Now in it’s tenth year, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has gone from strength to strength. This is in part due to the actors who breathe life into the characters they play, whether it be Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark or Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. However with many of the lead actors’ contracts ending after Avengers 4, it sounds as though a few of these characters may be breathing their last breaths in Avengers: Infinity War.
Whilst visiting the set of the upcoming film, SlashFilm asked directing duo, Joe and Anthony Russo whether we can expect to see any of the main characters shuffle off their mortal coil. When asked specifically if major characters will die, they responded with:
Anthony Russo: You asked for it.
Joe Russo: I’m sorry.
Naturally, the Captain America: Civil War directors were sure not to let any details slip, however Anthony did explain that the stakes needed to be raised.
“We’ll say this. We like mature storytelling. We like dramatic storytelling. We like intense storytelling. I think we appreciate conflict, and we appreciate stakes. And without stakes, there really isn’t a lot of value to the story. And I think if you look at the Marvel Universe as a whole as a story that’s been told for ten years, you can look at this as the climax. And the stakes will be higher in this movie than they’ve ever been, times ten.”
Well, we might need to be taking a packet of tissues to the theatres when the film hit’s theatres next month but of course, this is what can be expected when you go up against the Mad Titan, Thanos. The big question is, who will it be joining the bleedin’ choir invisible?
Based on the emphasis that the brothers have been putting on the fact that this will be seen as the climax of the previous eighteen films, it would seem that Iron Man would be the most likely candidate. Given that Downey Jr’s contract will be up soon – and he is currently the highest paid actor in the franchise by a long way, the studio may be looking to phase him out.
Similarly, the contracts of the both Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth are also set to expire soon, however the latter has revealed he would be interested in continuing in the role if the story is right. Evans on the other hand has in the past, discussed his desire to move on from the role of Captain America.
Another character who could soon be pushing up the daises would be Paul Bettany’s Vision, given how the character is currently in possession of the Mind Stone, something that Thanos and his Children look to be coming for in the upcoming film. Can’t imagine removing that will be an easy job.
Obviously, many of these actors are set to reprise their roles in Avengers 4, but with many of the set pictures hinting towards the scenes taking place in the past. There is a good chance that these are in fact flashback scenes. Although until the release of Avengers: Infinity War on April 26th, we can only speculate on who will become the Avenger whose metabolic processes will soon be history.
What do you think? Who do you think will be the Avenger who ceases to be? Do you think it’s all a bluff? Let us know below!