Marvel’s *Avengers: Endgame* gave fans one of the most emotional finales in cinematic history, but it turns out the ending could have been even darker. According to reports, Marvel Studios president **Kevin Feige** originally wanted **every Avenger to die** in the climactic battle against Thanos. However, directors **Joe and Anthony Russo** pushed back, believing the idea was simply too “aggressive” for audiences to handle.
## The Original Vision
Feige’s early pitch reportedly involved *Endgame* being the ultimate sacrifice for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Every original Avenger—Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye—would perish in the fight, cementing the Infinity Saga as a tragic but definitive ending. The idea was bold, but it also risked leaving Marvel fans shattered beyond repair.
## The Russo Brothers’ Perspective
The Russos argued that killing off all the heroes at once would be overwhelming, both narratively and emotionally. Losing every Avenger in a single film, they believed, would prevent audiences from processing the weight of each death. Instead, they crafted a story that focused on **individual sacrifices**, giving Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff heroic send-offs while allowing other characters like Steve Rogers to find closure in different ways.
In their eyes, it wasn’t about killing heroes—it was about honoring them.
## Why the Change Worked
Looking back, the Russos’ decision seems wise. By letting certain Avengers live on, Marvel ensured that the MCU had a future while still delivering emotional impact. Iron Man’s sacrifice, Captain America’s retirement, and Black Widow’s death struck powerful chords because they were given space to breathe. If every Avenger had fallen in one swoop, those moments might have lost their resonance.
## What Fans Think
While some fans wonder what an *Endgame* where every Avenger died would have looked like, most agree the balance struck was perfect. It allowed for heartbreak, catharsis, and hope—all in the same film. Plus, it left the door open for future stories in the multiverse, including the possibility of alternate versions of beloved heroes returning down the line.
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🔥 **Bottom line:** Kevin Feige wanted *Endgame* to end with the deaths of all the Avengers, but the Russos pushed for a more nuanced conclusion. By avoiding an “all-out tragedy,” Marvel delivered a finale that was heartbreaking yet hopeful—one that fans are still talking about years later.
Kevin Feige Wanted Every Avenger to Die in *Endgame*—But the Russos Said No
