Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Avengers: Endgame is a superhero film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and produced by Marvel Studios. It is the direct sequel to Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and the culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) storylines developed over 22 films. The film deals with the aftermath of Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) devastating snap, which wiped out half of all life in the universe.

The Aftermath of the Snap

The film begins with the immediate aftermath of the snap, showing the impact on the remaining Avengers and the world at large. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) are stranded in space but are rescued by Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). They return to Earth and regroup with the remaining Avengers: Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle).

The Plan to Reverse the Snap

The Avengers locate Thanos, who has destroyed the Infinity Stones to prevent further use. Thor beheads Thanos in a fit of rage. Five years later, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) escapes from the quantum realm and proposes a plan to travel back in time to collect the Infinity Stones before Thanos can use them.

Time Heist

The Avengers split into teams to retrieve the stones from different points in time:

• New York, 2012: Tony, Steve, Bruce, and Scott retrieve the Mind, Space, and Time Stones.
• Asgard, 2013: Thor and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) retrieve the Reality Stone.
• Morag and Vormir, 2014: Nebula and Rhodey retrieve the Power Stone, while Natasha and Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) retrieve the Soul Stone. Natasha sacrifices herself so Clint can obtain the Soul Stone.

The Final Battle

With the stones collected, Bruce uses them to reverse the snap. However, Thanos from 2014 learns of their plan and travels to the present. A massive battle ensues between Thanos’ forces and the Avengers, who are joined by the revived heroes and their allies. Tony ultimately sacrifices himself by using the stones to disintegrate Thanos and his army, saving the universe but dying in the process.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The film concludes with Tony’s funeral, attended by all the major characters. Thor appoints Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) as the new ruler of New Asgard and joins the Guardians of the Galaxy. Steve returns the stones to their original timelines and chooses to stay in the past to live a full life with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). An elderly Steve passes his shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), naming him the new Captain America.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a bittersweet note, with the Avengers mourning the loss of Tony Stark while also celebrating the successful reversal of the snap. Steve Rogers’ decision to pass on the mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson symbolizes the continuation of the Avengers’ legacy.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Avengers: Endgame, but there is an audio cue of Tony Stark hammering on his first suit of armor, serving as a tribute to the character and the journey of the MCU.

Type of Movie

Avengers: Endgame is a superhero film that blends elements of action, adventure, drama, and science fiction. It serves as both a conclusion and a celebration of the MCU’s first three phases.

Cast

• Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man
• Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America
• Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk
• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
• Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
• Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton / Hawkeye
• Don Cheadle as James Rhodes / War Machine
• Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man
• Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
• Karen Gillan as Nebula
• Danai Gurira as Okoye
• Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange
• Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
• Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa / Black Panther
• Zoe Saldana as Gamora

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Alan Silvestri, who also scored The Avengers (2012) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). The music underscores the film’s emotional and epic moments, with the track “Portals” becoming particularly iconic.

Filming Locations

Avengers: Endgame was filmed in various locations, including:

• Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayette County, Georgia.
• New York City for certain exterior shots.
• Tokyo, Japan for specific scenes involving Hawkeye.

Awards and Nominations

Avengers: Endgame received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Visual Effects.
• Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Won Best Action Movie and Best Visual Effects.
• MTV Movie & TV Awards: Won Best Movie and Best Hero (Robert Downey Jr.).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film’s production involved extensive use of CGI and motion capture technology to create the complex battle scenes and various character transformations.
• The Russo brothers managed a massive ensemble cast, coordinating the schedules and performances of some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
• The script was kept highly confidential, with many actors only receiving their lines for the day to prevent leaks.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from numerous Marvel Comics storylines, including “The Infinity Gauntlet” and “Avengers: Disassembled.” It also references moments from previous MCU films, creating a cohesive and nostalgic narrative.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several scenes were deleted for pacing and narrative reasons, some of which are available in special editions and DVD releases. These include extended character interactions and additional action sequences.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film has been adapted into various books and graphic novels that expand on the story and characters. These adaptations offer additional insights and perspectives on the events of the film.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Tony Stark and Nebula being rescued by Captain Marvel.
• The time heist, where the Avengers revisit key moments from past films.
• The final battle against Thanos, featuring the iconic moment when all the revived heroes return.
• Tony Stark’s sacrificial snap and his final words, “I am Iron Man.”
• Steve Rogers’ return of the stones and his decision to stay in the past with Peggy Carter.

Iconic Quotes

• “I love you 3000.” – Tony Stark and his daughter, Morgan
• “Whatever it takes.” – The Avengers’ mantra for their mission
• “On your left.” – Sam Wilson to Steve Rogers during the final battle
• “Avengers, assemble!” – Captain America

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes numerous references to previous MCU films, such as callbacks to key moments and lines.
• The inclusion of Joe Russo, one of the directors, in a cameo role as a grieving man in a support group.
• The scene where Captain America lifts Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer, pays off a long-standing tease from Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was around $356 million, and it grossed over $2.798 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of all time (until it was surpassed by Avatar in some markets).
• The film was shot back-to-back with Avengers: Infinity War to maintain continuity and manage the large ensemble cast’s schedules.
• The climactic battle scene involved almost every main character from the previous 21 films in the MCU.

Why Watch?

Avengers: Endgame is a monumental film that serves as the culmination of over a decade of storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its blend of action, emotion, and epic scale, combined with strong performances and a satisfying conclusion, makes it essential viewing for fans of superhero films and the MCU.

Director’s Other Movies

Anthony and Joe Russo also directed:

• Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
• Captain America: Civil War (2016)
• Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
• Cherry (2021)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
• Captain America: Civil War (2016)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
• Black Panther (2018)

Avengers: Endgame is a monumental achievement in filmmaking. It delivers a rich and engaging story that captivates audiences and sets the standard for superhero movies. Its legacy and impact on the MCU and the film industry highlight its significance as a cultural phenomenon.