Marvel Cinematic Universe: 10 Twists No One Will See Coming

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has thrown fans more than a few curveballs over the years, from a brainwashed Winter Soldier killing Tony Stark's parents, to Spider-Man leaving Sony Pictures behind to fight in Civil War.

As the countdown to Avengers: Infinity War continues, it's becoming increasingly apparent that the MCU will be a very different place after Thanos has made his presence felt, but the twists are sure to keep on coming.

The shared cinematic universe is in the middle of its third phase, with a number of films still to come until it heads into the unknown.

Thor: Ragnarok is up next and the God of Thunder's solo third outing is also expected to be a game-changer for the MCU, as the protagonist teams up with the Hulk in a bid to ward off the Norse apocalypse and its harbinger, Hela.

Up next, Infinity War will break out in cinemas next year, but not before Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther makes his solo debut in February 2018.

Ant-Man and the Wasp will generate the buzz for all things pint-sized next summer, and speaking of solo debuts, Captain Marvel will be making hers in 2019 before the fourth Avengers movie caps off the phase.

It will be all change in the MCU between now and then, and you can bet this crop of films will have more than a few aces up their sleeves.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a darker place than when it began in 2008, but midnight is approaching and the age of heroes saving the day is on the way out.

With the Avengers split down the middle following the events of Captain America: Civil War, do they really have a prayer against Thanos, a god-like being with more super powers than most of the team combined and an extraterrestrial army on his side?

Plus, promotional materials for Infinity War have depicted the Mad Titan with all six Infinity Stones united in his gauntlet, a frightening prospect for everyone involved.

With the complete set of cosmic gems in his possession, Thanos will have the power to remake reality however he sees fit, and even an alliance between the Avengers, their allies and the Guardians of the Galaxy is unlikely to foil him.

Expect Infinity War to end on this uplifting note, with the fragmented Avengers team and the Guardians beaten down, and Thanos on the verge of rebooting the MCU.

Avengers 4 will begin with the surviving heroes regrouping in an attempt to reverse the changes the Mad Titan has wrought.