Avengers: Age of Ultron and the Changing Timeline of the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a speculative battleground for fans due to the intricate interweaving of timelines and events across its many films and series. One popular discussion revolves around the specific year in which Avengers: Age of Ultron takes place. Is the year 2015 the correct timeline, or is there a potential discrepancy in the storyline?

Events Happening in 2015

Initially, it was clear that most of the MCU takes place in the present real-world year, such as 2014 and 2015.

It's essential to understand that, canonically, all of the events in the MCU occur in the same year that their respective film is released in the real world. For instance, Avengers: Age of Ultron takes place in 2015, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) as well as the Avengers: The Battle of New York (2012) all fit into this same timeline.

The Setting of AOIU:

The events in Avengers: Age of Ultron begin with a scene featuring Strucker, the latest chief of HYDRA, which ties into the storyline of 's Season 2 Episode 18. This provides a clear indication that all of these events are set in the same year, 2014 or 2015, depending on how AOIU is placed within the broader context of the MCU.

Cap's Time in the Ice

During a pivotal moment in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America mentions that he ended up in the ice 75 years ago. If he entered the ice in 1945, the final scene of the film would take place in 2020. This has led to speculative discussions among MCU enthusiasts, suggesting a potential timeline shift or an error in the original premise.

Arguments for and Against a 2020 Timeline

There are a few arguments to consider:

Canon Consistency: Traditionally, MCU timelines are set within the real-world release year of the movies, often with slight creative liberties to weave in important events and narrative threads. Logical Inconsistencies: If 75 years is taken literally, it would mean the events of AOIU take place in 2020, which conflicts with the established 2015 timeline.

Some fans speculate that there might be an intentional timeline bending for plot convenience, while others argue that it is a mistake in the original writing.

Agents of SHIELD Timeline

Another crucial aspect to consider is the timeline of Agents of SHIELD. Skye, one of the main characters, is said to be 26 years old and was born on July 2nd, 1988. Therefore, AOIU aligns with a late 2014 or early 2015 timeline for the events to take place, consistent with the release year of AVUI.

Conclusion

The timeline in the MCU is a continuously evolving narrative that requires constant reevaluation as new information comes to light. Whether AOIU takes place in 2015 or 2020, the debates serve to engage fans and keep the MCU in the dynamic, evolving position that fans have come to expect.

In the end, while the actual timeline remains a topic of debate, the core of the MCU remains its ability to engage and captivate audiences with a complex, interconnected web of stories and characters.