'The Avengers Infinity War': Part 1 and Part 2 Release Date Announced

The Avengers movie franchise could come to an end five years from now when part two of "Avengers: Infinity War" is shown on the big screen in May 2019. However, before that event there would be two more films in the franchise -- "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Avengers: Infinity War Part 1."

The addition of Thanos as a villain was hinted at the end of the initial "The Avengers" film. Since then there has been no news of his arrival.

A few days ago speculations on Thanos' role was put to rest when Marvel announced that "Avengers: Infinity War Part 1" would be released in May 2018 and Part 2 in May 2019.

The trailer for "Avengers: Infinity War" was released when the announcement was made. In it, various bits from Marvel's films were strung together. But it also saw some new footages of Thanos wearing the Infinity Gauntlet.

Screenrant notes that this means that "Avengers: Infinity War Part 1" could see Thanos acquiring all the infinity stones needed for the gauntlet. The existence of the stones has been mentioned in various movies from the Marvel stable, and the presence of Thanos pretty much guarantees that the Infinity Gauntlet will be involved.

Thanos in the films is played by Josh Brolin. He also made an appearance as Thanos in 2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy." In Marvel comics, Thanos is a super villain with awesome powers including telekinesis and teleportation. He has such powers that he almost brings the Avengers to an end.

While last two Avengers movies could bring about the theatrical end of the series, it could also result in the beginning of another film franchise with new actors. All the actors who currently portray the Avengers have contracts that will end just about the time when the last Infinity War film is released.

There is still no word on who will helm "Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and Part 2."

Joss Whedon, who was involved in the first Avengers film and "The Avengers: Age of Ultron," might not direct them. Instead, Screenrant notes, the directors of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Captain America: Civil War," Anthony and Joe Russo might take over.