This allows Marvel to develop a template for standalone sagas beginning with an initial stoppable threat in part one, before moving the goalposts and revealing something more in the sequel, leading into a big bust-up in the third instalment. This certainly seems to be the way it’s shaped the Captain America and Thor franchises anyway – kick off with a relatively easy fight against your main baddie, reposition that villain or their organisation in the second instalment, then (presumably) defeat them once and for all (or at least inflict a lot of damage) in the third part.

Of course we still need antagonists though, so some new ones must be drafted in to keep us entertained with plenty of punching and kicking in that middle instalment, before sidelining them later to make room for the larger narrative. It might not please everyone all the time, but this method certainly allows Marvel to develop broader narratives than just a new freak-of-the-week-style scenario occurring every year, which would surely be less entertaining.

There is also the problem of the Avengers to consider. As reviewers and commenters continue to point out – if these villains were really that dangerous, surely one of our heroes would call for some back-up? Avengers turning up in each other’s movies would not only cost Marvel a pretty penny, it would defeat the point of developing separate franchises in the first place.

Rather than calling in the Hulk, Iron Man or Thor then, Cap should be able to fight his own battles with the support of his S.H.I.E.L.D.-based supporting cast. Likewise, Tony should be able to solve his solo problems with the help of Rhodey, JARVIS and Pepper, while Thor’s Asgardian comrades should be support enough in his own movies.