Why The Infinity Stones Still Matter In Phase 4 (Despite What Loki Says)

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Loki episode 1, "Glorious Purpose."

The events of Loki episode 1 suggest that the Infinity Stones no longer matter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but much of Phase 4 seems to indicate they will still be important. The Infinity Stones came to define the first three phases of the MCU - known, fittingly enough, as the Infinity Saga - but their future was in doubt after Thanos destroyed them in Avengers: Endgame. Even with that, though, there was an expectation that objects of their power and importance would find a way to play a part in the upcoming movies and shows, and while that's somewhat true, Loki has a rather more surprising use for them.

As revealed in Loki episode 1, "Glorious Purpose," the Time Variance Authority have a whole bunch of Infinity Stones. So many, in fact, that some employees use them as paper weights. The moment was passed off as something of a joke, but it served to underline just how powerful the TVA and Time-Keepers are, as well as creating a cruel twist for Loki's own past and purpose. The implication of the moment was seemingly that Marvel is moving on from the Infinity Stones, and while that would make some sense as it continues its new phase, it isn't necessarily the whole truth.

It is true that the Infinity Stones highlight the power of the Time-Keepers - even if they might not be everything claimed - and that, moving forward, the gems will not define the MCU like they did in Phases 1-3. That honor falls instead to other elements being explored in Loki, such as the MCU's multiverse, alternate timelines, and time travel. But although the Infinity Stones don't matter as much, and certainly aren't important to the TVA, they do still have various roles to play in several upcoming Marvel movies and shows, because their connections to key heroes can't simply be forgotten about or ignored.

Doctor Strange gives the Time Stone to Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War

One of Loki's Disney+ predecessors, WandaVision, already showed how this can be the case. WandaVision revealed that Scarlet Witch's powers are connected to the Mind Stone, and bonded to her in an intrinsic way. That means the Mind Stone will always be at least somewhat linked to Scarlet Witch, even if it's not so overtly featured, but as she also explores her Chaos Magic then something like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could see the stone coming back into greater focus. The Mind Stone is not simply a powerful object, but one with a core that effectively gives it something approaching sentience. This means it could perhaps interact with and attempt to guide Scarlet Witch more, factoring heavily into her future.

Doctor Strange 2 could, of course, have another Infinity Stone prominently featured as well. The Time Stone is a key part of Doctor Strange's arsenal, and though he handed it over to Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, and it was subsequently destroyed, it could be back. At the very least, the Eye of Agamotto will return in Doctor Strange 2, and even if that doesn't lead to the Time Stone being back as well, it does mean its absence, and how Strange operates without it, need to be addressed. Like Loki, Doctor Strange will be dealing with other aspects of the MCU, with the multiverse central, but the Infinity Stones remain integral in underpinning that journey.

Elsewhere, things are perhaps a little more vague, but there's still scope for Infinity Stones to be used. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will feature the 2014-version of Gamora, which means there will also have to be some exploration of the character's death in Infinity War and the lingering impact of the Soul Stone. Similarly, The Marvels could also show more impact of the Space Stone, which gave Carol Danvers her powers, and the Tesseract remains involved in Loki's plot as well. Since the TVA exists outside of time and space, then it makes sense that the Infinity Stones, which control those very things, would have no power at their HQ. But in the Sacred Timeline, where time and space are more malleable and controllable by the Infinity Stones, then they can still have a major role to play.

Next: Loki: Every MCU Easter Egg In Episode 1

Loki releases new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.