Who’s Gonna Die?
With Avengers Infinity War only 27 days away, there has been excitement and speculation leading up to this blockbuster movie. For purposes here, I will focus on the speculation. For years, Marvel Cinematic Universe chief Kevin Feige has said that the Infinity War movies would include major character deaths. And the Russos have said that Avengers 3 and 4 will have intense stakes.
From contracts of major characters nearing their end to heroes being largely excluded from the trailers leading up to the film, there are a few superheroes who come to mind as possible casualties of the Infinity War.
Captain America
Speaking of contracts, Chris Evan‘s Marvel contract is nearing its end (two films left to be exact). Although a contract extension is not beyond the realm of possibility, it does not appear to be imminent. Given Evans’ recent comments about his Avengers run nearing its end as well as the increased screen time for Captain America‘s heir apparent Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers‘ end appears to be near. I’d hate to see him go because the Captain America trilogy has been the MCU’s finest. But the Death of Captain America may not end up only being a novel.
Hawkeye
Jeremy Renner‘s arrow-slinging character has been conspicuously absent from all of the major Infinity War trailers in recent months. With a contract that isn’t guaranteed beyond the next two Avengers movies and a character arc that has been flimsy at best, he’s a prime candidate to not survive the Mad Titan‘s (Thanos) earthly invasion. Hawkeye did receive some much-needed character development in Avengers: Age of Ultron which suggested that he’d have a much longer franchise run. However, the recent downplaying of his character is not a good sign for his fate.
Iron Man
Much like the aforementioned Captain America, Robert Downey‘s Iron Man has a contract nearing its end. The good news for him surviving: he’s the “father of the MCU” with his titular debut film launching the franchise, and he’s been prominently featured in all of the marketing and trailers leading up to the movie. The bad news: he’s the oldest actor of the original, primary Avengers (he, Captain America, Hulk and Thor) – how much longer can he be expected to reprise the role, and his trailer scenes raise a lot of question about his survival skills.
Vision
In the worst-kept secret in recent movie history, Vision is literally wearing an infinity stone in his head and Thanos seemingly will get all of the infinity stones into his possession at some point over the course of these movies. Although I think it may be a classic Marvel fake-out, if I were a gambling man, I would not bet on him making it out alive.
The Verdict
As much as it hurts me to say, because Captain America: The Winter Soldier is my favorite MCU movie, Steve Rogers appears to be the most likely major Avenger to NOT survive the Thanos-led invasion. Of the “minor” Avengers, Hawkeye’s arrow may have his name on it. Sadly, most won’t really miss him. I’m excited for the film but also anxious about the superheroes’ fates. April 27 can’t come soon enough!
