Avengers 4: 10 Most Likely Characters To Be Killed

8. Bruce Banner

Though we're being primed to expect a huge new story arc for The Hulk, starting in Thor: Ragnarok and running through the two Avengers sequels, that doesn't make him entirely safe from harm. He's bound to be a big player in the war against Thanos (whether he's aligned with the Avengers or Thanos - which is an intriguing rumour in itself), and that probably means he'll be a chief focus for Thanos.

And crucially, The Hulk is pretty much the reason for the Sokovia Accords, and the fear of him rampaging is still a pressing one. Him turning public perception onto his side by proving he's a force for good would be the perfect end to his arc, especially if he dies doing it.

So far, Bruce Banner has appeared to be basically invulnerable (though there was a suggestion that he could be hurt by the trap fitted inside the original helicarrier in The Avengers), and it would be an intriguing development to see him suddenly in a vulnerable position. That would certainly represent the kind of intriguing new arc both Feige and Ruffalo have spoken about, and killing him off to allow him a hero moment would be a brave and bold decision.

It would also help put to bed the constant talk of a solo movie that still looks impossible because of rights issues.