Avengers: Endgame created a subtle but lasting connection between the Avengers and Marvel’s cosmic heroes. For most of the last decade, Earth’s heroes have been largely disconnected from the cosmic side of the MCU. With the exception of an alien invasion in The Avengers, the only solid link between Earth and Marvel Cosmic has been Thor.

All that changed in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, which brought all the Marvel heroes together in battle against Thanos. A huge part of the fun was the opportunity to mix things up with some unusual team-ups; so Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and Iron Man got to fight alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy in Infinity War, while Ant-Man, War Machine and Rocket proved to be a formidable alliance in Endgame. With the Mad Titan defeated, though, it looked as though everyone went back to their own respective corner of the MCU again - but that isn’t necessarily the case.

One key scene in Avengers: Endgame revealed that, in the immediate aftermath of the snap, the surviving heroes all stayed in contact. Black Widow was shown convening a meeting of key agents using holographic transmitters; in attendance were Rocket, War Machine, Captain Marvel, and Okoye. It’s important to remember that those holographic transmitters were presumably mostly left intact. Avengers Compound was destroyed, but it’s shown being rebuilt, presumably with the same kind of advanced systems. Communications hubs will still be installed in the Wakandan palace and on the Benatar, and it’s safe to assume holo-transmitters are wired into both Captain Marvel and War Machine’s suits.

In functional terms, the lines between the Earthbound and cosmic MCU are far more blurred than ever before, and any cameos and team-ups are possible. That means, for example, that it may be possible to develop the comic book relationship between Captain Marvel and War Machine in the inevitable Captain Marvel 2; there’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it dialogue in Avengers: Endgame establishing that Rhodey and Carol have been communicating with one another outside of the main meetings, and even implying that they open up to one another. It also means that the Guardians could ask Captain Marvel for backup if they’re out of their depth - assuming that Star-Lord’s ego could take such a request. Perhaps Black Panther 2 (or 3) could draw upon the ongoing Ta-Nehisi Coates run, and see Wakanda look to the stars in order to secure cosmic mounds of Vibranium, calling on Captain Marvel for advice.

But perhaps the most exciting possibilities lie with the next major team-up event. Disney CEO Bob Iger has refused to rule out more Avengers movies; they’re a logistical nightmare to coordinate due to their ever-expanding cast, but their stellar box office performance more than justifies continuing the franchise. Thanks to these holo-comms, the Avengers can call in Captain Marvel and the Guardians whenever they’re dealing with their next major threat. Avengers: Infinity War had to envision a common foe, but that’s no longer necessary.

Not much is currently known about Marvel’s post-Spider-Man: Far From Home plans. Marvel is keeping them under wraps for now, but is expected to reveal some of the Phase 4 slate in their Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con. There have been rumors that Marvel will be keeping their Earth-bound and space-based adventures separate, but Avengers: Endgame proves that doesn’t need to be the case at all.

More: Every Upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie

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