We Rewatched Avengers: Endgame And It’s Completely Different Now

It feels like only yesterday when “Avengers: Endgame” graced our movie screens in 2019, yet in Marvel’s expansive universe, that stretch of time is equivalent to an eternity. Since then, we’ve journeyed through Marvel’s fourth and fifth phases, welcoming fresh heroes into the fold and enjoying numerous new series on Disney+. “Endgame” marked a conclusion for some of the original Marvel superheroes, but as usual, the MCU timeline keeps unfolding.

In many ways, “Endgame” served as a tribute to the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that came before it, but it also paved the way for new developments within this universe. For instance, it significantly boosted the significance of the quantum realm and introduced notions like time travel and alternate realities. Since “Endgame” was released, numerous characters have ventured into the multiverse, and we’ve delved deeper into the complexities of time travel through shows like “Loki” and “Deadpool and Wolverine.” As we’ve delved further into these novel ideas, subsequent phases of the MCU have provided heartfelt farewells to beloved characters and introduced new teams of heroes.

Since the release of “Endgame”, time seems to have flown by, yet it’s been marked by significant transformations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The climactic end of the “Infinity Saga” will forever hold a cherished position in the franchise, but there’s no disputing that the MCU’s ongoing evolution has reshaped our perspective on cinematic storytelling.

Endgame is hiding the Black Widow movie we all deserved

In 2021, when “Black Widow” was released, it seemed less groundbreaking than expected. Given that the main character (Scarlett Johansson) had perished in “Avengers: Endgame,” the movie faced challenges right from the start. It aimed to make its prequel narrative engaging, but as our review of “Black Widow” noted, it often felt like completing an assignment rather than enjoying a compelling story. While we gained insights into Black Widow’s past, there was little new or crucial information added for the future development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Upon revisiting “Endgame” today, it’s more apparent than ever that “Black Widow” could have benefited from a different approach. Within the initial act of “Endgame,” there seems to be an enticing alternate scenario for a “Black Widow” film. Although details about the five-year time jump are scant, we do understand that Black Widow has effectively taken charge of the Avengers. Throughout “Endgame,” she’s portrayed as managing the team and sharing her leadership burdens with Captain America (Chris Evans) during tough times early in the movie.

If ideally planned, that extended time frame could have been depicted in a film coming out between “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame.” However, the 2021 movie “Black Widow” had the potential to cover this period, provide clues about Hawkeye’s (Jeremy Renner) time as Ronin, and introduce emerging antagonists in a post-Snap universe. The initial scenes of Black Widow in “Endgame” now appear somewhat unsatisfying, hinting at what might have been an intriguing exploration.

Most of the plot holes have been closed

In the movie “Endgame”, there are numerous characters and various timelines which make for an intricate plotline. Despite this complexity, the film manages to remain coherent and understandable, though some viewers initially had questions when it was first released. One persistent query related to Thanos (played by Josh Brolin) and his time travel abilities at the end of the movie. The film doesn’t provide an explanation for how Thanos obtained the secret behind time travel, but in an interview with QQ (via WhatCulture), directors the Russos revealed that Ebony Maw (portrayed by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) aided Thanos in this endeavor. They stated that Maw was a powerful sorcerer and that Thanos, being exceptionally intelligent, was able to reverse engineer and mass produce Pym Particles with Maw’s assistance.

The Russos, in dealing with another questionable aspect of the “Endgame” storyline concerning Doctor Strange, addressed a point that left some viewers puzzled: why didn’t Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) opt to create a portal to amputate Thanos’ hand, which was wearing the Infinity Gauntlet. They explained that given Thanos’ immense strength, it wasn’t guaranteed that a portal would be able to penetrate his skin. Furthermore, since Doctor Strange had glimpsed countless futures in “Infinity War,” any inconsistency in the plot related to Thanos could potentially be explained away by the power of the Time Stone.

Due to the clever storytelling device known as “Endgame,” the film is virtually devoid of plot inconsistencies. However, the use of time travel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe raises questions that extend beyond this particular movie, and these complexities have not been fully resolved yet.

The time paradoxes still need to be solved

Incorporating time travel into a film often leads to including some complex puzzles, and that’s exactly what “Endgame” does by blending time machines from the quantum realm with Infinity Stones. The movie’s narrative establishes unique guidelines for time travel, distinct from films like “Back to the Future.” It also presents a scenario where removing an Infinity Stone from its original timeline gives rise to a parallel reality.

No Way Home” offers a multiversal escapade for Spidey (Tom Holland) and companions that has nothing to do with the Stones. Similarly, the movie “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” delves into alternate realities without any involvement from the Infinity Stones.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I’ve got to say, the TV shows haven’t been much help in clearing up the plot twists. For instance, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” left fans scratching their heads over Steve Rogers’ time travel mystery, with everyone still debating whether or not he spent his final days within the main MCU timeline.

Then there’s “Loki,” which seemed to blend alternate timelines and the multiverse, but ignored the Infinity Stones in the process. And don’t even get me started on “Deadpool and Wolverine”! They went and added these “Anchor Beings” to an already tangled mythology, making things even more perplexing.

Now, “Endgame” did provide some guidelines for how time travel and alternate realities function, but with all the developments since then, those rules might as well be tossed out the window. It’s a bit frustrating, to be honest, but I guess that’s just the nature of Marvel storytelling!

Did Nebula send Black Widow to her death?

The selfless act of Black Widow on Vormir in “Endgame” is a particularly moving moment for many viewers. It’s striking how she and Hawkeye were the ones chosen to retrieve the Soul Stone, which some fans perceive as an unfair turn of events. Some spectators have pointed out that Nebula (played by Karen Gillan) plays a role in planning the trip to Vormir because she remembers Thanos taking Gamora (Zoe Saldana) there to get the Stone. This has led certain viewers to speculate: Could it be that Nebula intentionally sends Black Widow and Hawkeye to Vormir, knowing that only those deeply in love can acquire the Soul Stone?

It’s common knowledge that Nebula can be cold and ruthless, but if a theory suggesting she was fully aware of the deal for the Soul Stone were correct, she’d be more sinister than we initially believed. However, the filmmakers have refuted this claim to protect Nebula’s image. In an interview for “Endgame,” writer Stephen McFeeley explained that Nebula was unaware of the transaction needed for the Soul Stone. Joe Russo further clarified, stating (via Screenrant) that Nebula believed Thanos killed Gamora because she resisted him, and he was the only one who truly knew what happened. Watching “Endgame” with this understanding makes it simpler to empathize with Nebula and the Avengers, as they all mourn the loss of a friend due to a heroic sacrifice.

Seeing Iron Man in Endgame will never be the same

The selfless act of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) during the climactic battle in “Endgame” is widely considered one of the most poignant scenes throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By himself, he safeguarded the entire cosmos, yet his demise left a profound impact on all the beloved Marvel characters we’ve known and grown with. The death of Iron Man was a turning point for the MCU, but due to time travel and the introduction of alternate realities, some fans speculated whether or not Iron Man might reappear.

It’s clear that Marvel Studios values Iron Man’s sacrifice as a crucial part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As Kevin Feige told Vanity Fair in December 2023, “We put in countless hours over many years to reach this point, and we never intend to erase it in any way.” However, an unexpected twist emerged in July 2024 when it was announced that Downey would portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming “Avengers” films.

In essence, Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” film doesn’t contradict Joss Whedon’s original promise regarding Iron Man’s storyline from 2008, but it does subtly alter our perception of Tony Stark’s ultimate sacrifice. Given that Doctor Doom is one of Marvel’s most formidable villains, it’s hard not to contemplate the connection between him and Iron Man when watching “Endgame.

Now we know the full story of Cap’s last dance

In the film “Endgame,” Captain America experiences a heartwarmingly satisfying conclusion to his storyline. After years of battling various threats to save Earth, he gets an opportunity to travel back in time and live a life with Peggy Carter (played by Hayley Atwell). Although we don’t witness the exact steps Cap takes upon returning the Infinity Stones, the movie concludes by showing us the destination of that journey. The film ends on a beautiful scene where Captain America and Peggy are dancing in her living room, and additional information shared since the release of the movie has only added to the emotional impact of this moment.

In the commentary for “Endgame,” Stephen McFeely, one of the writers, highlights a subtle detail often overlooked in the film’s concluding scene: Peggy Carter’s front door is ajar. McFeely suggests that it’s plausible that Steve Rogers (Captain America) had knocked on the door moments earlier, causing Peggy to put down whatever she was holding. The “Endgame” script further specifies that this interaction occurs in 1949, two years following the events of “Agent Carter” Season 2. Upon rewatching the final scene in “Endgame,” viewers can now appreciate that they are witnessing Cap and Peggy’s emotional reunion, which takes place immediately after they have jointly saved the world on numerous occasions, thus deservedly earning a well-earned retirement.

It’s impossible to ignore the Eternals

In the epic confrontation of “Endgame”, every character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) joined forces to battle Thanos for the destiny of the universe. Although new heroes have been added since then, it’s challenging not to notice who wasn’t there when looking back on that massive fight. Nobody holds Shang-Chi responsible for not using his martial arts abilities to protect the Avengers’ base as aliens were destroying it, but it’s tough to accept that potent beings such as the Eternals didn’t intervene while Thanos was causing destruction.

The Eternals are capable of matching the Avengers in combat strength, and a full team of them might have prevented countless deaths if they had confronted Thanos. However, the Eternals’ explanation that their creators, the Celestials, prohibited them from meddling with human affairs seems questionable because the series itself portrays the Eternals intervening significantly in human matters. Moreover, the survival of humans is crucial for the Eternals’ mission on Earth, so it would have been beneficial for them to thwart Thanos’ plan to eliminate half of all life in the universe. The argument that they were forbidden from interfering leaves some significant loopholes.

Fan discussion online persists about the issue of Thanos’ excuse in “Eternals” and brainstorming alternative explanations for why the team chose not to participate in the battle. For future viewings of “Endgame,” it might be most effective to make a conscious effort to ignore or overlook the presence of the Eternals.

Is Rhodey a Skrull?

In “Infinity War,” Rhodey (Don Cheadle) skillfully escapes Thanos’ snap, becoming a crucial figure among the Avengers in “Endgame.” He significantly contributes to saving the universe, and is present during his best friend’s last moments. But, there’s a question about whether he was truly there at the end.

In the fourth episode of Disney+ series “Secret Invasion,” there was a major surprise: Rhodey, a character long known in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has been a Skrull in disguise for quite some time. This revelation aligns with Rhodey’s injury in “Captain America: Civil War,” as confirmed by series director Ali Selim. Discussing the implications of this twist on Rhodey’s past appearances, Selim noted to Radio Times that it might require a meticulous examination of every scene involving Rhodey up until “Secret Invasion.” There are certainly many details to be uncovered now.

Initially, Selim seemed mistaken, as instead of a librarian, MCU enthusiasts started scrutinizing the details. They stumbled upon an inconsistency in the narrative. Intriguingly, fans discovered a scene during the climactic battle of “Endgame” where it seems Rhodey is wounded on his head and bleeding. The blood in this shot appears red, which implies that either Rhodey wasn’t a Skrull during “Endgame,” or there’s been an error in continuity somewhere. If Selim’s assumption holds true, then Rhodey’s role in “Endgame” diminishes significantly; however, even if Selim is incorrect, it’s challenging to watch “Endgame” now without questioning whether any characters might be disguised Skrulls.

The Asgardians of the Galaxy setup feels wrong

In “Avengers: Endgame,” we find the culmination of Marvel’s Infinity Saga, avoiding the need to tease future stories. The film doesn’t lay out many moments that feel like prequels, but Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) final scene carries a hint of “until next time.” The chemistry between Thor and Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) in “Infinity War” is electric, and their alliance in the closing minutes of “Endgame” suggests an exciting prospect for a new partnership in 2019. Given that Marvel Comics introduced the Asgardians of the Galaxy in 2018, it seems that the MCU may be heading in a similar direction, as suggested by the events in “Endgame.

As I’m currently immersed in “Endgame,” it’s a letdown that Thor’s final scene with the Guardians doesn’t hold the excitement it initially did when the film was released. The quick appearance of Star-Lord and the gang in “Thor: Love and Thunder” was nice, but “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” completely overlooked Thor and the Asgardians.

Behind-the-scenes insights make that scene in “Endgame” more puzzling because it seems no one had a clear plan for the Asgardians at all. Taika Waititi only intended for a brief Guardians appearance in “Love and Thunder,” while James Gunn never planned to include Thor in the third “Guardians” film.

Perhaps the Disney+ series “What If…?” will fulfill the Asgardians of the Galaxy potential instead.

Endgame would have been a perfect endpoint

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reflect on the breathtaking finale that was “Avengers: Endgame.” This 10-year-long cinematic epic took a clever turn with the addition of time travel, seamlessly weaving in a tribute to the movies that preceded it. Unlike previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects, “Endgame” felt more about reminiscing the past than laying the groundwork for the future. The emotional farewells to characters we’ve grown with for a decade left many theater-goers in tears.

The movie was undeniably hailed with acclaim – not to mention record-breaking ticket sales – but upon reflection, I wonder if we truly appreciated “Endgame” as the concluding chapter it could have been.

After “Endgame,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen some of its largest financial flops in Marvel’s history. Movies such as “Eternals,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” and “The Marvels” have found it challenging to connect with the world post-“Endgame” or generate enthusiasm for what’s coming next. The MCU is currently working towards “Secret Wars,” a narrative arc that previously served as a universe-wide reset in the comics. Given how flawlessly “Endgame” wrapped up the MCU at the time, and the inconsistency that followed, perhaps a soft reset should have been implemented when Iron Man used the snap.

2025-04-25 17:31