21 Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Avengers: Endgame

Like we said, Avengers: Endgame marks the final chapter of a story that began way back in 2008 with Iron Man, when a callow world scoffed at the idea of Robert Downey Jr. playing a superhero. Marvel president Kevin Feige says Endgame will provide a definitive ending to all the myriad threads that have spooled out since, something that was echoed in Captain America star Chris Evans promise that its going to wrap everything up . Its not like they didnt warn us: Downeys Tony Stark warned his fellow Avengers back in Age Of Ultron that an endgame was approaching, while Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) told Tony in Infinity War, Were in the endgame now. And given what happened next, he wasnt just being melodramatic.

Whos behind it?

Capitalism. But also, directing duo Joe and Anthony Russo, who shot the film back-to-back with Infinity War as another double date with Marvels go-to screenwriting team Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. This might be the endgame for the Russos as well: After devoting six years to the cause, theyre looking to take a break from superheroes for a while.

Whats it about?

Theres no official synopsis yet, but you can probably draw your own conclusions based on where Infinity War left off. Thanos (Josh Brolin) had succeeded in collecting all six Infinity Stones, an act of cosmic hoarding that, ironically, allowed him to Marie Kondo the universe, tidily disposing with half of all living creatures by snapping his fingers and turning them to dust. The death count in what is now referred to as The Decimation (which is, pedantically speaking, grammatically incorrect) included a sizeable chunk of Earths mightiest heroes and their assorted sidekicks. Endgame will surely find the survivors searching for a way to undo the damage.

Just for the sake of argument, didnt Thanos plan to sacrifice some for the greater good of all make at least a little moral sense?

Save it for Reddit, nerdlinger.

Fair enough. Is there a trailer?

Sure, well just pretend like you werent part of the horde thats pushed the first Endgame trailer to more than 84 million views. Here it is again:

As you can see, our heroes have been whittled down to a skeleton crew of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Nebula (Karen Gillan), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd). Worse, losing half the universe seems to have left them a little down. Elsewhere, Tony Stark is stranded in space, barely mustering the energy to record some incredibly dour pillow talk for Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), while Thanos has hung up his armor on a farm somewhere, just relaxing and enjoying the fruits of his murders.

Who all died?

It would be more efficient to list everyone who didnt, but here goes. We saw Doctor Strange, Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Vision (Paul Bettany), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Heimdall (Idris Elba), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Drax The Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) all bite the literal dust in Infinity War. Meanwhile, the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) all met a similar fate at the end of Ant-Man And The Wasp.

Damn. Anyone else?

Well, we havent seen supporting characters like Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), or Wong (Benedict Wong) since then, although that doesnt necessarily mean they vanished. We also got a glimpse of Shuri (Letitia Wright) among the Missing that Bruce Banner is grimacing at. But then again, Ant-Man/Scott Lang is in that lineup, too, and the trailer confirms hes still around.

Surely all those other characters arent really dead.

Heres where we remind you that movies require a certain suspension of disbelief-beginning with ignoring the sprawling cast list on IMDb , or the fact that many of those ostensibly dead characters (including Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and the Guardians of the Galaxy) already have sequels in the works. Some, like Spider-Man, even have their own new trailers . Also, yes, many more of the dusted and otherwise unaccounted-for have been spotted in set photos, or their actors have confirmed in interviews that theyll be appearing in Endgame in some form. Still, without the life-or-death stakes, Endgame wouldnt be any fun, so try to play along.

Anyone else definitely coming back?

Again, it would almost be faster to tell you who isnt appearing for this grand finale curtain call. While on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Johansson mentioned a scene she estimated could contain as many as 32 Marvel characters at once.

Sebastian Stan also discussed it with The Independent, saying, I can't really talk about that scene, but I knew it took them three months in planning this scene to have everyone there. You look around and you just saw everyone from Samuel L. Jackson to Michael Douglas to Michelle Pfeiffer. Everybody was there." The roster includes some tertiary characters we havent seen in a while, like Tonys whiz-kid sidekick from Iron Man 3 (Ty Simpkins). And a recently released official tie-in novel confirms Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgrd) and his compatriot Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) survive, with some fans suggesting that Selvig could be instrumental in setting things right. As for whether they might be joined by their old colleague, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman)-aka Thors ex-the Russos are remaining characteristically tightlipped.

Elsewhere, Frank Grillo has suggested his long-dead mercenary Crossbones will return -albeit just for a flashback-while executive producer Michael Grillo (no relation) let it drop that Tilda Swintons The Ancient One will also return in some form. And although Tessa Thompsons Valkyrie is still just a heavily rumored maybe, Thompson has made it clear her ass-kicking Asgardian definitely survived the snap:

No, shes in one piece and THRIVING https://t.co/AUuyAMoCbf - Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) September 29, 2018

What about Stan Lee?

Yep. Although Marvels patriarch died last November, the Russos confirmed hed already shot his cameo in Endgame , allowing the MCUs longstanding tradition to continue, however bittersweetly.

What about new characters?

What, all of thats not enough for you? All right. They also found room for The Wolverine actor Hiroyuki Sanada and 13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford in as-yet-unspecified roles. Theres been heavy speculation that Langford plays someone important-possibly the older version of Scott Langs daughter Cassie, or maybe even Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, seeing as Paltrow let slip that the two are now married, and they have a child.

But obviously, the biggest addition would have to be Captain Marvel, whom Nick Fury was seen frantically paging at the end of Infinity War. Her first big-screen adventure, with Brie Larson in the title role , debuts March 8, just a month before Endgame, and its a safe bet the two will be heavily connected. Plus, given that Captain Marvel has been touted as the most formidable character in the MCU by none other than Kevin Feige, shes certain to prove instrumental in how Endgame plays out.

Youre right, thats a lot. How long is this thing, anyway?

The Russos have said that Endgame currently sits at around three hours , easily making it the longest Marvel movie ever. But lets be real, it could have been Marvels Berlin Alexanderplatz and it would still probably give somebody short shrift.

Lets get to speculating: How are they going to bring everyone back from the dead?

The prevailing theory is that Endgame will see the Avengers travelling into the Quantum Realm, an alternate dimension where the rules of time and space dont apply. The concept of parallel dimensions was first introduced to the MCU in Doctor Strange, and it was central to both 2015s Ant-Man and especially last years Ant-Man And The Wasp, which heavily lampshaded the idea of a time vortex. Ant-Man's arrival at Avengers HQ in the Endgame trailer-driving the van that contains his portable quantum tunnel-definitely reinforces that theory, as did Michael Douglas assertion that the Quantum Realm would be the key, " ultimately playing an important part in all the next chapters, I think, of the Marvel films.

Time travel would also explain the set photos that have caught various Avengers actors sporting costumes and hairdos from previous films, mingling with long-dead characters, and even standing in a perfect recreation of the Battle of New York from 2012s The Avengers. Given all of this, many believe Endgame might find the Avengers scrutinizing the past for clues they might have missed, or to warn their younger selves, or even to take another stab at collecting all the Infinity Stones before Thanos does. Or hey, maybe time travel is just another classic misdirection, and the real key will be the Soul Stone that contains the Soul World-a pocket dimension where the dusted might be just sort of hanging out, listening to Otis Redding.

Is Thanos still the main villain? What could he possibly want at this point?

Granted, Thanos seems to have it all-a nice piece of land, time to himself, absolute control over all reality-which suggests he has little reason to come out of retirement. But hes definitely in Endgame, leading to theories he could try to stop the Avengers potential time-travelling quest, or the even wilder theory he might decide to join them. Or perhaps Thanos will be outshined by a new villain, one whos somehow even bigger and badder: Leaked images from the next line of tie-in toys have promised new foes and an even greater threat for the Avengers to face. Who knows? Maybe all of this has been leading to a sobering message about climate change.

View this post on Instagram FIRST LOOK AT AVENGERS' WHITE SUITS IN AVENGERS 4! . It looks weird but cool idk lol... . . . . . . . . . . . #avengers #infinitywar #avengersinfinitywar #avengers4 #thor #rocketraccoon #avengersannihilation #captainmarvel #captainamerica #chrisevans #brielarson #chrishemsworth #bradleycooper #thanos #ironman #hawkeye #hulk #blackwidow #antman #warmachine #kpow_ok A post shared by KPOW! (@kpow_ok) on Oct 11, 2018 at 2:32am PDT

Whats going on with Hawkeye?

The trailer shows a sword-wielding Hawkeye in a black mask and hood, standing somberly over a bunch of corpses. Its definitely a far cry from the Clint Barton we last saw in Captain America: Civil War, happily retiring to be with his wife and kids. Fans have already assumed that this means Endgame will see Hawkeye finally taking on his Ronin persona, which he adopts in the comics after his family is brutally killed. Losing them all in The Decimation would probably do it as well. This all unconfirmed so far, although Renners Instagram confirms that Endgame will definitely put him through the wringer.

View this post on Instagram Not everyday begins the same...but always finish with a smile #work #fun #shakeitup #hawkeye #marvel # #avengers A post shared by Jeremy Renner (@renner4real) on Sep 17, 2018 at 9:21am PDT

And whats up with Hulk?

Ruffalo has said that Thor: Ragnarok marked the beginning of a new trilogy for Hulk , an arc that should culminate with Endgame, after Bruce Banners angry alter ego refused to join the fight in Infinity War. The Russos have since clarified that Hulk wasnt afraid : Hes just tired of playing the muscle, bailing out a guy who otherwise wants to keep him locked inside their shared body. Endgame will be all about them working out their roommate situation, presumably coming to some sort of mutual understanding-and maybe even merging into their shared Professor Hulk persona, according to some theories .

Whos gonna save Tony?

Things definitely look dire for Stark in the trailer. Obviously, getting him back on terra firma will be Endgames first order of business-but how? The preview reminds us that Nebula is on his ship, too. Is that Tonys unconscious body shes seen lightly fingering, and will she get them both to safety? Or will the newly summoned Captain Marvel stop off to pick up Tony on her way to Earth? Theres also a rather roundabout theory that Rocket Raccoon will be Tonys savior, based on a bit of detective work around an Audi commercial .

Theres also some speculation that Pepper herself will come to Tonys rescue by suiting up as her comics alter ego named, er, Rescue. Deadline reported that Endgame would find Paltrow getting some armor of her own, and the actress herself has posted (and deleted) photos of her wearing what appears to be a CGI motion-capture suit -something she admitted to in an interview with Stephen Colbert. Or hell, maybe hell be saved by Howard the Duck. The Russos did make a point of telling us he was still alive .

Could this be the end for Captain America?

Well, Endgame looks to conclude Chris Evans run as Captain America, anyway, with the actor tweeting out a benediction that certainly sounded like a farewell.

Officially wrapped on Avengers 4. It was an emotional day to say the least. Playing this role over the last 8 years has been an honor. To everyone in front of the camera, behind the camera, and in the audience, thank you for the memories! Eternally grateful. - Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) October 4, 2018

Plus, the way Cap looks at that photo of Peggy Carter (Haley Atwell) in the trailer-just like he did in the first Captain America, right before going down with the ship-suggests hes about to make a similar sacrifice. That said, Evans was quick to backpedal, saying he would have tweeted the exact same thing even if it werent his final appearance as Steve Rogers. Meanwhile, Joe Russo has insisted, " He's not done yet . I won't explain what that means but fans will soon understand what I'm talking about.

But Tony Stark is really done, right?

After Avengers: Endgame, Evans, Johansson, and Downey will have all reached the ends of their contracts-and for Downey, Endgame marks the end of the renegotiated deal that kept him around beyond Marvels usual six-film agreement. He hasnt said anything concrete about leaving, really, other than his usual worries about wanting to hang up my jersey before its embarrassing . But with Endgame bringing a close to the era that his Iron Man kicked off, it seems like a reasonable time for the 53-year-old to bow out gracefully and maybe let someone else take on the armor. Still, that doesnt rule out Tony returning occasionally, even as a civilian, to offer sarcastic support to the next generation.

So what does the future of Marvel look like?

Endgame marks the finale of Marvels Phase Three, clearing the deck for the new characters, storylines, and stars of Phase Four-a cycle that kicks off immediately with Spider-Man: Far From Home on July 5. Supposedly picking up mere minutes after the conclusion of Endgame (and featuring Jon Favreaus Iron Man character Happy Hogan-though notably, not Iron Man himself), its expected to set the stage for that next wave of movies, along with Marchs Captain Marvel. But that doesnt mean were entirely done with the old guard. Sequels to Doctor Strange , Black Panther , and Guardians Of The Galaxy are all in some stage of development; a standalone Black Widow movie is already in the works; and Hemsworth has said of potential Thor sequels, We're going to keep trying to crank them out for you if you let us. Theres also the real likelihood of the X-Men, Deadpool, and Fantastic Four being folded into the MCU over the next few years, thanks to the impending merger of Disney and Fox , and Marvel has already set Chloe Zao to helm a film that will introduce The Eternals , a group of cosmic near-immortals that promises to expand the universe to even more metaphysical realms. Suffice it to say, theres still plenty material to be mined for decades to come.

Can we at least expect a happy ending this time?

Cowriter Stephen McFeely has said that Endgame will be more different to Infinity War than fans are anticipating, teasing that they " almost seem to belong to two different genres . But if you were hoping that genre was a little more light bedroom farce, youre probably out of luck: Hemsworth has said its even more shocking , while Elizabeth Olsen-whose Scarlet Witch had to kill her own boyfriend, then watch him get resurrected just so Thanos could crush his head, then disintegrated herself-has warned that things are somehow "only going to get worse." Nevertheless, cowriter Christopher Markus suggests that, no matter how they might try to destroy you this time, at least youll enjoy the ride: We broke your heart. Now we're going to blow your mind.