Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe has changed the moviemaking climate, and managed to do what seemed impossible a decade ago: craft an interconnected cinematic universe using serialized storytelling. The MCU's Phase Three has been universally successful, with just one blockbuster left before Avengers 4 completes a narrative ten years in the making. Avengers 4 also marks the end to a handful of OG Avengers' contracts, including Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Hemsworth. While there's no telling what will happen to the characters in Avengers 4, Chris Evans seems particularly ready hang up his shield and step away from Captain America. He seemingly said goodbye to the role and thank the fans via social media, and now RDJ has responded. I hope you've got tissues ready.
I'm not crying, you're crying. Robert Downey Jr. posted his own tribute to longtime co-star Chris Evans, who recently wrapped his role on Avengers 4-- and possibly the MCU as a whole. Plus, who doesn't love Toy Story?
Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Tweet really hammers home how high the stakes are for Avengers 4. Infinity War's ending was an epic gut punch that no one expected, as Thanos' Josh Brolin succeeded in wiping out half the galaxy with the snap of his finger. The surviving heroes must somehow find a way to revive them, and smart money says that not everyone's going to make it out alive. And with so many Avengers have reached the ending to their contract, the opportunity to write them out comes with The Russo Brothers' upcoming movie.
Reshoots for Avengers 4 have been occurring over the past few months, with Mark Ruffalo recently revealing that the new footage was being cut to craft the film's ending. As such, The Russo Brothers can take actors' wishes into account when piecing together the movie's conclusion. So if another Thor movie or Black Widow's first solo flick end up green-lit, that might mean their respective characters will survive the conflict.
It should be interesting to see exactly how Captain America's story ends in the MCU. Fans have been anticipating his onscreen death, with some thinking it could have happened during his confrontation with Thanos in Infinity War. Cap ultimately survived the snap, but the hero has shown a willingness to put himself in great harm for the greater good. Steve Rogers' death could also have a ripple affect on the greater shared universe, and help move the other characters' stories forward in new and interesting ways.
Cap's fate will be revealed when Avengers 4 arrives in theaters on May 3rd, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan next year's trips to the movies.
