A sizable cache of images for the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron has been released by the filmmakers, giving us our first look at Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver in action, the return of Hawkeye, and what may be at least part of Ultron.
The most eye-catching piece of info to take from these set photos is what Scarlet Witch (played by Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) will look like in the film. Marvel recently aired a special that showed some of the concept art for the movie, including a peek at the two new characters’ costumes, but these are the first images we’ve seen of the actors on set.
The photos also show Hawkeye in what looks like a familiar costume, as well as a few other images that reveal what appears to be a new, cold weather outfit for the archer. You also get a glimpse at part of the new Iron Man armor, but more significant are the images of what may be Ultron. It’s difficult to tell, since the costume is incomplete and likely awaiting a massive amount of CGI. It could also be something else entirely.
We already know that the character of Vision will appear in the film (to be played by Paul Bettany), which suggests that there will be multiple robots and synthetic men in the movie. One of the set images shows four actors in motion capture suits, hinting that they will be replaced on screen by something that doesn’t look human. There is always the chance that aliens return in the second film – either the Chitauri that invaded New York in The Avengers or some other race – but the far more likely answer is that the mocap suits will be replaced by robotic creations controlled by Ultron, as he does in the comics. If that is the case, the silver creature pictured may not be Ultron at all, but rather something created by the villain.
Or it might be a weird, half-complete Ultron and we’re reading way too much into the set pics – but why not? That’s half the fun.
We may not know exactly what it is we’re seeing for a while, though San Diego Comic-Con is only a few months away. Marvel does seem to enjoy setting the Internet ablaze at that show, with major announcements and first looks at footage from upcoming films. With production underway now, and the Avengers: Age of Ultron due in theaters on May 1, 2015, expect some major reveals this year in San Diego.
For now though, check out the images of the three Avengers squaring off against… something. What do you think of the costumes? Let us know in the comments below.