Writers Reveal Why Iron Man and Black Widow Had to Die in ‘Avengers: Endgame’
Avengers: Endgame is – to the dismay of fans awaiting the DVD release – becoming a distant memory. Fight scenes slowly traverse our minds in one instant and tears swell under our eyes in the next, as we reminisce over Tony Stark’s selfless final act. However, Marvel, hopping back on to the money-making train, has oriented its attention away from this year’s greatest blockbuster and towards Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Avengers: Endgame may have premiered nearly two months ago, yet diehard fans are still discussing the conclusion to the saga and cinematic spectacle spanning over a decade. Though we may have our own theories concerning the fallout of events, the writers have spoken up concerning the film’s deaths.
Watching Tony Stark sacrifice himself for the good of all mankind may have been the most heartwrenching scene in Avengers history, but it wasn’t without reason or without narrative foundation.
Black Widow’s sacrifice – a bit less predictable, but no less inevitable. So, put your own theories aside for a moment, or draw upon your personal opinions, to see if they match the writer’s motivation for killing two of the most favorited Avengers.
Why Iron Man had to die in ‘Avengers: Endgame’
When it came to Iron Man, according to Pop Buzz, the writers were always set on killing him off. Stephen Mcfeely, one of the main writers behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame stated, “Everyone knew this was going to be the end of Tony Stark…The watchword was, end this chapter, and he started this chapter.”
Christopher Markus, another writer on Avengers: Endgame, went on to further clarify Mcfeely’s doctrine concerning the final film, stating:
“In a way, he has been the mirror of Steve Rogers the entire time. Steve is moving toward some sort of enlightened self-interest, and Tony’s moving to selflessness. They both get to their endpoints.”
Pop Buzz
In short, when Tony Stark first graced the silver screen, he was a bit of selfish egotist, unable to settle down with Potts, and incapable of separating altruistic heroism from the excitement of existing in the spotlight. Tony Stark’s sacrifice was the manifestation of his ten-year-long narrative arc and the embodiment of his transition into pure selflessness.
Why did Black Widow die in ‘Avengers: Endgame?’
According to the writers, and as reported by Pop Buzz, Black Widow’s death was not as certain as Iron Man’s, for they did consider killing Hawkeye. However, they were persuaded otherwise.
According to McFeely:
“Her [Black Widow’s] journey, in our minds, had come to an end if she could get the Avengers back…She comes from such an abusive, terrible, mind-control background, so when she gets to Vormir and she has a chance to get the family back, that’s a thing she would trade for.”
Pop Buzz
The writers go on to explain that Black Widow deserved to sacrifice herself, as if it was something they “couldn’t take away from her,” according to Pop Buzz. Black Widow is a hero in every sense of the world, and there was no way she was going to allow Hawkeye to best her, and lose any attempt at reuniting with his family. Not to mention, Black Widow would never lose in a battle of wits, quick maneuvering, and clever thinking.
Whether you agree with the writers’ choice is another story. Many assume that the fallout of Avengers: Endgame means a prequel film for the standalone Black Widow movie is the only option, which had led to widespread dissatisfaction. However, until the trailer for Black Widow comes out, let’s trust that Marvel will continue finding ways to defy our expectations.
