NEWS WATCH: Quicksilver Back from the Dead and Spotted on set for Avengers 4!

Marvel Studios has a lot to celebrate already in 2018. Hot off the heels of the “Wakanda Forever,” movement and the critical acclaim of “Black Panther,” it was more than just comic book fans that heard the unequivocal roar of a cultural phenomenon. But just three months later the MCU smashed it’s way into the box office again, shattering numerous records held by other movies with the cosmic blockbuster “Avengers: Infinity War.” The Marvel machine shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon as the movie is projected to gross over two billion in sales.

According to insider reports, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson who played the role of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the ill-fated Quicksilver has been spotted on the set of the yet to be titled “Avengers 4.”

Quicksilver, (not to be confused with his Fox Studios counterpart Evan Peters,) made his theatrical debut alongside the infamous Scarlet Witch portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen in the previous 2015 installment “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” His role was short-lived as the speedster of HYDRA met his untimely demise after saving Hawkeye and a child from gunfire.

Fans may be wondering how this could be remotely possible. That may have well included Taylor-Johnson himself, having repeatedly stated in multiple interviews that he had no future plans to return to the Avengers or related Marvel studio films. But perhaps disclosure was apart of his initial contract barring him from revealing any details as it may well have unveiled Marvel’s long-term plans.

First, let’s take a look at what we do know. Writer / Director Joss Whedon initially stated that Taylor-Johnson and Olsen both have 3 film contracts. If that’s true then the actor has only fulfilled 2 of those contractual obligations. Aside from Ultron, Taylor-Johnson made only one additional appearance in character during a mid-credits scene of the 2014 film “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Though Whedon later retracted the statement, Marvel could well have changed the terms of the contract. However, if the terms are still intact it also may well signify that he could be included in yet another film.

But the question on most fans minds is how would creators bring him back from the dead. There are a couple of possibilities. For those readers familiar with the 1991 classic “The Infinity Gauntlet,” which serves as the movie’s source material, though Thanos does achieve godhood, inevitably he falters and loses the Gauntlet to his niece, who ironically has been tormented by the titan for years simply for being related. During a moment of distraction, Nebula wrests the gauntlet from his hand and claims the power of the gauntlet for herself. It isn’t long before Nebula enacts her own revenge. If the movie follows the comic book interpretation, even slightly, this could well open the window for not only Quicksilver’s return but the resurrection of all those who perished at the end of Infinity War.

An additional theory would be that instead of what audience’s perceived as death was the use of the reality or soul gems to remove half of the universe’s population, including the heroes, and place them within another dimension.

The strongest reports so far are that the most likely scenario is that Avengers 4 will include time travel through the use of the gauntlet’s time gem. This theory is highly probable as the logistics of Marvel’s cinematic schedule have been carefully laid and plotted for years in culmination to the Infinity films. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” are next up with a release date of July 6th, 2018 with both Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly reprising their roles. Following that, “Captain Marvel” starring Brie Larson and introducing Marvel’s first female lead solo film is currently slated for a release date of March 6th of 2019. The significance of both films having been released after Infinity War yet prior to Avengers 4 are possible launch points of reference and inclusion for time travel. The next installment of the Infinity saga may well be more significant than the singular return of Quicksilver. Reports have also surfaced that Tom Hiddleston has also been on set in in full Loki garb. Avengers 4, which has many fans speculating that the aftermath will mark a total reset of the entire cinematic line of films may well be correct.

This option looks particularly attractive should the Fox / Disney deal remain in place and unfettered by reports of a Comcast buyout. Even if the latter is the case, Disney certainly has the ability to opt-in and purchase the rights to the X-Men and Fantastic Four, as well as other Marvel properties within Fox’s portfolio, merging them into the larger MCU and providing ample reason and necessity for a universal reboot.

Avengers 4 remains untitled, is projected to be in theaters on May 3, 2019.