Avengers 4 Spoilers: If These Leaks Are Real I'll Eat My Infinity Gauntlet

Everyone wants to know what’s happening in Avengers 4, but fans should be wary of two big “spoilers” circulating the internet. Seriously, if either of these leaks turns out to be real I’ll eat an Infinity Gauntlet. This one.

On Sunday, Reddit users in r/marvelstudios began gawking at “leaked” concept art for Avengers 4 that depicts the Avengers in sleek new red and white costumes (which differ from the costumes seen in previously-leaked concept art). Fans are speculating, seemingly out of nowhere, that these suits will be what the Avengers wear as they enter the Quantum Realm.

Then, on Monday, redditor u/JoesterStudios posted on r/FanTheories with speculation regarding a possible “seventh” Infinity Stone, the Ego Gem (they’re called “gems” in the comics, not stones). First introduced in the inter-company crossover mini-series Avengers/Ultraforce, which featured the Marvel heroes teaming up with characters from now-defunct publisher Malibu Comics, the Ego Gem is used in conjunction with the other Infinity Gems to reform a sinister entity known as “Nemesis.”

It’s a crackpot theory that has some popularity. Another redditor, u/TruthOfAlecius, essentially thought the same thing in a separate thread dating back six months ago.

So let’s debunk all of this at once. First, even Marvel has forgotten about the Ego Gem/Stone, as it hasn’t been a thing since the Marvel crossover with Malibu, which Marvel acquired in 1994. (Fun trivia: Malibu was the publisher of the sci-fi horror series The Men in Black, which became the basis for the film franchise.) It would also be careless of Marvel to introduce a seventh Infinity Stone when its storytellers have spent the better part of the last decade building up to six.

As for the costumes: There is no source or artist signature for the costumes. And if you look closely at the awkward faces (why isn’t Iron Man’s helmet the same color?), you’ll notice they’re photoshopped, with images lifted from other Marvel marketing materials and film stills. While it’s not uncommon for conceptual artists to photoshop or kit-bash pieces together, Marvel concept art is always entirely original work.

Compare the new art of Black Widow with previous art from 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, and you’ll notice Scarlett Johansson’s face is recycled.

Because Marvel is obsessed with keeping actual details to its movies close to the chest, you can’t blame fans for taking even the sketchiest leaks and running with them. But if Avengers: Infinity War is any indication, it’s Marvel doing the unexpected that leaves a lasting impression.

Avengers 4 will be released in theaters on May 3, 2019.