Marvel: We asked AI to write 10 alternate endings to Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame

We all know how Marvel’s Infinity Saga ended, but what if it had ended differently? We asked AI to write 10 alternate endings to Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame to see how one choice could have changed the MCU’s direction! 

"“Time. Space. Reality. It’s more than a linear path. It’s a prism of endless possibility. Where a single choice can branch out into infinite realities, creating alternate worlds from the ones you know. Each a reflection of what could have been. Some heroes will rise, others will fall. And nothing will be the same. I am the Watcher. I am your guide through these vast new realities. Follow me and dare to face the unknown, and ponder the question… What if?”"

This is the question The Watcher poses at the beginning of each episode of Marvel’s What If…? series which takes iconic moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and explores how one simple event can change the entire course of history. The end result is some amazing spins on moments Marvel fans know like the back of their hand, leading to some truly unforgettable alternative universes.

Across the show’s first season, we got to see what could have been if Peggy Carter took the Super-Soldier Serum, what would have been if Ultron has won, an alternate world where T’Challa had become Star-Lord, and many more amazing adventures.

There’s no telling where season 2 might take fans or what stories Marvel might explore in the next season, but why should we have to wait until season 2’s arrival for more alternate endings to the MCU’s biggest moments?

With the power of ChatGPT’s AI, we asked AI to write 10 alternate endings to various moments from the Infinity Saga. The end result was 10 incredible stories in which AI envisions how different things could have been had the events of the MCU’s Infinity Saga unfolded differently than they played out in the MCU movies.

From what could have been had Thor gone for the head to exploring how the battle against Thanos could have gone had the X-Men and Fantastic Four been present, here are 10 alternate endings to the Infinity Saga as explored through the power of AI in looking at how things could have gone differently in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame if one little tweak was made to the narrative.

What if Thanos had never found the Soul Stone?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thanos never found the Soul Stone, which means he was unable to complete the Infinity Gauntlet and carry out his plan to eliminate half of all life in the universe.With Thanos defeated and his armies disbanded, the remaining heroes band together to rebuild the galaxy and bring back those who were lost. The Avengers, now led by a more seasoned and experienced team consisting of Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man, work tirelessly to restore the damage caused by Thanos and his forces.As they work, they encounter new threats and challenges, including powerful alien races and rogue factions of former Thanos loyalists. But with their collective strength and skill, they are able to overcome these obstacles and restore peace to the universe.Meanwhile, Tony Stark, having survived his encounter with Thanos, dedicates himself to creating new technologies to aid in the rebuilding process. His inventions revolutionized space travel, communication, and energy production, allowing for faster and more efficient means of rebuilding and improving the galaxy.With the threat of Thanos vanquished and the galaxy on the path to recovery, the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continue to protect and defend the universe from any and all threats, ensuring that the future is bright for all who call it home."

What if Tony Stark had survived the snap?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark survives the snap instead of sacrificing himself to defeat Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.After the snap, Tony returns to Earth with the rest of the Avengers, still processing the trauma of losing so many loved ones. Despite this, he remains committed to his work and continues to create new technology to improve the world and protect it from future threats.However, Tony’s survival comes at a cost. The snap has left him with severe injuries and health problems that continue to worsen over time. Despite the best efforts of his friends and fellow Avengers, his condition deteriorates rapidly, leaving him with limited time left to live.Knowing that his time is short, Tony dedicates himself to training and mentoring the next generation of heroes, passing on his knowledge and experience to ensure that they are prepared for whatever challenges may come their way. He works closely with his protégé Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and other young heroes, inspiring them to live up to their potential and fight for what is right.In his final act of heroism, Tony uses his technological prowess to create a lasting legacy for himself and his fellow Avengers. He develops a new form of A.I. that can help protect the world in his absence, ensuring that his legacy lives on long after he is gone.As Tony passes away, the world mourns the loss of one of its greatest heroes. But his impact is felt for generations to come, as the next generation of heroes continue to fight for justice and honor Tony’s memory in all that they do."

What if Loki had fought alongside the Avengers against Thanos?

"In an unexpected twist in Marvel’s Infinity Saga, Loki, the God of Mischief, chose to join forces with the Avengers in their epic battle against Thanos. At a critical moment when the fate of the universe hung in the balance, Loki’s cunning intellect and shape-shifting abilities proved invaluable.As the Avengers faced insurmountable odds, Loki used his talents to infiltrate Thanos’ inner circle, posing as a loyal ally. He sowed discord among the Mad Titan’s forces, creating confusion and distrust. Loki’s deceitful tactics kept Thanos off balance, allowing the Avengers to mount a more coordinated and effective defense.During the climactic showdown on Titan, Loki confronted his adopted brother Thor, briefly rekindling their sibling rivalry. However, their shared determination to save the universe ultimately prevailed, and they joined forces against Thanos. Together, they combined their powers in a dazzling display of Asgardian might.In the end, it was Loki’s clever plan that finally outwitted Thanos, preventing him from acquiring all the Infinity Stones. With the combined might of the Avengers, Loki, and Thor, they defeated the Mad Titan and saved the universe from destruction. Loki, having found a new sense of purpose, chose to stay with the Avengers, embarking on a path of redemption and heroism."

What if Captain America had chosen to stay in the past and live a full life with Peggy Carter?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America chooses to stay in the past and live a full life with Peggy Carter.After returning the Infinity Stones to their proper places in time, Steve Rogers decides to stay in the past and live out the life he never had with Peggy. He knows that this means he will be altering the course of history, but he is willing to take that risk in order to be with the woman he loves.Steve and Peggy settle down in the 1940s, with Steve living out the rest of his days as a civilian. He keeps a low profile, never revealing his true identity or involvement in world events, but still finds fulfillment in his new life. Peggy, meanwhile, continues her work with the Strategic Scientific Reserve, eventually rising through the ranks to become its director.Despite the challenges of living in a different time period, Steve and Peggy find happiness together. They get married, start a family, and build a life together filled with love and companionship. Steve realizes that the life he was able to live with Peggy is worth more than any superheroics he could have performed in the present.As Steve reaches the end of his life, he passes on the mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson, knowing that he will carry on his legacy and protect the world in his absence. Steve dies peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, content in the knowledge that he lived a life well-lived.In the present day, Sam Wilson takes up the shield and continues to fight for justice and freedom, inspired by the legacy of Captain America and the sacrifices that Steve Rogers made for the greater good. Peggy Carter’s legacy also lives on, with her contributions to the SSR and her pioneering work as a female agent serving as a source of inspiration for generations of young women in the intelligence community."

What if Thor went for the head?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor goes for the head and kills Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.After the Avengers and their allies fail to stop Thanos from obtaining all the Infinity Stones, he snaps his fingers and wipes out half of all life in the universe. Thor, filled with anger and grief over the loss of his people and his brother, takes matters into his own hands.Instead of aiming for Thanos’ chest like he did in the film, Thor aims for his head with Stormbreaker. The axe slices through the Mad Titan’s neck, killing him instantly before he can snap his fingers and use the Infinity Gauntlet again.The Avengers and their allies are stunned by Thor’s decisive action, but they quickly realize that it has saved the universe from the devastation wrought by the Snap. However, the victory is bittersweet, as they are still left to deal with the aftermath of the decimation.As they regroup and plan their next moves, they mourn the loss of their fallen comrades and try to come to terms with the immense loss of life that they have witnessed. However, with Thanos gone, they are able to focus their efforts on restoring the universe to its former state.With the help of the surviving heroes and the newfound power of Stormbreaker, Thor leads the charge to reverse the Snap and bring back those who were lost. It’s a difficult and painful process, but they are ultimately successful, restoring the universe to a semblance of its former balance.In the aftermath of the battle, the Avengers and their allies go their separate ways, each grappling with the trauma and loss they have experienced. However, they remain united in their mission to protect the universe from future threats, knowing that they have the strength and determination to overcome any obstacle that comes their way."

What if Hawkeye had died instead of Black Widow?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hawkeye makes the ultimate sacrifice on Vormir instead of Black Widow.As Hawkeye and Black Widow journey to Vormir to obtain the Soul Stone, they both know that one of them will have to die in order to obtain it. However, instead of fighting each other to make the sacrifice, Hawkeye makes the decision to give his life for the greater good.Hawkeye believes that he has lived a life of regret and loss, and that his death will be a way to make amends and atone for his past mistakes. Black Widow, while initially resistant to the idea, ultimately accepts his sacrifice and allows him to jump off the cliff to obtain the Soul Stone.As Hawkeye falls, he experiences a sense of peace and closure, knowing that his sacrifice will help to save the universe from the threat of Thanos. His death also serves as a reminder to the other Avengers of the importance of selflessness and sacrifice in the fight for good.Black Widow is left to mourn the loss of her friend and comrade, but she also knows that his sacrifice was necessary for the greater good. She takes up the mantle of the Avengers’ leader and continues to fight against Thanos and his forces, ultimately playing a key role in the final battle against him in Avengers: Endgame.In the aftermath of the battle, the remaining Avengers and their allies gather to mourn the loss of Hawkeye and the other fallen heroes. However, they also celebrate their victory and the sacrifices that were made to achieve it.As the universe begins to heal from the trauma of the Snap and the battles that followed, the memory of Hawkeye’s sacrifice serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of courage, selflessness, and the willingness to give one’s life for the greater good."

What if Doctor Strange had not given up the Time Stone?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange chooses to keep the Time Stone and not give it up to save Tony Stark’s life in Avengers: Infinity War.As the battle against Thanos and his forces reaches its climax, Doctor Strange is faced with a difficult decision. In order to save Tony Stark’s life, he knows that he must give up the Time Stone, which is one of the last remaining Infinity Stones that the Avengers need to stop Thanos.However, Doctor Strange also knows that giving up the Time Stone could have catastrophic consequences for the universe. He sees millions of possible outcomes of the battle against Thanos, and only one in which the Avengers are victorious. In this outcome, he sees that he must give up the Time Stone to save Tony Stark’s life.But in this alternate ending, Doctor Strange decides that the cost of giving up the Time Stone is too great, and that he cannot risk the universe’s fate for one man’s life. He allows Tony to die in battle, knowing that his death may be necessary for the ultimate victory against Thanos.The Avengers are stunned by Doctor Strange’s decision, but they press on with the battle. Despite the loss of Tony, they are able to defeat Thanos and prevent him from snapping his fingers with the Infinity Gauntlet.In the aftermath of the battle, the Avengers mourn the loss of Tony Stark and grapple with the difficult decisions that they were forced to make in the face of overwhelming odds. However, they also take comfort in the knowledge that their sacrifice has saved the universe from certain doom.As the universe begins to heal from the trauma of the Snap and the battles that followed, the memory of Tony Stark’s sacrifice serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of courage, sacrifice, and the willingness to give one’s life for the greater good."

What if Star-Lord hadn’t let his anger ruin the Avengers’ plan?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Peter Quill does not mess up the plan to remove the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.As the Avengers and their allies attempt to remove the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos on his home planet of Titan, they work together seamlessly to subdue him and begin the process of removing the Gauntlet. Peter Quill, who in the original timeline became enraged after learning of Gamora’s death and disrupted the plan, remains calm and collected.The Avengers are able to remove the Gauntlet from Thanos’ hand without any issues, and they begin to strategize on how they will use the Stones to reverse the Snap and bring back their fallen allies.However, just as they are about to use the Stones, Thanos’ armies arrive on Titan and attack the Avengers. In the ensuing battle, the Avengers and their allies struggle to hold off Thanos’ forces and protect the Stones.Despite their efforts, Thanos is able to reclaim the Stones and reverse the Snap, causing the Avengers to lose once again.In the aftermath of the battle, the Avengers are left to contemplate what went wrong and how they can prevent a similar defeat in the future. They mourn the loss of their fallen allies and prepare for the inevitable showdown with Thanos in the future.Ultimately, the memory of their failure serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for the Avengers, driving them to train harder, work together better, and never give up hope in the face of overwhelming odds. They vow to continue the fight for justice and to never let their guard down, no matter what challenges lie ahead."

What if the X-Men and Fantastic Four had joined the fight against Thanos?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the X-Men and Fantastic Four join the fight against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.As the Avengers struggle to stop Thanos from completing his mission to obtain all of the Infinity Stones, they receive unexpected help from the X-Men and Fantastic Four, who arrive to lend their assistance in the fight.With the combined forces of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, the battle against Thanos becomes much more evenly matched. The X-Men use their powers to take on Thanos’ minions and protect the Stones, while the Fantastic Four provide support with their incredible abilities.Together, they are able to subdue Thanos and prevent him from snapping his fingers with the Infinity Gauntlet. In the aftermath of the battle, the X-Men and Fantastic Four join the Avengers in their quest to reverse the Snap and bring back their fallen allies.As they work together to collect the Stones and create a new Gauntlet, the X-Men and Fantastic Four provide valuable assistance with their unique abilities and expertise. The Avengers are impressed by their bravery and skill, and they begin to see the X-Men and Fantastic Four as allies rather than strangers.When the final battle against Thanos arrives in Avengers: Endgame, the X-Men and Fantastic Four once again join the fight, playing a crucial role in the ultimate victory against the Mad Titan. The Avengers and their new allies emerge victorious, and the universe is saved from certain destruction.In the aftermath of the battle, the X-Men and Fantastic Four continue to work alongside the Avengers to protect the universe and maintain peace. They become an integral part of the superhero community, and their presence is felt throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years to come."

What if the Snap had never happened in the MCU?

"In this alternate ending for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Snap never happens, and the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame play out differently.Without the looming threat of Thanos and the Infinity Stones, the Avengers are able to focus their efforts on smaller-scale threats and saving the world one crisis at a time. They continue to work together as a team, but without the intense pressure and sense of urgency that comes with the threat of the Snap.The relationships between the characters continue to develop, and they have more time to bond and build connections with one another. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers are able to put their differences aside and work together more effectively, while characters like Black Widow and Hawkeye have more time to shine and develop their own unique storylines.The absence of the Snap also means that many of the beloved characters who were lost in the original timeline are still alive, including Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. They continue to play a role in the ongoing adventures of the Avengers, and the team is able to work together more effectively with their combined strengths.While the Avengers still face challenges and obstacles, the absence of the Snap means that they are able to approach these challenges with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. They continue to protect the world from threats both big and small, and the MCU is filled with exciting new adventures and unexpected twists and turns.In the end, the Marvel Cinematic Universe becomes a more hopeful and optimistic place, with the Avengers standing strong and continuing to protect the world and all those who inhabit it."