People Can’t Decide Which MCU Character Had the Best Funeral
Fighting the most dangerous and evil villains in the universe is a dangerous job. The superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are willing to risk anything and everything to protect what they love, accept, and understand the reality that they may die at any moment. Normally it is the villains that meet their fateful ends, but there have been many heroic endings throughout the MCU’s 23 movie run. These characters who die in the service of saving the universe are honored with a funeral fit for a true hero. Recently, fans took to Reddit to discuss the best funeral scenes from the MCU.
A few honorable mention deaths before the three most memorable funerals in the MCU
Prince N’Jobu- The tragic death of N’Jobu at the hand of his brother set the stage for one of the most emotional and powerful showdowns in Marvel history: the Black Panther T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) vs. his cousin Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).
Gamora- Watching Gamora (Zoe Saldana) beg and plead her adoptive father Thanos (Josh Brolin) to spare her life was a harsh gut-punch for MCU fans. Thanos killed his daughter to receive the Soul Stone and the power he desired above all, but at what cost.
Black Widow- To receive the Soul Stone, one must sacrifice a loved one. For close friends Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), the choice of who should sacrifice the other is impossible. Eventually, Natasha sacrifices herself, so Barton can save the universe and his family. Unlike Thanos’ murder of Gamora, Hawkeye has no evil desire in receiving the Infinity Stone. Black Widow’s death is a major loss for the Avenger team. Luckily fans will be able to see Black Widow one more time, in her delayed upcoming film.
These deaths were extremely emotional for fans, and each character deserves a funeral worthy of their sacrifice.
Yondu’s explosive funeral
One of the most memorable funerals in MCU history was for Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker). Marvel fans were first introduced to the blue scavenger in Guardians of the Galaxy, as the not-so-friendly father figure of Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). Yondu dies while protecting the Guardians of the Galaxy from Quill’s destructive biological father/living planet Ego. After being shunned from the Ravager for decades, the captain of the Eclector received the Ravager send-off he deserved. They all came even though he was always mean. And stole batteries he didn’t need. The colorful outer-space firework display is one of the most beautiful moments in the Marvel films. Yondu may have lived a life of questionable morality full of crime, kidnapping, and thievery, but he died as a hero.
Peggy Carter’s devastating funeral
One of the more tragic relationships in the MCU was between the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), and Captain America Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Carter was one of the most effective spies in S.H.I.E.L.D. history, but lost her dance-partner and true love before they could be together. The two were able to have a short time when Rogers was unfrozen, but at that point Carter was an old woman and close to death. Carter’s funeral in Captain America: Civil War was a reminder of the lost time between the heroic couple. The funeral scene itself is beautiful and a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of Carter’s life. It also served a reminder to Rogers that he must fight for what he believes in, even if his closest allies disagree. Luckily, they were able to live an alternate version of their lives together thanks to the heroic sacrifice of one Avenger, which is perhaps the most emotional death in the entire MCU series.
Tony Stark’s series-defining funeral
Of all the funerals in the history of the MCU, Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) resonates the most with fans. After the thrilling and epic battle against Thanos, Stark succumbed to the injuries caused by the power of the Infinity Stones. At his funeral, characters throughout the entire span of the Marvel Cinematic Universe came together to mourn and celebrate the life of both Iron Man and Tony Stark. The moment between Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) and Tony’s daughter Morgan Stark (Lexi Rabe) is one of the most heart-breaking scenes in MCU history. Iron Man’s sacrifice was necessary to protect the entire universe, and provide a better world for his friends and family. The funeral also acted as a sort of memorial for the phase of the series of Marvel films, which began with Iron Man in 2008. Marvel fans will love you 3000 always, Mr. Stark. As Marvel begins a new phase, full of new heroes and villains, it will be interesting who will live, and die, as the new leaders and enemies of the continuing Avengers saga.
