Marvel Cinematic Universe: Top 25 moments of all time

15. Avengers: Age of Ultron – Death of Quicksilver

Age of Ultron was ambitious in its addition of new moving parts. While Winter Soldier’s post-credits scene hinted at the Maximoff Twins, they aren’t officially introduced until AoU. Ultron himself (itself?) is a pretty big role, and we are finally treated to the creation of the Vision. Oh, and they brought in Hawkeye’s family, Baron Strucker, and Ulysses Klaue. Yeah, it’s a lot.

Thankfully many roles were positioned right and kept a decent size (unlike Spider-Man 3). One of the most important elements was the journey of the Maximoffs from antagonist to protagonists.

Initially recruited by Ultron to fight against the Avengers, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are a formidable ally for the main villain. They do come around, however, joining the Avengers to save the people of Sokovia. It is during a rescue that Quicksilver sacrifices himself to save Hawkeye (with whom he had a rivalry). This pushes Scarlet Witch over the edge and she finishes off Ultron. Elizabeth Olsen’s reaction helps create one of the strongest scenes in the movie, and the Avengers lose a hero.

It hurt to lose Quicksilver, as Aaron Johnson was fun in the role, but I understand the need for dramatic consequences. I still would have traded Coulson for Quicksilver but I try not to be bitter. Quicksilver’s death is also probably a factor in the development of the relationship between Scarlet Witch and Vision, which should come into play down the line.