Everyone all but knows that there will be more than a few deaths in Avengers: Endgame. But who? Here are the 15 Marvel characters most likely to die.
It didn’t take long for people around the world to get excited about Avengers: Endgame The first trailer broke viewing records with 289 million views in 24 hours (Second place being held by another Marvel Cinematic Universe movie Avengers: Infinity War).
People were commenting about everything from the opening where we saw Tony Stark floating in space on the verge of death floating in space to the trailer weirdly ending with Scott Lang appearing instead of Captain Marvel or maybe the Hulk (There’s a theory on the Hulk that will be explained later). One of the topics that’s been on everyone’s mind since Avengers: Infinity War ended was who was going to die in the next Avengers movie.
If we’re being honest about things, someone always dies in the Avengers movies. Even if they eventually come back (like Phil Coulson and Nick Fury). Plus, as we’ve seen in comic books, no one ever really stays dead.
With all of the death and people turning into dust in Avengers: Infinity War, it’s easy to assume that there will more deaths coming in Avengers: Endgame. What follows is a list of characters that could die in Avengers: Endgame ranked from least possible to most likely.
15. Howard the Duck
This was not the first name you were expecting was it? Howard the Duck isn’t one of the more popular characters in the Marvel Universe. He’s had a few ongoing runs here and there and a cameo in each of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Let’s also not forget his 1986 movie.
He’s become more of a joke character than someone to be taken seriously. When he pops on screen, comic book fans laugh while other people go, “Who is that and why is everyone laughing?”
Why and how?
Howard the Duck made a couple of appearances and they were both funny. Time to put that joke to rest before it gets old. Howard the Duck will be in Avengers: Endgame for a total of about 30 seconds before he’s killed. He may have a line or two talking to Thanos before he’s punched into another galaxy.
It also wouldn’t be shocking if he’s just part of a pile of bodies dead bodies to add for a dramatic affect. His death will serve as more of a sad moment and a joke instead of something to be taken serious. Regardless, this will be the last time you see Howard the Duck unless it’s in a memorial picture in a wall.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame : 90%
There’s also a 90% chance he won’t be in the movie.
14. Grandmaster
The Grandmaster is a jerk. From the minute we see who he is the audience recognized that he is a narcissistic ruler who’d rather run death matches rather than feed his people. He watched as Thor was about to beat the Hulk and gain his freedom so he electrocuted Thor so he would fight for him another day.
Before all of that, he killed his cousin (via electrocution and then melting) after he said, “You’re officially pardoned…from life.” In the post credit scene he’s with some of the scavengers of his homeworld and they look like they’re going to kill him. It’s doubtful he was killed. Especially since he’s one of the most powerful beings in the comics.
Why and how?
Grandmaster is probably upset that 50% of his audience and subjects were turned to dust. There’s no way Grandmaster will be part of the final assault on Thanos with the Avengers in Avengers: Endgame. He’s not a team player on any level. He will probably attack from a distance or use his military. However, Grandmaster is a coward.
Him trying to attack far away in an attempt to catch him off guard during the final fight is possible. Thanos will realize this and kill him. No tears will be shed when he dies. In fact, the audience will probably cheer. Fun character, but he’s a terrible being.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 85%
13. Romanda
Romanda is now most likely the acting ruler of Wakanda. T’Challa was turned to dust after the Thanos snap and we don’t know what’s going on with Shuri. That leaves Romanda in charge of the African nation.
While Romanda may not be an irrational person, all of that may go out of the window since someone killed her son and millions of Wakandans. I fully expect her to mount some kind of attack on the Mad Titan. If she doesn’t do it on her own, you better believe she’ll be more than happy to join the Avengers and attack the man who killed her son.
Why and how?
This will be one of the many deaths that will pull on the heart-strings of the audience in Avengers: Endgame. Not only is she one of the many strong women of Wakanda, she’s played by one of the beloved actresses in Hollywood (Angela Bassett). Also, killing Romanda adds a new story to the Black Panther sequel.
T’Challa will eventually have to start doing more on his own and killing her will force him to rely on himself more than he did in the first movie. There’s also the storyline of how he’d grieve first losing his father and then his mother.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 80%
12. The Hulk
Bruce Banner was the Hulk for all of 60 seconds in Avengers: Infinity War. After that, he was Bruce Banner helping out in the lab with Suri (helping used loosely) and in the Hulkbuster armor fighting Thanos’ horde of minions. There have been a few posters floating online showing Hulk in a different costume and he’s dressed and smiling like he’s the Hulk with Bruce Banner’s brain.
While there’s no reason we won’t see the Hulk in this movie, they did fool us with the previews with him running with the other Avengers in the Avengers: Infinity War Trailer.
Why and how?
As much as I’m a fan of Mark Ruffalo and this portrayal of the Hulk, it’s time for him to go. Especially with Captain Marvel coming on the scene. Marvel wants to make her the strongest there is and since that claim is designated for the Hulk (since he says it all the time) that can’t happen with him around.
It’s not Bruce Banner who’s getting killed off, it’s the Hulk. Not the character itself, we are switching to Bruce banner controlling the Hulk. We will see one more appearance of the Hulk as we know him and that’s all she wrote. It’s doubtful this is a permanent thing, but he will “die” in Avengers: Endgame.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 75%
11. Wong
Wong was there from the beginning of Dr. Stephen Strange’s training as a sorcerer. If not for him, Strange wouldn’t have become the Sorcerer Supreme. It’s a shame we didn’t get to see what other tricks Wong showed him in between the first Doctor Strange movie and Thor: Ragnarok.
During Avengers: Infinity War, we saw Wong return to the Sanctum Sanctorum after Doctor Strange was captured by Ebony Maw. With another Doctor Strange movie coming up in the future, we may not get the return of Wong.
Why and how?
Wong was one of the underrated characters the first Doctor Strange movie. He had moments that were flat-out hilarious like when he was listening to Beyoncé and when he busted out laughing after Doctor Strange beat Dormammu.
Wong will join the Avengers in beating Thanos. He will feel like it’s his obligation after Doctor Strange was dusted. This is not a fight he will survive. Wong is going to be one of the first casualties in Avengers: Endgame. He’s a capable fighter and sorcerer, but he’s no match for Thanos. Plus, if the plan Doctor Strange saw was going to save the day, he wouldn’t be sad knowing the world would be saved. He probably saw the death of his friend and those were where those tears came from.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 75%
10. Scott Lang…kind of
People look at Scott Lang and wondered how he was going to be part of Avengers: Endgame. He’s not that powerful, he’s not a great fighter, and he can only stay in Giant Man mode for a limited amount of time. What is Scott Lang going to do against a man who beat the snot out of Thor and the Hulk? Absolutely nothing.
Here’s the part that will blow your mind. It isn’t Scott Lang that will be dying in Avengers: Endgame. The person you saw at the end of the first trailer is a Skrull!
Why and how?
When we last saw Scott Lang, it was in the credits of Ant-Man and The Wasp and he was stuck in the Phantom Zone. Scott may be a capable thief and escape artist, but this isn’t like breaking out of a building. He was stuck in a place that hasn’t been thoroughly explored and the only people who know he’s there were all turned into dust.
If the Skrulls have officially infiltrated Earth after Captain Marvel, Scott would be the perfect person to replace. Especially since no one knows he’s gone. If Scott’s appearance at the end of the first trailer was supposed to be the big reveal, there has to be a twist. Him being a Skrull would reveal that the Skrulls are working on invading and sets up for phase 4 of the MCU. Once he’s killed, the Skrull will turn from Scott Lang back to it’s alien form.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 70%
9. Pepper Potts
Pepper Potts has been part of the MCU since the beginning in the first Iron Man movie. People may not think she’s been influential to the MCU, but let’s look at what she’s done.
Pepper is Tony Stark’s rock. No matter what goes on, she’s always been there for him and continued to be honest with him. Something he desperately needs. There are theories that she’s going to be the one who saves Tony Stark from space. This makes sense, but this will also be her demise.
Why and how?
There have been rumors that Pepper Potts will put on one of Tony Stark’s Iron Man armors, go to space, and save her fiancé. There’s no way this ends well for her.
First off, Pepper isn’t experienced with the Iron Man armor. Her heart may be in the right place, but she’s going to make mistakes. Stark is versed in using it and even he messes up. The main reason she dies is for the emotions of seeing her killed. Not just her dying, but how Tony will react to seeing his future wife flying off into space so he can save the world. This will get Tony nice and riled up to take out Thanos.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 50%
8. Clint Barton
If you haven’t seen the Avengers: Endgame trailer or haven’t seen the multiple reports, Clint Barton won’t be entering the movie as Hawkeye. Those days are over.
Clint Barton is now Ronin. Something happened to make him leave his Hawkeye persona behind and trade in his bow and arrows for a sword. Clint’s family is probably the cause. They are the most important thing in his life. If they were among the people turned to dust, this could easily have Clint go over the deep end. Or maybe an incident caused by the snap. Either way, Ronin is here.
Why and how?
As much as the fans like Clint, he’s not a major part of the MCU. If he dies, it’ll be sad, but not a major loss. Especially since Kate Bishop could be his replacement.
Clint is normally calm and cool, but if he made a drastic change to start killing people again, then he’s become irrational. Look for him to ignore the plan Cap and Stark put together and attack Thanos head on the minute he sees him. It’s one thing to attack Thanos from a distance with arrows.
With Clint’s skill, he may get a few good shots in. Going at him in a fit of rage will get him killed. He may just want to be with his family and look at this as a suicide mission.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 40%
7. Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff has gotten more important as the movies have progressed. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, she sacrificed love and brought the Hulk in to help save the day. In Captain America: Winter Soldier she helped Cap uncover the Hydra infestation in S.H.I.E.L.D. Lastly, in Captain America: Civil War she’s the reason Cap and Bucky escaped to clear Bucky’s name.
Despite not having any powers, she’s always been a major part of the Avengers. There’s no reason for Natasha to not be an important factor in defeating Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.
Why her?
The reports have been that Black Widow’s solo film may be a prequel 15 years prior. Going back so far in the past means that Black Widow will be around for a while. This also a dark omen for Black Widow.
If she dies, it doesn’t mean that her story is over. It just means that she isn’t in the plans for phase 4 while keeping her around. It looks like Captain Marvel will be leading the Avengers in the future. As important as Widow has been in the past, she doesn’t seem to fit the new team. The MCU might be trying to get rid of all the original Avengers to make way for new blood. Less military and more super-powered heroes.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 35%
6. Korg
We all loved Korg. He was just so friendly. He looked like a character from The Neverending Story and talked with such a calming tone. Korg was hilarious in Thor: Ragnarok, but was also a fighter. So it wasn’t like he was useless. Especially if he survived so long as a gladiator.
If he wasn’t, Grandmaster would have made sure he died or killed him himself. Korg managed to get away with the rest of the Asgardians and it looks like he wasn’t among the half of the people Thanos killed. If so, he will be around for the final fight.
Why and how?
There isn’t a person who saw Thor: Ragnarok and wasn’t shocked that he survived. He was a fighter, but he was fighting Hela and her undead army. He got lucky once and survived that. It won’t happen again.
Thanos’ army are is willing to kill themselves to get to their target. Korg is going to freak out when he sees this. When he dies, it’s going to be a dramatic slow motion scene and he’ll probably get ripped in half. It won’t be shocking if he dies trying to save his best friend Miek. There’s also no real future for Korg other than being a comic relief and there are a plethora of characters that can fit that role.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 25%
5. Nebuala
Nebula is a very underappreciated character. In each movie she was in (Guardians of the Galaxy movies and Avengers: Infinity War) she had a standout performance whether it was being the villain, coming to terms with her feelings for her sister Gamora, or helping Stark and company against Thanos.
In Avengers: Endgame, there’s no reason to think that this will change. If anything, she will be the one to tell the Avengers Thanos’ weak spot since Gamora won’t be around to help them. Don’t be shocked if she tries to use the Gauntlet and sets the universe back herself.
Why and how?
If Nebula does in fact use the Infinity Gauntlet, she is going to die. Unlike in the comic books (Infinity Gauntlet) it’s doubtful that Nebula has the physical strength to wield the Infinity Gauntlet and use the stones. It takes a certain kind of person to use it and Nebula doesn’t have the physical strength or the genetics to wield it.
She will more than likely die trying to be the hero. Her sacrifice won’t go unnoticed by the Avengers at the end of the movie. Look for her death to be very violent and painful. Especially if it’s Thanos that gets her and not from the Gauntlet.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 20%
4. Thor
Thor is one of the big three Avengers and one of the first to have his own movie in the MCU. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor helped create a weapon that rivaled a blast from the Infinity Gauntlet. He even had an opportunity to beat the Mad Titan. But, as Thanos mentioned, he should’ve gone for the head. Thor let his emotions and the need for revenge get in the way of his goal.
Why and how?
He’s had his powers stripped from him, lost all of his Asgardian friends and family, and caused the destruction of his home-world. The only thing left for him is death. Here’s the kicker, Thor will die, but he will return at some point.
In the comic books, death is just another part of life for Thor. He’s died on more than a few occasions and come back. There’s no reason to believe that this wouldn’t be the case in the movie. Also, the key to beating Thor might lie in Valhalla. In order to get there, Thor will have to die.
Hopefully this won’t be the end for Chris Hemsworth as Thor. The chemistry and jokes between him and Captain Marvel could be gold. It would also be great to see him in the Guardians of the Galaxy project. If Thor stays dead, this is a great opportunity to bring in the female Thor. Instead of Jane Foster, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) should get the nod to play the new God of Thunder.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 15%
3. Steve Rogers
Captain America movies have been the most consistent. Tony Stark may be cool Uncle Tony, but Steve Rogers is the glue that holds the Avengers together. He’s their leader and the person everyone will always listen to. He’s also had moments that show he has more in store than we think.
A key example was him holding Thanos’ hand from crushing him at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. Even Thanos was shocked that a mere mortal could test him.
Why and how?
Everyone thought for certain Captain America was going to die in Avengers: Infinity War. It’s safe to say that the same assumption can be made for Avengers: Endgame. This time, it will actually happen, but not in the way you may think.
In the comic books, Captain America was shot and killed (Death of Captain America). While everyone mourned his death, Steve Rogers’ consciousness was alive and lost in the time-stream. Technically, he wasn’t dead. This is what will happen in Avenger: Endgame. One of the gems in the Infinity Stone is the Soul Stone. In the comics, the stone has held the consciousness of people. Steve Rogers (and my next pick) will both sacrifice their lives in order to save the universe.
However, as Joe Russo told the Associated Press, “he (Chris Evans) isn’t done yet.”
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame:10%
2. Tony Stark
We’ve been saying it for a while, but this is the last time we will see Tony Stark alive in the MCU. It was a fun ride and we have him to thank for the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If not for his success in Iron Man and his continued performances in all of the Avengers movies, the franchise wouldn’t be as popular.
He’s progressed as a character going from the irresponsible alcoholic to a mentor to Peter Parker. Tony’s been the face of the franchise and it’s time for him to pass the torch to someone else. He will be missed.
Why and how?
There’s no way Tony Stark doesn’t go out in a blaze of glory. Especially if and when Pepper Potts dies saving him. The good news is Tony Stark’s legacy will probably live on.
Late in the summer, there was rumor that Riri Williams could be the replacement for Tony Stark. If things progress like they did in the comics, then Tony Stark will be her mentor but he will be artificial intelligence. A great way to keep Tony Stark around while making room for new characters. Especially if Tony is making funny remarks to Riri Williams as she’s learning the ropes. And someone has to teach her. Rhody can only teach her so much since she’s much smarter than he is.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 5%
1. Thanos
And the number one spot goes to the man who started all of this to begin with. The Mad Titan Thanos is one of the few villains who set out to do something and actually succeeded.
Thanos wanted to rid the universe of half its population and the entirety of the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Wakandan military couldn’t stop him. Even an axe to the chest wasn’t enough to stop him from snapping his fingers and turning half the universe into dust. He’s easily one of the greatest villains in comic book movie history.
Why and how?
This will all come down to Thanos being killed and most likely by Captain America and Iron Man helping Captain Marvel getting the final blow.
Marvel has a habit of killing all of their villains. Thanos is going to be another death in a long line. Red Skull, Obadiah Stane, and even Kilgrave and Cottonmouth in the Netflix shows weren’t exempt from this.
There’s no prison in the universe that can hold him and Thanos would rather die than be in chains. How he dies is still up in the air, but if the track record is any indication, Thanos will die and the audience will be upset.
Hopefully he will be back in some way. Especially if Marvel goes with his obsession with death like in the comic books.
Chance of survival in Avengers: Endgame: 1%
And there you have it, our look at the 15 Marvel character most likely to die in Avengers: Endgame. Which Marvel characters do you fear won’t make it out of Avengers: Endgame alive? Keep the conversation going in the comments section below.