This AI can Grow Startups: Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence
In recent years, the term "AI" has become synonymous with innovation and growth. As more and more startups begin to leverage the power of artificial intelligence, it's clear that this technology is revolutionizing the way we do business. But what exactly is AI, and how can it help grow startups? In this article, we'll delve into the world of AI and explore its potential to transform the startup landscape.
What is AI, and How Does it Work?
At its core, AI is a technology that enables machines to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. The current AI models are based on statistical rules, correlation, and massive parameter functions to fit input and output algorithms. According to recent research, the core essence of AI technology is to replace logical rules with statistical rules, correlation with causality, and use massive parameters to fit input and output algorithms.
The Rise of AI in the Job Market
With the increasing demand for AI talent, it's no surprise that the job market is shifting to accommodate this new technology. In fact, recent reports have shown that top AI companies are offering salaries of up to 30,000 yuan per month to attract top talent, including liberal arts graduates. This phenomenon has sparked a lot of interest, with many wondering why liberal arts graduates are in such high demand. The answer lies in the fact that AI is not just a technical field, but also requires strong communication and problem-solving skills, which liberal arts graduates possess.
AI Infrastructure: The Backbone of AI Development
So, what is AI infrastructure, and why is it important? AI infrastructure refers to the combination of hardware and software that supports the development and deployment of AI models. It's a complex system that requires careful planning and implementation to ensure that AI models can run efficiently and effectively. According to experts, AI infrastructure is not just a single technology module, but a comprehensive platform that supports the entire AI development process.
How to Become an AI Agent Engineer
For those interested in pursuing a career in AI, becoming an AI agent engineer can be a lucrative and rewarding profession. But what does it take to become an AI agent engineer? According to experts, it requires a deep understanding of AI technology, as well as strong programming and problem-solving skills. To get started, it's essential to understand what AI agent engineers do and what skills are required to succeed in this field.
Benefits of AI for Startups
So, how can AI help grow startups? The benefits are numerous, and include:
Improved efficiency and productivity
Enhanced customer experience
Increased revenue and growth
Competitive advantage in the market
Ability to analyze and act on large amounts of data
By leveraging AI, startups can automate routine tasks, gain valuable insights from data, and make informed decisions to drive business growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize the startup landscape, and its impact will only continue to grow in the coming years. By understanding what AI is, how it works, and how it can be applied to business, startups can unlock new opportunities for growth and success. Whether you're a liberal arts graduate or a seasoned tech professional, the world of AI has something to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Join the AI revolution and discover how this powerful technology can help grow your startup.
Top 10 Most Powerful The Boys Characters: Unpacking the Series' Most Formidable Heroes and Villains
The Boys, a popular Amazon Prime series, has taken the world by storm with its unique blend of dark humor, satire, and superhero action. The show's complex characters, each with their own distinct personalities and abilities, have captivated audiences and left them wondering who among them is the most powerful. In this article, we'll delve into the top 10 most powerful The Boys characters, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them tick.
Understanding Power in The Boys Universe
Before we dive into our list, it's essential to understand what we mean by "power" in the context of The Boys. Power can refer to physical strength, superhuman abilities, strategic thinking, or a combination of these factors. The characters in The Boys are multifaceted, and their power is often derived from a mix of their abilities, personalities, and circumstances. To create our list, we've considered factors like combat skills, superpowers, intelligence, and influence within the show's universe.
Top 10 Most Powerful The Boys Characters
Based on our analysis, here are the top 10 most powerful characters in The Boys:
Homelander: The leader of The Seven, with superhuman strength, speed, and the ability to fly, making him a formidable opponent in combat.
A-Train: A speedster with the ability to move at incredible velocities, making him a powerful asset to The Seven and a force to be reckoned with.
Queen Maeve: A skilled warrior with superhuman strength and agility, as well as a deep understanding of combat tactics.
The Deep: A aquatic superhero with the ability to communicate with and control marine life, making him a powerful force in aquatic environments.
Black Noir: A silent but deadly superhero with enhanced strength, agility, and stealth abilities, making him a valuable asset to The Seven.
Starlight: A young superhero with the ability to emit blindingly bright light from her body, making her a powerful opponent in combat.
Kimiko (The Female): A mute superhero with enhanced strength, agility, and durability, making her a formidable fighter.
Annie January (Starlight): A skilled superhero with the ability to emit blindingly bright light from her body, as well as superhuman strength and agility.
Billy Butcher: The leader of The Boys, with no superpowers but exceptional strategic thinking, combat skills, and a deep understanding of the superhero world.
Soldier Boy: A superpowered character from the past, with the ability to create and control explosions, making him a powerful force in the show's universe.
Conclusion
The Boys is a show that masterfully blends action, drama, and satire, with a complex cast of characters that keep audiences engaged and invested. Our list of the top 10 most powerful The Boys characters highlights the diversity and depth of the show's universe, showcasing a range of abilities, personalities, and motivations. Whether you're a fan of the show or just discovering it, understanding the power dynamics between characters can add a new layer of depth to your viewing experience. So, who do you think is the most powerful character in The Boys? Let us know in the comments!
Stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and insights into the world of The Boys, and don't forget to follow us for the latest news and reviews on all things movies and TV.
Avengers Doomsday New Cast and Rumors in April 2026
The highly anticipated movie, Avengers Doomsday, has been making headlines with its ever-growing cast list. As the release date approaches, fans are eager to know more about the confirmed and rumored characters that will appear in the film. In this article, we will delve into the latest updates and rumors surrounding the Avengers Doomsday cast, providing you with the most up-to-date information available.
Confirmed Cast Members
Marvel has officially revealed the cast of Avengers Doomsday, and the list is impressive. Some of the confirmed cast members include:
Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans
Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland (rumored)
X-Men characters, including Wolverine and Professor X
Fantastic Four characters, including Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman
Thunderbolts characters, including Bucky Barnes and Winter Soldier
These characters will come together in an explosive crossover event that promises to be one of the most epic movies of the year. With the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Thunderbolts united, fans can expect an action-packed film with plenty of twists and turns.
Rumored Cast Members
In addition to the confirmed cast members, there are several rumors circulating about other actors who may join the cast. Some of these rumored cast members include:
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man (although this has not been officially confirmed)
Other X-Men characters, such as Storm and Cyclops
Fantastic Four characters, including the Human Torch and the Thing
Thunderbolts characters, including Baron Zemo and the Abomination
While these rumors are unconfirmed, they have sparked excitement among fans who are eager to see their favorite characters on the big screen. With the cast list constantly evolving, it's likely that we'll see more surprises in the coming months.
Latest Updates and Rumors
In recent days, Robert Downey Jr. has sparked speculation about his potential involvement in the film. While he has not officially confirmed his role, his comments have fueled rumors that he may reprise his iconic character, Tony Stark/Iron Man.
Additionally, the full cast list for Avengers: Doomsday has been revealed, with a star-studded lineup that includes some of the biggest names in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the film's release date approaching, fans can expect more updates and announcements in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Avengers Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the most epic movies of the year, with a cast list that reads like a who's who of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While some characters have been confirmed, others remain rumored, leaving fans to speculate about the film's plot and characters. As the release date approaches, we can expect more updates and announcements, including official confirmations of the cast members and plot details. One thing is certain, however: Avengers Doomsday is going to be a movie event that you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to assemble with the Avengers in 2026!
Marvel is quietly building a major storyline connection between Daredevil: Born Again and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The Disney+ series is not just about Daredevil’s return—it’s also laying the groundwork for a huge political and villain shift in New York City.
Kingpin’s Rule As Mayor Is Not Permanent
In Daredevil: Born Again, Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) rises to power as the Mayor of New York City. This storyline shows his control over law enforcement and his growing political influence.
However, the show strongly hints that Fisk’s time in power will not last forever. His leadership is already facing resistance, and cracks are beginning to appear in his authority.
This creates the perfect setup for a major shift—someone else taking his place.
Who Could Replace Kingpin?
Marvel appears to be setting up a new figure to step into Kingpin’s role. While the series hasn’t officially revealed the replacement, there are strong hints that a new political or criminal leader will rise in New York.
This aligns with Marvel Comics, where multiple characters have taken over Fisk’s empire or challenged his dominance.
Connection To Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The upcoming movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day is expected to explore a “fresh start” for Peter Parker, focusing on street-level crime in New York City.
With Kingpin potentially removed or replaced, the film could introduce a new major villain or political figure controlling the city.
This creates a seamless transition between the events of Daredevil: Born Again and Spider-Man’s next chapter.
Why This Matters For The MCU
This storyline shows how Marvel is connecting its street-level heroes:
Daredevil dealing with corruption and justice
Kingpin controlling the city politically
Spider-Man facing new threats in a changed New York
Marvel Studios is clearly building a shared narrative where events in Disney+ series directly impact major movies.
Final Thoughts
Daredevil: Born Again is doing more than telling a standalone story—it is shaping the future of New York in the MCU.
If Kingpin falls, the power vacuum will open the door for a new villain, which could become the central conflict in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
This makes Daredevil: Born Again essential viewing for understanding Marvel’s next big story arc.
One aspect of Spider-Man: Brand New Day's trailer did not land as well for fans, even though the majority of the film looks amazing.
While the trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day turned out to be great, one part of it has fans concerned for the movie. Released to viewers all over the world, Brand New Day reached incredible highs after its first trailer was released, as Sony and Marvel delivered the most-viewed trailer of all time in its first 24 hours. However, for as much as fans loved what they saw, one big complaint became prominent.
Sony Pictures released the first trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day on March 18. The trailer's final moments included a trio of shots that paid tribute to some of the web-slinger's most iconic comic book covers from more than 60 years of stories. This started with the shot of Peter Parker swinging through the streets of New York on a webline with a crminal hanging under his right arm.
This shot is almost an exact recreation of the cover of Marvel Comics' Amazing Fantasy #15, released in June 1962. This cover was the first in Marvel history to feature Spider-Man, giving the character his first story after being created by the late Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Next, Holland's hero is seen fighting a villain named Tarantula, whose identity in the movie has not yet been revealed. In the comics, he is a revolutionary from a fictional South American nation who believes in violence above politics, eventually evolving into a super-powered villain after coming to the United States.
This moment between Spidey and Tarantula was shown on the cover of Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man #135, which was released in May 1974. This story also heavily featured the Punisher (who will make his MCU movie debut in Brand New Day behind Jon Bernthal).
Finally, Spider-Man pulls his way up on a webline above one of this movie's other villains, Boomerang. Boomerang hurls two of his classic boomerang weapons towards Tom Holland's leading hero, as both of them fly through the air above the city streets.
This shot of Spider-Man fighting Boomerang is a direct recreation of the cover from Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man #345, which was released in March 1991. This issue also features major supporting characters such as Silver Sable, Hammer Industries, and Venom.
While recreating the covers from the comics is an exciting move, the shots in the movie look somewhat dull in terms of color compared to how they look in the comics. Although color grading is often brought up in MCU movies negatively, the visuals in the Brand New Day trailer may be the only thing keeping it from being perfect in many fans' eyes.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be the first of two MCU movies released in 2026 and the second film released in Phase 6. Starring Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Michael Mando, Mark Ruffalo, and more, this story will show Peter a few years after Spider-Man: No Way Home, rebuilding his life while dealing with new threats and scares. Spider-Man: Brand New Day will debut in theaters on July 31.
Auto blogging involves using automated tools to generate and publish content on a blog without manual input. Earning through auto blogging is possible, but success depends on strategic implementation
1. Find Your Niche: Identify a specific and profitable niche for your auto blog. This could be anything from technology and lifestyle to finance or health. A niche allows you to target a specific audience and cater to their needs
Do you have ever heard of Event Blogging? If no then let me tell you, what exactly does it means.
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Keyword Research: Conduct thorough keyword research to understand what your target audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords with high search volumes and low competition
#KeywordResearchExplained
Keyword research is a crucial aspect of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and digital marketing. It involves identifying and analyzing the specific terms and phrases users enter into search engines when looking for information, products, or services. The goal is to understand user intent and optimize online content to align with these queries, enhancing a website's visibility on search engine results pages.
To conduct keyword research, digital marketers use various tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. These tools provide insights into the search volume, competition, and relevance of specific keywords. Marketers aim to target keywords that strike a balance between high search volume and manageable competition.
Effective keyword research involves:
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Implementing well-researched keywords in website content, meta tags, and other elements helps search engines understand and rank the site appropriately. This strategic approach to keyword research enhances organic traffic, improves SEO performance, and contributes to the overall success of digital marketing efforts.
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Create Quality Content: Develop informative and engaging content that adds value to your readers. High-quality content not only attracts more visitors but also improves your blog's credibility and search engine ranking
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Optimize for SEO: Implement on-page and off-page SEO strategies to improve your blog's visibility on search engines. This includes optimizing meta tags, using descriptive URLs, and building quality backlinks.
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 5 will continue in 2024, but only one of its forthcoming properties is not a spin-off. Amidst a variety of shakeups and delays, 2024’s slate of MCU Phase 5 properties will include several TV shows and one highly anticipated movie, continuing the MCU’s Multiverse Saga as it builds towards its finale, which will likely be altered significantly following the firing of Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror. 2024’s MCU properties will, fittingly, take place across various realities, with most tying into the main MCU timeline.
2024 was initially set to include Captain America: Brave New World – a film that continues the saga of Sam Wilson as the new Captain America following the Avengers: Endgame ending and The Falcon and the Winter Solider – which would itself lead into Marvel’s Thunderbolts. With both films delayed, the only MCU movie releasing in 2024 is Deadpool 3, a film that will bridge the MCU to the Fox X-Men universe and potentially many other familiar realities. As for the rest of 2024’s MCU releases, they will be spin off TV shows based on previous MCU properties.
Deadpool 3 Is The Only MCU Release Of 2024 That Isn't A Spin-Off
The MCU will begin its 2024 slate with Echo, a series centered on Maya Lopez, who was introduced in 2021’s Hawkeye. Agatha: Darkhold Diaries will see the return of Agatha Harness, the antagonist and breakout character of WandaVision. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man – fascinatingly – is an animated series based on Spider-Man: Homecoming, featuring an alternate version of the MCU in which Peter Parker is mentored by Norman Osborn instead of Tony Stark. The upcoming Eyes Of Wakanda animated series will further explore the history of Wakanda established in Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Marvel Zombies will be based on an episode of Marvel’s What If…? season 1.
Deadpool 3, however, will not be a spinoff of a previous MCU property. The film will likely have massive ramifications for the main MCU timeline, bringing not only Deadpool into the MCU but also potentially many other X-Men characters. The X-Men’s introduction to the MCU is inevitable, but with the Fox X-Men universe being bridged to the MCU, it is now possible that the MCU’s mutants (other than Wade Wilson) may come from multiple realities.
X-Men '97 Is A Sequel (But It's Not In The MCU)
One highly anticipated Marvel property due to be released in 2024 is X-Men ’97, which, notably, is not a spinoff but rather a sequel to the beloved X-Men Animated Series. X-Men ’97, despite being produced by Marvel Studios Animation, is not set in the MCU, though considering the multiversal premise of Marvel’s current properties, it is safe to assume that its reality may be referenced in future MCU properties. As it stands, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Ms. Marvel each reference the original X-Men Animated Series.
OTT Releases January 2024: From Animal to Killer Soup, here’s a list of the most anticipated OTT releases of the first month of 2024.
As the new year begins, the world of Indian OTT platforms continues to dazzle audiences with a diverse array of content. The month of January 2024 promises to be enthralling, with streaming services delivering a mix of captivating stories, interesting dramas, and pulse-pounding thrillers. The Indian entertainment industry is poised to display its creative prowess on digital platforms, showcasing well-known actors and up-and-coming talent. Here’s the list of the most anticipated Indian OTT releases January 2024. To know, keep on reading!
Animal
Releasing on: 26 January 2024
Streaming on: Netflix
The film shows the tumultuous relationship between a father and son. Ranbir is seen in a never-seen-before avatar. Animal revolves around the complex relationship between a business magnate Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor) and his son Ranvijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor).
After tragedy befalls Balbir, Ranvijay sets out to exact vengeance against his rival Abrar Haque (Bobby Deol) and pledges to never leave his family, leading to a gruesome gang war. Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the movie also stars Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Tripti Dimri.
Sam Bahadur
Releasing on: 26 January 2024
Streaming on: ZEE5
Despite strong competition from Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur managed to make its mark at the box office. The historical drama will now be available on the OTT platform. The plot revolves around Sam Manekshaw, who became the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.
The film, which takes place over four decades, examines Manekshaw’s remarkable career and his crucial role in five conflicts, including his command of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in the establishment of Bangladesh.
Directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, the movie is billed as a mystery thriller set in the hills of northern India. It stars Kajol and Kriti Sanon in lead roles. The film is slated to transport viewers to the captivating hills of North India, which provide a backdrop for the mystery and intrigue to unfold, and take them on an exhilarating, suspenseful ride like never before.
Killer Soup
Releasing on: 11 January 2024
Streaming on: Netflix
In this Abhishek Chaubey’s directing debut, Konkona Sen Sharma plays the unconventional chef Swathi Shetty, joined by the versatile Manoj Bajpayee as her husband Prabhakar. Together, they pursue culinary success. The storyline becomes more intriguing as Swathi comes up with a cunning plan to replace Prabhakar with her lover, Umesh. The film promises entertaining chaos with a group of amateur villains and a bumbling local inspector.
Indian Police Force
Releasing on: 19 January 2024
Streaming on: Prime Video
Indian Police Force is a cop drama directed by Rohit Shetty that promises lavish entertainment and stunning visuals for the OTT platform. The first season of the show, which will consist of seven episodes, is intended to be a patriotic homage to the nation’s police force for their selfless service.
Karmma Calling
Releasing on: 26 January 2024
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
“Karmma Calling,” helmed by Ruchi Narain, is the Hindi adaptation of the American drama series “Revenge.” Tandon will play Indrani Kothari, the ruling queen of the Alibaug society, in the film “Karmma Calling,” which is set in a world of glitz and glamour that is full of treachery and deceit.
So, this is a list of the most anticipated OTT releases in January 2024. Prepare to embark on a cinematic journey that crosses boundaries and captures the essence of the digital age.
In The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth is no stranger to enormous creatures. From the Balrog of Moria to Shelob in Mordor, Tokien's world is filled with oversized monstrosities that terrorize those unfortunate enough to cross their paths. One such creature was the dragon Smaug, who claimed Erebor and all of its gold from the Dwarves with relative ease. Despite Smaug's gargantuan size, the dragon was nowhere near the largest creature ever to roam Middle-earth, as another member of his species takes that trophy by a landslide.
The Hobbit never provides a specific size for Smaug. However, from J.R.R. Tolkien's drawings and notes, it's assumed the dragon's depiction in the Peter Jackson trilogy is pretty accurate. Smaug was able to fit in the door to Erebor but was also large enough to destroy most of Lake-town when he fell from being shot by Bard the Bowman. Being one of the few dragons left in Middle-earth, it's fair to assume Smaug was the biggest dragon to roam the world during Bilbo's lifetime, and his propensity for self-aggrandizement meant that he would eagerly play that up, as he did to Bilbo when the Hobbit intruded upon his horde. However, through the history of Middle-earth compiled in The Silmarillion, it's clear that Smaug would have appeared little more than a rodent in comparison to Ancalagon the Black: a much older dragon big enough to conceivably have destroyed the world itself.
Updated on December 22, 2023, by Robert Vaux: Tolkien's Lord of the Rings isn't limited to the titular trilogy — on the contrary, the fictional universe of Middle-earth is extremely vast and culturally diverse. Countless events have transpired over the course of history, splitting the timeline into the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Ages. Although most of the dragons appeared during the First Age, these malevolent creatures remained part of the internal discourse for thousands of years after, along with similar creatures like giant spiders. Dragons come in a wide range of shapes and sizes; some of the earlier ones were even wingless worms. All things considered, however, only one Lord of the Rings dragon deserves the distinction of being the greatest.
Morgoth Created Dragons
Middle-earth's Most Infamous Fire Drakes
Ancalagon
Glaurung
Smaug
During the First Age of Middle-earth, the Dark Lord Morgoth spread terror across the land as he attempted to rule all of Middle-earth. Tolkien used him as a part of what amounted to a creation story for his imaginary world, echoing cultural myth such as the Christian fall of paradise and the Greek tales of Cronos and Rhea. While having the same goals and ambitions as Sauron, Morgoth was far more powerful and an even greater threat to the world. During Morgoth's reign, he bred a series of vile creatures and entities, the strongest of which were the dragons. The first dragon created by Morgoth was known as Glaurung, a wingless worm capable of hypnotizing both Men and Elves. He plays a critical role during the First Age, particularly in Túrin Turambar's tragic hero's journey.
The dragons that followed Glaurung possessed the ability to fly. Although there are only four named dragons in the story, all of them are capable of breathing a fire so hot that it could have melted all the Rings of Power — except the One Ring. Thankfully, Smaug was killed long before the events in The Lord of the Rings, while he might not have joined forces with Sauron, he was certainly not friend of the people of Middle-Earth, and his occupation of the Lonely Mountain would have kept a powerful stronghold out of their hands: making Frodo and Sam's journey almost impossible. (Gandalf's involvement in the events of The Hobbit is intended partially to correct this state of affairs: returning the dwarves to their ancestral home and providing a ready hard point to resist the armies of Mordoer.) However, despite Smaug's incomparable strength, intelligence, and cunning, he couldn't hold a candle to the biggest dragon in Lord of the Rings.
That title belongs to Ancalagon the Black, a truly massive dragon bred by Morgoth in the deepest pits of Angband. His name can be loosely translated to mean "biting storm," a fitting epithet for such a monster. Nobody knows anything about this creature's origins — some fans posit that Ancalagon could have been a transfigured Maia, whereas others suggest that he was birthed from the filth of the world itself. Whatever the case may be, there's no doubt that Ancalagon was Morgoth's most fearsome and formidable weapon. According to Gandalf, however, "not even Ancalagon the Black... could have harmed the One Ring, the Ruling Ring, for that was made by Sauron himself." As such, there are clear limitations to the dragon's powers.
Ancalagon Would Have Towered Over Smaug
Morgoth Created Ancalagon During the First Age
Ancalagon's precise height is never given. Still, he is described to be "as tall as a mountain" and could block out the sky as he flew overhead. So, the Men and Elves didn't stand a chance as the dragon destroyed their lands and laid ruin to their armies. Ancalagon the Black made his first appearance during the War of Wrath, a series of battles that would mark the end of Morgoth's malevolent reign over Middle-earth. When the Valar's armies overwhelmed the Dark Lord's multitudes, he decided to play his final move: the release of the dragons from Angband. Led by Ancalagon, the dragons wreaked havoc upon the forces of the Valar. And as is typical for Tolkien's worked, the great Eagles were forced to intervene. Thorondor, the leader of the Eagles and the ancestor of Gwaihir, fought the winged dragons in the sky along with Eärendil's help. The elf-lord arrived "shining with white flame," slayed "Ancalagon the Black, the mightiest of the dragon-host, and cast him from the sky." Ancalagon subsequently "fell upon the towers of Thangorodrim, and they were broken in his ruin." In other words, he was large enough to destroy the three volcanic mountains constructed by Morgoth as well as the surrounding landscape. Thangorodrim was thousands of feet tall at the very least, making Ancalagon exponentially bigger than Smaug.
There's precedent for it among Middle-earth's other monsters as well, most notably Shelob: the giant spider who guards the secret passage into Mordor. As terrifying as she is, she's simply a smaller version of her ancestor Ungoliant who forged an alliance with Morgoth and poisoned the two Trees of Valinor at his behest, only for Morgoth to betray her. His Balrogs drove her off and she remained hidden for the rest of her days. Like Ancalagon, she was much larger than her kin in the Third Age, and like Ancalagon, her battles resulted in truly cataclysmic changes to the landscape. (Morgoth's scream at her assault on him continues to echo in the lands of Lammoth in the north of Middle-earth.) Ancalagon is of a kind with her, and similarly reflects Tolkien's vision of primal powers in the early days of Middle-earth that shaped the conflicts and geography that came later.
Smaug's lifeless body was just the right size to obliterate the town of Esgaroth, so he wasn't exactly a small beast. But he was small enough to fit under the Lonely Mountain atop his horde of treasure for many years, and for all his terrifying power, Bard the Bowman slew him with just a single arrow (though admittedly it was aimed at his one weak spot in a quiet nod to the Greek myth of Achilles). Meanwhile, Ancalagon's fall managed to terraform an enormous chunk of land, presumably changing the geography of the area forever.
All these details make the First Age sound like a terrible time to be alive, which was very much the point. Figures like Ancalagon and Ungoliant are akin to the Titans of Greek mythology and similar godlike beings whose clashes shape the worlds later occupied by heroes and villains. Luckily, however, the monstrosities of Middle-earth faded over time. And, with the defeat of Sauron and the Age of Men beginning, the giants of the world would seemingly disappear altogether. That said, fans still remember Gandalf's ominous words — "Far, far below the deepest delvings of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he." There might well be an ancient monster that dwarfs even Ancalagon the Black, who serve no side but their own and could destroy entire kingdoms if roused.
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for What If...? season 2 episode 4
4 years after Iron Man died during Avengers: Endgame's heartbreaking ending, What If...? season 2 episode 4's ending undermined his tragedy. Worse still, the same MCU TV release had done the same thing just four days earlier in episode 1. In both cases, the imaginative animated series challenged one of the fundamental story details of Robert Downey Jr's final appearance as Tony Stark.
While What If...? is very much an Elseworlds-style multiverse release offering a glimpse at some of the millions of universe branches created by the countless Nexus events of everyday MCU existence. Now that the TVA are no longer pruning branches created by these Nexus events, the multiverse can be as chaotic as it yearns to be. The result, as Sylvie indirectly predicted in Loki season 1, is that an infinite number of branches exist, creating universes where Nebula joined the Nova Corps, where Happy Hogan became the Purple Hulk, or where the Avengers formed early in 1988. Crucially, though, each of those branches still adhered to every rule of the Sacred Timeline established before they branched off.
What If...? Season 2 Episode 4 Ending Explained
In What If...? season 2 episode 4, Marvel answers the question of what would have happened if Iron Man's near-miss sacrifice at the Battle of New York hadn't been avoided. Instead of Stark falling back through the portal above New York after destroying the Chitauri mothership, in this branch, he was trapped on the other side of the portal and ended up being teleported to Sakaar instead of being killed. Don't ask why, the show doesn't actually answer it: it's more just a set-up to have Stark entwined in The Grandmaster's endless gladiatorial games.
While Thor: Ragnarok saw Chris Hemsworth's God of Thunder and Hulk taking part in battles for their life with other gladiators, Iron Man arrives at a different point in Sakaar's confusing timeline. At this point, The Grandmaster presides over rigged Death Races, in which the likes of Valkyrie, Korg, and (inexplicably) Gamora all compete. Stark hatches a plan to escape, but also to overthrow The Grandmaster and end his reign of tyranny on Sakaar.
What If Confirms Valkyrie Was Always Destined To Be King
In an interesting twist, after Iron Man is successful and beats The Grandmaster in their Death Race, Valkyrie is crowned king of Sakaar. That suggests that Valkyrie's multiversal destiny is to be a king, effectively adopting the logic of Canon Events from Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. That raises the possibility that every character in the multiverse remains fated, despite the destruction of the Sacred Timeline, which also fits with The Grandmaster confirming Tony Stark's future defeat of Thanos, even in this branched universe.
After convincing Gamora to help him defeat The Grandmaster, Iron Man repays her allegiance by helping her kill Thanos. The returning Mad Titan sits on the same throne as was previously seen in Guardians Of The Galaxy, and offers no defense when his daughter double-crosses him. Up to that point, she had remained loyal, suggesting an unseen event on the main timeline prior to Guardians of the Galaxy's events led to her epiphany and betrayal of her father. That mystery will seemingly remain unanswered, but her arrival on Sakaar must have come before 2014 (when GOTG is set).
How What If...? Undermines Iron Man's Death (Again)
Without getting too deep in the multiversal soup, it's Gamora's murder of her father that compromises Iron Man's Endgame ending. In Endgame, Doctor Strange tells The Avengers that of the millions of possible futures he saw, only one led to their victory at the Battle of Earth. That single possibility is tied inherently to Tony Stark's sacrifice, with the suggestion that any other plan to take out Thanos (like Rhodey's suggestion to kill him as a baby) wouldn't have worked, somehow.
But in both What If...? season 2 episode 4 and episode 1, Thanos is killed quite easily by two of his former allies. The first episode sees Ronin The Accuser kill him off-screen, while Gamora kills him three episodes later to set up her part in the Guardians Of The Multiverse's battle with Ultron from What If...? season 1's ending. Just as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness confirmed Thanos was defeated without Iron Man dying, What If...? confirms Doctor Strange was wrong. Thanos could have been taken out elsewhere on the timeline, making Tony Stark's ultimate sacrifice significantly less special.
What If...? Season 2 Episode 4 Post-Credits Scene Explained
As What If...? season 2 episode 4's credits roll, the season's second credits scene (after Darcy's festive sing-along after episode 3's ending), The Grandmaster actually returns again. Despite being melted by his own Melt Stick from Thor: Ragnarok, Jeff Goldblum's charming bad guy survives, jovially asking his sidekick and bodyguard Topaz to fetch a sponge to mop him up. It's a funny tag, but it suggests that the Elders of the Universe (including The Grandmaster and his brother The Collector, played by Benicio Del Toro in the MCU) are actually immortal. No matter what they have to endure to survive.
That suggests that while The Collector was assumed to have been killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, it's unlikely he actually died. He might not be living well, as The Grandmaster wouldn't be after What If..? season 2 episode 4, but it seems he is one of the MCU's genuinely unkillable characters.
