Hello CBMers!!!
"smaller. More personal. More painful. By being the next thing that should happen to these characters, and not just a rehash of what seemed to work the first time. By having a theme that is completely fresh and organic to itself."
- Joss Whedon
As details towards the Avengers sequel begin to appear, so now can the speculations start. It is true this film will increase the roster, how much so remains to be seen. Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Vision are confirmed with Ms. Marvel being strongly rumored to appear as well. Not to mention the other heroes that have appeared in the characters individual outings; War Machine and Falcon. It certainly feels like the roster may be growing to large. How can they counteract this and keep the film "painful" and "not just a rehash of what seemed to work the first time"? Most likely, a major character death or the death of an Avenger. Who is most likely to meet their final end however?
Candidate #3 - Black Widow
She seems to make a lot of sense, as her death would carry a large impact amongst the characters. She was introduced through Iron Man, maintained a strong relationship with SHIELD; in particular Hawkeye, and looks to further that into a relationship with Captain America. These characters investment with Black Widow, show her death would carry a wide effect. Plus the MCU likes the audience to sympathize with Captain America the most, his losses are the greatest. To begin he lost everyone he ever knew including his first love interest, then his biggest fan met his end inspiring the team, and it seems Black Widow's death would fit alongside this. Also, Scarlet Johansson recently spoke of the scripts greatness, perhaps she sees the potential her character's death holds.
Candidate #2 - Hawkeye
It looks as if Hawkeye is receiving the least development in Phase 2 amongst the original Avengers members. Already his character has been used to similar effect, playing the "traitor"-type role in Avengers. As well, his death carried out a major impact in the comic books recently. It almost just seems rather fitting, because not many would consider Hawkeye that important or popular.
Candidate #1 - Iron Man
This death would be the the biggest in terms of emotional impact. He is the only character of the original to have his own trilogy of solo films. In fact two of the characters will most certainly survive to carry on their solo franchises, those of Captain America and Thor. It seems like Tony Stark's story arc as Iron Man is complete, he removed the chest piece and destroyed most of his suits. Plus he has a replacement already in place in the form of Iron Patriot. I think it's going to take his creation, Ultron, to force him back into action. Ultron's greatest motivation could be Tony Stark. Killing Tony would raise his level of threat and the stakes for the other Avengers. Or Tony could make the ultimate sacrifice in order to stop his out of control creation. Robert Downey Jr hasn't committed to carry on the Iron Man title, in solo efforts at least. This may give Marvel a chance to go a new direction with Iron Man.
What do you guys think? Will we see the death of an Avenger, and who do you think is in the most trouble?
About The Author:
Big comic book fan. Obviously enjoy the era of CBMs we're getting. I contribute reviews, my Top Fours editorials, and a handful of comedic fan fics, such as Supermax and Watchtower Tales.