The events of the MCU have been planned for some time and it is clear to see when looking back over past movies.
One of the entries in the Marvel franchise that clearly hinted at the events that would go down in Avengers: Endgame was the second outing for the Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Avengers: Age of Ultron.
While that film chiefly saw the superheroes of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow and more go up against Ultron, they were also dealt some visions by brief baddie Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen).
These visions actually provide further texture to the characters but also hinted at what was to come in Endgame and are lent more depth themselves by the events that were to come.
Here is how the film foreshadowed the climactic events of the fourth Avengers film, but warning, spoilers ahead for Avengers: Endgame.
*Spoiler warning for Avengers: Endgame*
Whether you have seen the film or not, we do ask that for others who haven't seen it and don't want to know what happens, Do Not Spoil The Endgame .
How Avengers: Age of Ultron foreshadowed the events of Endgame
Iron Man
Early in Avengers: Age of Ulton, Scarlet Witch hexes Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) with her abilities that she received through HYDRA experimentation using the Mind Stone.
In this vision, Tony witnesses a devastating Chitauri invasion of Earth with Hulk lying unconscious on the floor, Black Widow lying dead, Hawkeye sat motionlessly, Thor out cold, and finally, Cap's shield cracked in two on the floor.
Tony approaches Steve and checks his pulse before Steve awakens and tells Tony: "You could have saved us. Why didn't you do more?"
Steve then dies.
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This vision definitely predicts the eventual invasion by Thanos' army in Avengers: Endgame, including the Chitauri, the broken shield and the casualties that the Avengers face.
It also clearly outlines that Tony will be the one to save the day from Thanos and end the Infinity Saga.
Thor
When Thor (Chris Hemsworth) gets hexed by Scarlet Witch, he experiences a vision of a late-night revel in Asgard as they dance sensually and celebrate - but there is an uneasy and nightmarish quality to proceedings.
Thor is then approached by comrade Heimdall (Idris Elba), who says his eyes "see everything" and says "Thor will lead us to hell".
He then says "You're a destroyer, Odinson. See where your power leads."
There are then flashes of the Infinity Stones and also of Vision's (Paul Bettany) eyes opening.
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Not only does this hint at the creation of Vision later in the film using the Mind Stone, but it prompts Thor to hunt the Infinity Stones himself after discussing the visions with Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard).
Finally, the vision also hints at the end of days for Asgard in Thor:Ragnarok and the death of Heimdall in Avengers: Infinity War.
Grim.
Black Widow
This one is most interesting as the only vision Nat (Scarlet Johansson) has is to the past - which in and of itself may be about her lack of the future.
When Scarlet Witch hexes Natasha Romanoff, the superspy experiences flashback visions to her time at the Red Room Academy where she learnt her tricks of the trade - there are ballerinas, shooting practices and conversations with her ruthless instructor, Madame B (Julie Delpy).
"The Ceremony is necessary for you to take your place in the world," says Madame B.
To which Nat replies: "I have no place in the world."
"Exactly," says her instructor.
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The Ceremony, we learn, is a procedure that leaves the Widow incapable of carrying children.
Well, that's depressing.
The vision could also foreshadow Nat's big moment in Endgame, as she sacrifices herself so Clint can get the Soul Stone and be reunited with his family.
Well, this is rather horrible, isn't it?
Captain America
This one is slightly more upbeat.
Steve's vision is of the past and what seems like a wish-fulfillment fantasy.
Looking back to a 1940s dance, Steve (Chris Evans) is in his army uniform and is approached by his beloved Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell).
She says: "Are you ready for our dance?"
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Then continues, "The War is over, Steve. We can go home. Imagine it."
What seems like an empty fantasy, however, proves to be exactly true in Endgame.
The Infinity War is over, Steve. You can go home.
We're not crying, you're crying.
Avengers: Endgame is in cinemas now.
