As hinted at in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the nation of Wakanda could become increasingly central to the MCU as outside nations attempt to acquire its Vibranium and a new ruler is chosen. It is quite a development as Wakanda was mentioned for the first time in the MCU back in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
While that is a notable achievement for the second Avengers adventure, the movie gets a fair amount of criticism from fans. Fans on Reddit have particularly found that it is an uncomfortable movie to revisit. From the dialogue to the jokes to an ill-advised romance between two of the heroes, there's plenty for fans to cringe at in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Bruce And Natasha's Awkward Encounter
Bruce and Natasha's unexpected relationship in this movie didn't sit well with many fans, but there was one joke between them that earned considerable criticism. As Ultron attacks, Bruce and Natasha dive for cover and end up in an awkward position.
One Redditor expresses that they "can't believe Joss did that joke twice," referring to a similar gag between Wonder Woman and Flash featured in Joss Whedon's version of Justice League. Along with some dismissing it as a juvenile joke, it also feels particularly uncomfortable to put the only female Avenger in a joke like that.
Tony's Zucchini Joke
With his sarcastic wit and quick sense of humor, Tony Stark remains one of the funniest characters in the MCU. However, Whedon seemed interested in saddling Tony with more crude jokes for the sequel, including him questioning Bruce and Natasha about a game of "hide the zucchini" in the midst of battle.
Upon rewatching the movie, Redditor Skull8686 admitted they "cringe a bit more at Joss Whedon's work" and this joke in particular. While Whedon seems to have a good handle on Tony in The Avengers, he struggles to walk that fine line with the character this time around and makes Tony creepy to some fans.
Thor's Cave Scene
Though Thor's popularity in the MCU grows over time, the first two Avengers movies seem unsure of how to use the God of Thunder. This is especially true of Avengers: Age of Ultron when Thor is sent off on his own adventure to have a vision in a cave.
Redditor Vika-Pika shares the main complaint many have that there is "no need to have these scenes." With a movie as overstuffed as this one, forcing this unnecessary segment seems to frustrate fans while not adding enough to the story to make it worthwhile.
Team-Up Moment
One of the most defining moments in the MCU is seeing the original six heroes assembled in a circle in The Avengers. The sequel attempts to recreate this moment with a few new additions to the team, but some feel it falls far short of the original.
With the scene featuring the heroes fighting off Ultron's army in slow-motion, Redditor USMfans finds it ridiculous that all the heroes are fighting in perfect synchronicity. They complain that the likes of Hawkeye and Black Widow "should not be keeping up with Hulk, Thor and a freaking speedster." It is a moment that causes some fans to note not every member of the Avengers is in the same league.
Wanda's Accent
As one of the most tragic characters, there have been many times MCU fans' hearts broke for Wanda Maximoff. But some might forget that she initially started as a villain, facing off with the Avengers in this movie. She even has a villainous Sokovian accent on display.
One Redditor refers to the voice as "Wanda’s 'Count Dracula' accent" showing how some find it difficult to take seriously. Interestingly, the accent was slowly phased out of Wanda's subsequent appearances, perhaps in response to such fan criticism.
Ultron Forgets A Word
The evil and genius robot Ultron is one of the Avengers' most powerful foes from the comics, but he ends up being one of the most disappointing MCU villains. One of the major complaints with this take on Ultron is how he is turned into another quippy and sarcastic character.
One line sticks out for fans in which Ultron, in the midst of a villain monologue, forgets the word "children." Redditor GamingTatertot pointed out its awkwardness as it "didn't fit at all but the rest of Ultron's lines." Some fans see it as the movie throwing in a joke for the sake of it but inadvertently robbing the character of his intimidating nature.
"You Had To Ask"
As expected, the climax of the movie finds the heroes facing off with Ultron's army. After defeating a large squadron of robots, Thor boldly asks if that's the best Ultron can do. Ultron responds by summoning a much larger army as Captain America remarks, "You had to ask."
Redditor Minimum-Cricket3462 calls it "a joke a 6 year old would make" and it is certainly one that fans have seen in countless other movies. It seems to highlight a major issue expressed with the sequel. While The Avengers pulled off the banter between these icons expertly, fans see these moments as more forced and less fun this time around.
Cap Doesn't Stand For Profanity
Given his noble and do-gooder reputation, Captain America can be a tough character to handle in a modern setting. Whedon attempts to have fun with it as the movie opens with a battle in which Cap chastises Tony for using foul language. It becomes a running joke in the movie, much to the dismay of many fans.
With Cap having fought in WWII, Redditor lanceturley insists "he's not going to scold someone for using a naughty word in the middle of a battle." It seems fans with a particular fondness for Captain America find it a cheap way of reducing such a complex and fascinating hero to the lazy "boy scout" persona.
Bruce And Natasha Discuss Their Romance
Despite not having a romantic past in the comics, Avengers: Age of Ultron decides to make Natasha Romanoff and Bruce Banner a couple. This makes for one of the most criticized aspects of the movie with this scene in which they discuss their relationship being called the "worst scene in all of Marvel" by Redditor abaracadabram.
It might seem like a harsh reaction for a relatively small scene, but the unnecessary nature this couple and this conversation of their shared flaws struck many as completely misguided. While this scene was meant to cement them as one of the MCU's most tragic couples, the fact that fans didn't want to see the romance succeed was a problem.
Tony's Prima Nocta Remark
The scene of the Avengers taking turns attempting to lift Thor's hammer is regarded as a classic MCU moment by many, but some feel it is ruined by an off-putting joke. Tony claims if he lifts the hammer and becomes ruler of Asgard that he will reinstate "Prima Nocta." Students of history will know the dark and disturbing history of this custom among English rulers.
Redditor FlyingTrilobite acknowledges that Tony is known for controversial comments "but this is too far even for him." Indeed, it seems like another example of Joss Whedon failing to recognize the limits of Tony's humor making for a truly uncomfortable moment.