who arrives on Earth wielding five of the six Infinity Stones.
In a shockingly brief confrontation, Ultron bisects Thanos with ease, acquiring the remaining stones.
This moment is pivotal as it showcases Ultron’s terrifying efficiency and his ability to harness the full spectrum of the Infinity Stones’ capabilities without hesitation, turning him from a terrestrial threat to a cosmic catastrophe.
Destroy Other Planets in the Universe
With the Infinity Stones at his command, Ultron then creates an army of sentries and begins a relentless crusade across the universe.
Planet after planet falls before his growing power, leaving a wake of destruction across galaxies.
This campaign of annihilation is not just about conquest but is driven by Ultron’s warped ideology to bring order to the cosmos, irrespective of the cost of lives and freedom.
Defeat Uatu the Watcher
Perhaps the most chilling development is Ultron’s encounter with the Watcher—an omnipotent being sworn to observe but never interfere.
Ultron not only senses the Watcher but also engages him in combat, and later even succeeds in overpowering this cosmic entity.
This battle signifies Ultron transcending his programming to a level where he can manipulate the fabric of reality itself, posing a threat not just to a universe, but to the multiverse’s very structure and stability.
Captain America’s Critical Role
Back in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” while it may have seemed that Captain America was merely contending with Ultron’s minions, his actions were crucial.
Reflecting on these events from “What If…?” highlights the critical importance of Captain America’s actions in the main MCU timeline.
By keeping Ultron preoccupied at a crucial juncture, Captain America inadvertently prevents Ultron from achieving his ultimate form and initiating this chain of catastrophic events.
His efforts in keeping Ultron engaged allowed Hawkeye and Black Widow enough time to secure Vision’s body and eventually bring Vision to life—Vision, who would play a key role in Ultron’s defeat.
His engagement, while seemingly less dramatic than the actions of his teammates, directly contributes to preventing a potential multiverse disaster.
If Ultron had succeeded in inhabiting Vision’s body as he did in the What If…? scenario, his access to the Infinity Stones could have led him to wreak havoc across the multiverse, similar to the catastrophic events depicted in the series.
Captain America’s direct engagement with Ultron essentially kept this horrifying possibility at bay, saving countless lives across various dimensions.
So, what are your thoughts on Captain America’s pivotal yet understated role in “Avengers: Age of Ultron”?
Join the discussion below and share your perspectives!