Did Kevin Feige Just Tease Iron Man’s Death In Avengers: Endgame?

We’re about to enter a new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the story of the first ten years coming to a close in Avengers: Endgame, the next generation of heroes will soon take over – starting with this March’s Captain Marvel, which will introduce Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers to audiences for the first time.

We’ve heard a lot about how the heroine will be a major new player in the MCU going forward, but the latest word from Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige suggests that she’ll become the poster girl of the franchise, replacing current favorites like Iron Man and Captain America. As you may’ve seen, a featurette for Captain Marvel leaked online this week and in it, Feige promises that Carol’s “about to take the lead and become the forefront of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

That sounds a lot like Tony Stark, who we all know as the current face of the franchise, isn’t going to be around after Endgame. Fans have long suspected that the fourth Avengers film would spell the end for either Iron Man or Cap, or perhaps both, so this would make a lot of sense. Avengers: Infinity War also seemed to position Tony at the end of his heroic arc, ready to lay down his life to protect the universe from Thanos.

We also just had it confirmed that Robert Downey Jr.’s Marvel contract ends after Endgame, much like Chris Evans. Not so long ago, we were sure the Sentinel of Liberty was going to be the one to meet his maker, but recently, the Russo brothers assured us that Evans isn’t done playing Cap. Maybe then, despite Downey’s outward commitment to the franchise, he’s ready to step down as Stark and the character’s decade-long journey will conclude in Avengers: Endgame, thereby allowing Captain Marvel to fill his shoes?

Time will tell, but until we get some answers, feel free to chime in with some speculation of your own in the usual place below.