The Avengers
Genre: Action/Superhero
Director: Gareth Edwards
Writers: D.R. Cobb & Mark Newton
Based on Marvel Comics characters
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alden Ehrenreich, John Krasinski, Sarah Gadon, Jason Segel, Jack Reynor, Mark Duplass, Glen Powell, Mila Kunis, Orlando Bloom, Tom Selleck, Bryce Dallas Howard, Arnold Vosloo, Gemma Arterton, DeObia Oparei
Plot: Long ago, an astronaut named Galan (Arnold Vosloo) drifts through space, his civilization lost to the ravages of entropy. He has fled his dying planet in a small space pod, hoping to find salvation. Instead, Galan's shift drifts upon a dying star. As the star collapses into a supernova, its immense gravitational pulls draws Galan toward its core. Galan's body twists and stretches as unimaginable cosmic energy floods through him. Galan transforms, his physical form is reshaped into something colossal - he becomes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, his consciousness awakening to an all-consuming hunger. Eons pass, and Galactus tests the limits of his newfound power. He descends upon a lush planet brimming with intelligent life. As he hovers over it, his Worldship materializes, its enormous tendrils extend into the planet's surface. The people scream, pray, and run. Their oceans dry up, their mountains crumble, as the planet's energy is drained into Galactus' core. In moments, the planet is reduced to a barren husk. Galactus feels no remorse, only momentarily satisfaction before the hunger returns.
Today....
In the heart of New York City, Reed Richards (John Krasinski) pours over data in the Baxter Building streaming from the advanced cosmic tracking system he had installed using SHIELD's satellite network. His fingers race across the keyboard as the energy readings spike to unprecedented levels. Johnny Storm (Jack Reynor) jokes that the numbers look like they're about to explode. Ben Grimm (Jason Segel) mutters that anything making Reed that worried can't be good. Sue Storm (Sarah Gadon) asks Reed to explain what is happening. Reed explains that something massive is approaching Earth, and the power signature matches Galactus. Sue says that they all knew Galactus would return eventually to try to devour Earth. A silver streak appears outside the windows, descending rapidly toward them. Silver Surfer (Keanu Reeves) lands atop the Baxter Building. The Fantastic Four rush to the rooftop. Silver Surfer confirms Reed's data - Galactus is on his way toward Earth as they speak. Reed turns to Sue and asks her to contact SHIELD immediately. Silver Surfer looks toward the sky, murmuring that he is already near.
Inside SHIELD HQ, Director Tony Stark (Tom Selleck) stands at the command center, staring at holographic projections of deep-space energy spikes. The readings are off the charts, unlike anything SHIELD has recorded before. His analysts struggle to keep up as the warning sirens blare, indicating a foreign energy source breaching Earth's atmosphere. As Stark processes the gravity of the situation, a transmission from the Baxter Building comes through, with Reed Richards confirming their worst fears — Galactus is on his way. Stark begins issuing orders, preparing for an all-hands-on-deck mobilization to counter the coming threat. Natasha Romanov / Black Widow (Mila Kunis) and a team of SHIELD agents move quickly, securing assets and transferring crucial data to underground bunkers. Meanwhile, Stark reviews satellite feeds showing the colossal silhouette of Galactus’ Worldship breaking through Earth's orbit. A deep rumbling shakes the entire facility. The skies above SHIELD HQ darken as the Worldship fills the sky, and multiple unidentified aerial objects begin descending toward Earth. Stark and his team barely have time to process before the first impact strikes the base. Stark orders an emergency lockdown, vowing that SHIELD will not go down without a fight.
High above the Atlantic Ocean, Johnny Storm streaks across the sky, leaving a blazing contrail behind him as he goes to investigate one of the massive tendrils of the Worldship. Meanwhile, deep beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, in the heart of Atlantis, Namor (Alden Ehrenreich) sits upon his ancient throne. Namor senses a disturbance in the ocean as the currents begin to shift erratically. Suddenly, the ocean quakes violently, sending shockwaves through the city. Atlantean warriors scramble, calling out to their king as the waters darken. Namor ascends swiftly like a torpedo. As he breaches the surface, he is met by one of the massive tentacles of Galactus' Worldship. Namor sees the fiery figure of the Human Torch flying nearby. Namor snarls in fury, believing Human Torch is responsible for the attack, and launches himself at Johnny, aiming his trident. Johnny barely dodges, flames sizzling as ocean mist hits his body. Johnny tries to use humor to diffuse things, but Namor ignores his banter and swings his trident again, this time sending a powerful burst of water at Johnny. Johnny frantically darts between Namor's attacks, throwing bursts of flame at his attacker. Namor finally manages to grab Johnny by the throat, unbothered by the flames on his skin. Johnny tries to engulf in a firestorm, but a colossal tidal wave rises from the depths, swallowing the flames. Namor demands to know why Johnny has dared to invade his kingdom and taint the ocean. Johnny tries to convince Namor that he isn't responsible as the sky above them darkens. They look up to see the full arrival of Galactus' Worldship. Seeing the fear in Johnny's eyes, Namor releases him. Johnny explains that Earth is being invaded by Galactus. Namor doesn't seem to care about what happened to the surface, but Johnny informs him that the ocean won't be safe from the destruction.
In a secluded forest cabin, Betty Ross (Bryce Dallas Howard) waits anxiously. She hears the hum of approaching SHIELD transports. She steps outside, seeing Steve Rogers / Captain America (Glen Powell) and Black Widow approaching. Inside, Bruce Banner (Mark Duplass) tries to steady his breathing and keep calm. Betty leads them inside. Steve requests Bruce's help as the world is in danger. Bruce shakes his head, insisting he has fought too hard to keep control. Steve steps closer, trying to reason with Bruce. Bruce's pulse races, his fists tighten. His body convulses as his skin flashes green, his muscles expand. The Hulk erupts, smashing through the furniture as Betty screams his name. Hulk lunges at Steve and Natasha. Steve barely has time to raise his shield before a massive punch sends him flying into the trees. When Hulk turns to Natasha, Betty steps into the path and calls out Bruce's name. Hulk hesitates as his massive form shrinks down, muscles retracting as Bruce collapses.
In Latveria, Victor Von Doom (Orlando Bloom) sends a message to Galactus. Moments later, the room rumbles and Galactus speaks. He has no interest in the affairs of mortals, only in consuming their world. But Doom insists he is no mere mortal and offers Galactus a bargain - his intellect, his power, his cunning - in service of Galactus. In return, Doom demands a gift of the Power Cosmic and one promise: when Earth is reduced to ashes, Latveria will stand untouched, its ruler unchallenged. Galactus pauses, considering. Galactus extends his immense will, and Doom’s body is wracked with searing cosmic energy. Doom flexes his fingers, feeling the raw energy coursing through him.
At SHIELD HQ, Tony Stark, Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, and Sue Storm stand over a holographic display of Galactus' Worldship, analyzing it for weaknesses. Sue says that now is the time to rally all the heroes Stark has mentioned before - the Avengers Initiative. Stark says that they've already started. Just then, the doors swing open - Steve and Natasha arrive, escorting Bruce and Betty. Just as Richards discovers that the Worldship's energy-draining tendrils have latched onto three key locations - the Atlantic Ocean, New York City, and an unknown energy source in Eastern Europe, which Sue suspects Victor Von Doom may have something to do with - Grimm points out footage showing that what remains of Annihilus' insectoid army has emerged from the Worldship and are descending upon New York City. Steve says that the only way to defend every area is to split up.
New York City becomes a war zone as the mindless insectoid army swarms the metropolis attacking anything in sight. Captain America, The Thing, and Bruce Banner arrive in the city via a SHIELD transport. The Thing suggests that it might be smart if Bruce transforms into the Hulk before he gets himself hurt. Bruce tries to explain that it isn't so easy. Suddenly Bruce is grabbed by the insectoids, prompting him to begin transforming into the Hulk. He throws the insectoids off of his, right into a skyscraper with a splat. The Thing swings his rocky fists, crushing creatures left and right. The Thing yells over to the Hulk, challenging him to see who can smash the most bad guys. Hulk grunts in response. Thing then grabs a crushed city bus and uses it as a battering ram to plow through a line of insectoids. Captain America mans a SHIELD turret, firing on the swarm at will. Just when they think they have won, a new swarm of creatures emerges from the tendril of Galactus' Worldship. Captain America radios Tony Stark, explaining that they are outnumbered. Stark assures Rogers that a plan is being formulated, pleading with them to keep the creatures at bay.
As the ocean churns violently, Namor and Human Torch begin attacking the tentacle of the Worldship, when Morg the Executioner (DeObia Oparei) emerges, striking at them with his axe. The energy of the axe hurls Johnny and Namor apart. Morg goes after Johnny, grabbing him by the throat, his grip burning with cosmic energy. Namor intercepts, slamming Morg into the water. The battle rages underwater, with Namor using the currents to his advantage while Johnny struggles to keep his flames alive in the oxygen-starved depths. Namor takes a daring risk, dragging Morg down into the deepest trench on Earth, where the immense pressure begins to crush Morg's body. Even with his cosmic power, Morg screams in agony before being obliterated by the crushing abyss. Namor, victorious, resurfaces, carrying an exhausted and unconscious Johnny toward land. Johnny coughs up seawater before staggering to his feet. He flames on briefly to prove to himself that he still can.
As Reed, Sue, and Silver Surfer arrive in Latveria, the sky above Castle Doom crackles with cosmic energy. They find Doom in his throne room. His armor has a green glow. As soon as Silver Surfer sees him, he recognizes that Doom has been transformed by the Power Cosmic and is now a herald of Galactus. Silver Surfer warns Doom that Galactus does not grant power freely and that Doom is nothing more than a disposable servant. Doom smirks, dismissing the claim, declaring that he made a bargain: he will rule the remnants of Earth after Galactus is finished devouring it. Sue steps forward, pointing out that there will be no Earth left if Galactus succeeds. Reed presses the issue, pointing out Doom's arrogance in thinking he can control a being as ancient and powerful as Galactus. Before Doom can retort, Silver Surfer interjects with something even more pressing: there exists a weapon that Galactus truly fears — the Ultimate Nullifier, a device so powerful that it can erase even Galactus from existence. Doom scoffs at the idea, but Silver Surfer explains that the Nullifier is currently aboard Galactus’ Worldship as they speak. Doom, without hesitation, attacks. Green energy surges from his gauntlets, striking at the trio. Reed stretches his body away from the blast. Sue raises a force field, blocking the attack. Silver Surfer soars upward, dodging the attacks. Reed stretches forward, lashing at Doom with his arms like whips, but Doom warps the air around them, sending Reed flying back with a thud. Sue uses a force-field attack to slam Doom backward toward his throne. She then attempts to trap him in a barrier, but Doom shatters it with his power cosmic. Silver Surfer intercepts Doom's next strike, deflecting it with his board. The battle continues to rage through the throne room as columns crumble and walls shake. Suddenly, Doom vanishes in a swirl of green smoke, leaving the scene.
As Silver Surfer, Reed, and Sue leave Latveria, it dawns on them that they need to get their hands on the Ultimate Nullifier before Galactus or Doom can use it against Earth. Silver Surfer leads the way, knowing how to board Galactus' Worldship. Silver Surfer explains that the Ultimate Nullifier will most likely be found deep in Galactus' central vault. As they head down a corridor toward the vault, they are stopped by Shalla-Bal (Gemma Arterton), Norrin Radd's love who has been transformed into Galactus' herald, the shining gold Ardina. Her eyes seem devoid of recognition for Silver Surfer, who stops in his tracks, frozen by the form he instantly recognizes as his reason for being. Ardina warns them that Galactus has foreseen their arrival and will not allow them to take what belongs to him. Silver Surfer hesitates - he cannot bring himself to attack Shalla-Bal, even in this transformed state. Reed urges him to snap out of it, warning that she is no longer who she once was, but Silver Surfer refuses to harm her. Ardina attacks. Silver Surfer defends himself without countering, evading her attacks. She chases after him through the vault chamber, cosmic energy crackling. As Reed and Sue attempt to bypass the fight to reach the Ultimate Nullifier, Ardina creates an energy barrier of golden flames, sealing them off. Silver Surfer pleads with her to remember their life together on Zenn-La. For a moment, something flickers in her eyes. Silver Surfer takes a desperate risk - he closes the distance and kisses her. The Power Cosmic surges between them as Galactus' hold over Shalla-Bal is broken. She whispers his name - Norrin - in his ear. She removes the energy field and joins Silver Surfer, Reed, and Sue as they advance into Galactus' vault. They finally lay eyes upon the Ultimate Nullifier - a deceptively small device. As they move to retrieve it, alarms blare across the Worldship.
Tony Stark and Black Widow move toward the SHIELD vault. They pass through a retinal scanner, fingerprint pad, and an old-school analog lock before Stark finally opens a thick metal door into a heavily shielded vault. Inside the vault are rows of Stark’s retired Iron Man suits - versions from across the decades, preserved like relics. Stark opens a case containing a new suit, confessing that he's been tinkering with the new armor specifically for a scenario like this. As he begins to suit up, lights flicker on one by one down the corridor. The Iron Man suit powers up with a roar of energy. For the first time in decades, Tony Stark becomes Iron Man once again.
As Silver Surfer reaches for the Ultimate Nullifier, a burst of green energy opens a dimensional rift in the chamber, and out steps Doom. The others get ready for battle, but Doom confesses that he has seen the truth - there will be no Earth left to rule, only ashes, once Galactus is done with it. Reed and Sue are unsure whether to trust Doom. He lifts his gauntlets and fires, not at them, but into the conduit that feeds the Worldship's drills. As the ship trembles, Doom activates a second portal. He tells Silver Surfer to use the Nullifier well, then steps through the portal just as the control room explodes behind him. The Worldship trembles, its vast architecture fracturing from within as the sabotage initiated by Doom tears into its core systems. Inside, Silver Surfer, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, and Shalla-Ball navigate corridors toward the power core where the Ultimate Nullifier must be activated. The walls begin to war - Galactus’ consciousness is fighting back, manipulating the very structure of his ship. Reed works furiously, trying to calibrate the Ultimate Nullifier, but quickly realizes that the ship's power core is on pace to detonate before he can get the Nullifier working, which would take about half the planet with it. Suddenly, Tony Stark’s voice cuts in over the SHIELD comms. He's piloting his Iron Man suit toward the Worldship. He tells Reed and the others to get out of the ship and to use the Ultimate Nullifier on Galactus himself instead. The team is confused. Stark tells them that Earth needs them to stop Galactus - he can handle the ship. The others protest, but it's too late. Iron Man crashes through the Worldship's exterior, driving forward into the core. He plants his suit's arc reactor directly into the power core. The reaction begins immediately as energy surges through the ship. Reed yells that the blast will vaporize them all. Sue reacts instantly, encasing the others - Reed, Silver Surfer, and Shalla-Bal - in a force bubble, pouring every ounce of her strength into the barrier as the Worldship violently erupts around them. Stark’s final scream is drowned in the explosion. From the sky over Earth, the Worldship collapses into itself in a massive implosion.
High above the Earth, the blinding flash of Galactus' Worldship imploding fades, leaving a deep silence across the battlefield. On the ground, Captain America, Hulk, and The Thing look to the sky in stunned silence. The sky clears, the energy tendrils retract from the Earth, and a strange stillness settles over the planet. Some even begin to cheer. But then the heavens begin to twist. From a rift in the horizon steps Galactus, now revealed in his true form: no longer masked by the ship, no longer mechanical. His body towers over everything. Galactus proclaims that the Worldship was merely a tool, but he does not require a machine to devour life. The Avengers, bruised and scattered, regroup near SHIELD HQ as Galactus’ energy starts to pull matter upward into the sky. Reed Richards, standing beside a scorched crater where they landed after Sue's force-bubble protected them, stares upward. Even Silver Surfer is taken aback at the colossal sight.
Reed Richards quickly sets up a makeshift communications hub using fragments of Stark tech and a piece of his own elasticized armor. He signals the remaining heroes and SHIELD agents to fall back to this location. Captain America rallies the troops, his uniform torn and muddied, giving a rapid assessment of their forces: Namor and Human Torch are inbound from the ocean. Sue, Reed, Silver Surfer, and Shalla-Bal are ready with the Ultimate Nullifier. Hulk and The Thing hold the front line, smashing through any lingering insectoid creatures that fall from the sky. Namor and Human Torch arrive, flying in from the coast. Shalla-Bal offers to channel the Power Cosmic into the Nullifier with Silver Surfer — the only way to prime it for activation. But Silver Surfer warns them all: wielding the Nullifier may come at a terrible cost. Even a flicker of its unleashed power could wipe not only Galactus from existence, but vast swaths of the surrounding world. Reed, ever calm, says there is no other choice — they must contain the blast, direct it precisely. Sue steps forward without hesitation, insisting she can direct it using her powers.
Galactus casts a shadow that stretches from one horizon to the next. The combined forces of the Avengers launch their final attack. Namor rockets out of the sea with a trident. The Hulk and The Thing team up again, charging forward together. They leap from a rooftop and slam into Galactus’ lower leg, cracking the plating. Galactus swats them away with the flick of a finger — but they land on their feet and charge again. Captain America climbs atop a wrecked SHIELD quinjet, coordinating the defense, tossing his shield in well-timed strikes to protect civilians still evacuating below. Above, Sue Storm and Reed float in a force-bubble carried by Silver Surfer and Shalla-Bal, who fly toward Galactus’ massive chest plate. Galactus finally notices the device and begins retaliating. Beams of cosmic fire launch from his hands, disintegrating entire city blocks. Reed stretches to redirect the Nullifier’s aim, his fingers wrapping around it as he calls out complex calculations to adjust its frequency. He tells Sue to hold just a few more seconds. Sue’s nose begins to bleed from the strain. With a final coordinated burst of power, they activate the Ultimate Nullifier. A blinding white pulse erupts from the device, a beam that pierces Galactus in the chest. He lets out a roar that causes windows to shatter across the continent. Slowly, his body begins to unravel - his limbs disintegrating into particles of star-stuff, his armor crumbling like dried ash. Galactus, Devourer of Worlds, falls backwards — not in an explosion, but into oblivion itself, erased from existence.
Days later, the Earth has begun healing. SHIELD recovery crews comb the streets, aiding civilians and repairing what they can. In the background, a massive mural is being painted on a wall — a tribute to the heroes who saved the planet, featuring symbolic images of Captain America’s shield, Sue Storm’s force field, Silver Surfer’s board, and Stark’s Iron Man helmet. Johnny Storm can't help but feel left out. Black Widow sorts through Stark's office, finding a video message from him - a recorded from Stark, meant to be played in the event of his death. He asks that the Avengers continue working together to protect the planet from extinction-level threats.
Reed and Sue walk through the Baxter Building assessing the damage.
Bruce Banner and Betty Ross embrace. She tells him that she is proud that he used his so-called "curse" to help save the planet.
Victor Von Doom watches the skies return to normal from his castle in Latveria.
Above Earth, Silver Surfer and Shalla-Bal float in orbit. He points out that now that Galactus is gone, Zenn-La is no longer hidden from them. The two soar off together, streaking across the cosmos.
Back in Atlantis, Namor sits once again upon his throne. He surveys the ocean around him, unsure what his brief alliance with the surface-dwellers will mean for the future Atlantis.
Captain America walks through the ruins of a neighborhood playground. He kneels beside a toppled over swing set and sets it back upright. Children begin to come back out of their homes to play.
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