The Marvel Cinematic Universe has rarely matched the emotional climax of Avengers: Endgame, a film that concluded a decade-long narrative arc in a way that left fans in awe. But here's a surprising twist: the blueprint for this epic conclusion came from a source outside the MCU. Yes, you read that right—a non-MCU movie inspired the ending of one of the most successful films in the franchise!
Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019, marked the culmination of the Infinity Saga, a story spanning 23 films and over 10 years. The film's massive box office success was expected, but the challenge was delivering a satisfying conclusion to such a sprawling narrative. The movie had to juggle time travel, a massive battle involving numerous characters, and provide a fitting send-off to the original Avengers, all while keeping the audience invested.
The idea of permanently retiring superheroes was a bold move, especially within the MCU's interconnected universe. While Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises retired Batman, it was a standalone story with a finite timeline. But when it came to Tony Stark's arc in Endgame, Marvel's Kevin Feige drew inspiration from an unexpected source: Logan, the 2017 film starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.
In a Disney+ documentary, Feige revealed his admiration for Logan's ending, calling it one of the best conclusions for a fictional character. He aimed to replicate this success with Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark in Endgame, giving the iconic character a powerful and memorable farewell. Logan's impact was significant, as it demonstrated how to craft a compelling ending for a long-running superhero saga, treating its characters and world with depth and emotion.
But here's where it gets controversial: while Logan provided a definitive conclusion, Endgame left the door open for future stories. As the MCU prepares for another significant shift, will Feige draw from Logan's blueprint again? Or will he forge a new path? The influence of Logan on Endgame is undeniable, but the future of the MCU remains unwritten, leaving fans and critics alike eager to see what's next.
What do you think? Should the MCU continue to draw inspiration from non-MCU sources, or focus on creating original endings? Share your thoughts in the comments!
