Avengers: Infinity War is set to be Marvel’s most ambitious film to date. Considering this is the studio that, by Phase 3’s end, will have released twenty-two movies in eleven years and made household names of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man, that is saying a lot.
This movie will tie together everything that Marvel has been building toward since Iron Man was released in 2008, with the fourth Avengers film bringing about the end of the MCU as we know it. We’re not going to say that no one here gets out alive, but some heroes are certainly doomed.
Keep in mind, we are dealing with reality altering Infinity Stones, as well as time travel in Avengers 4, so “doomed” might not necessarily mean gone for good. However, most of the OG Avengers have contracts nearing their end, so then again, it might.
Most of these actors are already confirmed for Avengers 4, but how much of that is due to plot secrecy remains to be seen. Plus, just because they are in that movie doesn’t mean that they made it through Infinity War.
Come along for some wild speculation on the survival chances of your favorite heroes with the Avengers: Infinity War Characters, Ranked By Who’s Most Doomed.
Thanos
Considering the sheer magnitude of the Mad Titan’s power, we feel fairly confident in assuming that he makes it through Infinity War. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance that the film will end in a victory for Thanos and that our heroes will need to regroup in order to defeat him in Avengers 4.
There has been plenty of evidence suggesting that Josh Brolin was on the set of the untitled fourth Avengers film and although little has been revealed about the plot, it’s safe to say that he is in it.
We know that the Infinity Stones are scattered, with the Soul Stone being the only one yet to make an appearance. Brolin has hinted that Thanos does not achieve his ultimate goal during Infinity War, which further points to him continuing to gather stones during the next movie.
T’Challa, Shuri, and Okoye
With the record breaking success and critical acclaim that Black Panther has experienced, we feel pretty confident that T’Challa will make it through Infinity War. It is far too soon for his journey to come to an end.
However, not only is Chadwick Boseman’s character safe from harm, but we would also argue that Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Okoye (Danai Gurira) are sure to survive as well.
These incredibly powerful women were at the forefront of Black Panther, which was largely an ensemble piece. The popularity of these characters coupled with the fact that Infinity War will only mark their second appearance in the MCU would indicate that they have a bright future ahead. Marvel Studios would not be smart to take them off the board so quickly.
Spider-Man
We know that the MCU Spider-Man sequel will kick off Phase 4 on July 5th, 2019. It’s safe to assume that Marvel wouldn’t make a prequel film for a story already told onscreen twice since 2002. This means that the Wall Crawler must survive Infinity War. There are plenty more Spider-Man stories left to tell and Marvel didn’t fight so hard to use the character only to write him off.
Like Black Panther, Spider-Man’s MCU journey began in Captain America: Civil War and was followed up by a feature film centering on the character.
Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker was incredibly well received.
We’re not saying he makes it through the movie unscathed, but it is unlikely that Spidey meets his end.
Ant-Man
Like Spider-Man’s upcoming sequel, having Ant-Man and the Wasp slated for July 6th, 2018 leaves little doubt as to what Scott Lang’s ultimate fate will be.
There hasn’t even been official confirmation that Ant-Man is in the movie at all.
Paul Rudd has been notably absent from Infinity War’spromotional materials, but fans are still speculating that he will make an appearance.
Although Ant-Man hasn’t been officially confirmed for the film, the Russo brothers have mentioned that there are close ties between this movie and Ant-Man and the Wasp. This still doesn’t give us an actual answer, which was probably the point. Still, one thing is likely: Scott Lang will be left standing at the end of Infinity War.
Guardians of the Galaxy
We could’ve split the Guardians of the Galaxy into different entries. After all, Drax in particular, has some unfinished business with the Mad Titan. Thanos’ lacky Ronan ended the guy’s wife and child, and Drax has sworn vengeance on him ever since. We know that Drax would sacrifice himself in pursuit of justice for his family, but we’re reasonably certain that it won’t come to that.
The third Guardians of the Galaxy film has already been confirmed for Phase 4. Although it is true that Drax doesn’t need to survive for that to happen, it’s difficult to imagine the movie proceeding without him. If any member of the team is in certain danger, it would definitely be Drax, but we’re willing to bet that he makes it out alive.
Doctor Strange
Although Benedict Cumberbatch recently confirmed that there are no plans for a Doctor Strange sequel in the near future, the first film left little doubt that another would eventually follow. The movie ended with Baron Mordo taking the first steps towards his villainous destiny.
It’s not like the MCU never leaves plot threads dangling, but Strange seems likely to return.
It has also been confirmed that the 4th Avengers film will involve time travel, which makes the Master of Mystic Arts pretty important. Even if we never get a Doctor Strange sequel, it would make sense to keep him in play. He will likely be instrumental in defeating Thanos.
Plus, it would also make sense for Strange to be part of whatever is left of the Avengers when this battle is over. He may be in possession of the Time Stone, but we still like his odds of survival.
Valkyrie
Tessa Thompson was a breakout star in a film full of great performances. Ever since the release of Thor: Ragnarok, fans have been looking forward to getting to know Valkyrie a little better.It would seem that Infinity War will give them that opportunity.
Thompson was seen on set, and while she could’ve just been visiting, that seems like a bit of a stretch.
It makes perfect sense that she would be a part of this movie. Even for Marvel, the sheer scale of it is unprecedented and Valkyrie seems a likely candidate to join up for this epic battle. She is probably safe for the same reasons as others listed above. Her future in the MCU has only just begun and she is also already very popular among fans.
Winter Soldier
There has been much speculation about Bucky’s fate, with some theories pointing to his demise. If anyone has sins to atone for, it’s the Winter Soldier. However, while it would make sense for Bucky to sacrifice himself for the greater good, we still feel that his odds of survival are decent.
There is a chance that Cap won’t survive this battle and in the comics, it was Bucky who took up the mantle in his stead. We know that Falcon has become Captain America as well though, so what is to save Sebastian Stan’s tormented hero?
Well, there is also his connection to Wakanda. We know that he will be going by the moniker of White Wolf in Infinity War. Although that was a completely different character in the comics, it was one that was closely tied to Black Panther. Bucky’s reinvention could lead to a future in that franchise.
Falcon
Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has similar odds of survival to Bucky, considering one of them will most likely become Captain America when Chris Evans finally exits the MCU.
Evans has recently stated that he is done after Avengers 4 - not that this means he will survive Infinity War - and it seems unlikely that the MCU would commence without some iteration of Captain America.
The Falcon is also beloved by fans and has only had a few appearances in the MCU.
While we can’t be certain what Mackie has signed on for, we do know that the standard contract is for six movies. Many of the OG Avengers will see their contracts end when Avengers 4 does and whether he is Cap or the Falcon, it makes sense that Mackie will be part whatever team remains.
Scarlet Witch
Another fan favorite, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch certainly wouldn’t be easy to kill. Wanda Maximoff is incredibly powerful and the MCU has barely scratched the surface of what she is capable of.
Like the majority of the newer characters, we’re not super concerned about Wanda’s fate.
She would be another likely candidate to pick up the pieces of the Avengers after a couple of the core six have left the building.
According to Joe Russo, the Scarlet Witch is on “a growth arc” and will really come into her own during Infinity War. Building her abilities over time makes perfect sense, considering her comic counterpart has near limitless power. Still, we find it hard to believe that Wanda will reach her full potential only to be eliminated.
Black Widow
Considering the recent announcement of a Black Widow film, you would probably be correct in assuming that Natasha Romanoff will make it out of this conflict alive. Of the original six Avengers, Black Widow certainly has the best odds of surviving Infinity War. However, that certainly doesn’t make her bulletproof.
The upcoming movie could be a prequel film or take place sometime in between the other MCU installments. Another option would be another Black Widow altogether. Natasha Romanova is not the only Black Widow who exists in the comics. This seems an unlikely option though, considering the popularity of Scarlet Johansson’s portrayal of the character.
She may not be totally safe, but we aren’t too concerned about Black Widow. She always lands on her feet.
Pepper Potts
Many fans are already counting Pepper Potts among the casualties of Infinity War, thanks to the opening moments of one of the trailers. Tony Stark is sitting in the midst the debris, clutching a dirty, possibly bloody hand to his lips. Who could rouse such emotion from the Golden Avenger? Well, the most likely answer to that question is Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts.
What discounts this theory, however, is that Paltrow was spotted on the set of Avengers 4. Still, thanks to the time travel element of the story, this really doesn’t mean all that much.
Of course, it is entirely possibly that Tony was clutching his own hand, but on a wonky angle. We’re saying it could go either way for Pepper: wedding bells or funeral dirge.
Wong
We know that Benedict Wong is set to reprise his role as Doctor Strange’s ally, Wong, in Infinity War. What we don’t know, is if he will survive the experience.
Like Pepper Potts, it wouldn’t be too shocking if Wong loses his life at some point during the battle. He is a beloved character and fans would be sad to see him go, but not as upset as they would be over, say, Captain America.
It would be a way for the film to land an emotional blow without taking out one of the major players.
The Infinity War Prelude comic reveals that Wong knows more about the Infinity Stones than most, so he will likely play an integral role in the film. However, that doesn’t mean that he will make it to the end alive.
Maria Hill
Cobie Smulders’s Maria Hill is another character who could kick the bucket during Infinity War without having too much of a damaging effect on the MCU as a whole. However, if Nick Fury is among the casualties, Hill would be a likely candidate to replace him.
At the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Fury went underground, while Hill wound up in Tony Stark’s employ. However, both characters reappeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron with clear intentions of being involved in the new initiative.
With Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. probably coming to an end soon, Phil Coulson would be another option to fill Nick Fury’s shoes. He is already doing so in the MCU, at least on television anyway. What we’re saying is, it would make sense for Hill to survive, but it also wouldn’t be too shocking if she did not.
War Machine
James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) almost lost his life during Captain America: Civil War and although he was severely injured, he still managed to survive.
We’re not sure he’ll be so lucky in Infinity War.
While it is quite possible that Iron Man will not make it out alive and Rhodey would be the most obvious choice to take over for him, this hardly leaves War Machine on solid ground. There are other options.
Pepper Potts, for example, could become the Shellhead in Tony’s absence. Aside from that idea, the comics introduced another one in 2016: Riri Williams, aka Ironheart.
While there are reasons for the MCU to keep Rhodey around, they’re not all that compelling. Still, he almost perished in Civil War, which may grant him a reprieve here.
Loki
Loki has always been the most compelling supervillain that the MCU movies had - although Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger gave him some competition.
Tom Hiddleston’s trickster has become a staple of this universe.
He remains the greatest Marvel Big Bad to date. Loki is complex, mephistophelian, and charismatic. Hiddleston’s undeniable charm has made fans root for his character to live, even as he commits acts that should warrant him a life sentence.
The thing about a redemption arc, though, is that they often end in bloodshed. We see Loki handing the Tesseract over to Thanos in one of the Infinity War trailers, quite possibly to save his brother.
Let’s also not forget that Loki has already gotten on the Mad Titan’s bad side. That alone could be his ultimate undoing. Still, we’d like to think that Loki would be as difficult to get rid of as his comic counterpart.
Nebula
Considering the fact that Nebula’s arc kind of begins and ends with Thanos, it’s not unlikely that she will lose her life in this fight.
Karen Gillan has stated that Nebula “will have her moment”, but that doesn’t mean that she survives the encounter.
While the heroes are trying to protect the galaxy, Nebula - like Drax - has a true hatred for Thanos. That will no doubt drive her in a different way than the others.
Like most of the actors on this list, Gillan has been confirmed for Avengers 4, but that hardly means that she survives. We know that not everyone will make it to see the credits roll, so the thought that actors contracted for the next movie are all safe doesn’t make much narrative sense.
Bruce Banner
The Hulk has always been a difficult figure to bring to the big screen. The Incredible Hulk may have been an upgrade from the And Lee movie, but it’s still considered one of the MCU’s most underwhelming entries. While Mark Ruffalo hasn’t made too many appearances, there don’t seem to be plans for him to have a standalone Hulk movie either. That significantly lowers his odds of survival.
However, the Hulk is notoriously difficult to eliminate.
Bruce Banner himself has tried, as have plenty of villains. There is a chance that the Hulk will make it out alive on account of the simple fact that no one is able to take him out. Still, if anyone could find a way, it would probably be Thanos.
The Collector
It would be fair to say that anyone in possession of an Infinity Stone is in grave danger and we know that at least one of them was with Benicio del Toro’s Collector. Sure, his beloved collection was trashed, but there was no onscreen evidence that the Reality Stone is in anyone else’s hands.
If the Collector does indeed still have the Reality Stone, then he may not be long for this world.
Of course, Taneleer Tivan’s allegiance is ultimately to himself, so he would most likely give up the stone without a fight. Perhaps he would even aid our heroes in the hopes that, once the Mad Titan is defeated, he may have a chance at possessing all of the stones himself.
His chances of survival aren’t great, but our fingers are still crossed that he will one day share the screen with his brother, Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster.
Nick Fury
Although we know that Samuel L. Jackson has been spotted on the set of Avengers 4, he hasn’t officially been confirmed for Infinity War. In fact, it’s been quite a while since Samuel L. Jackson’s spymaster’s presence was felt in the MCU. The last time we saw Fury was in Age of Ultron back in 2015. He was one of the few characters notably absent from Civil War.
We know that Jackson has two more films in his contract and that one of them will be Captain Marvel.
The fact that he has been seen on the set of Avengers 4 could mean that Fury won’t actually appear in Infinity War at all. However, if he does fall in the battle against Thanos, that might be just the thing to bring Carol Danvers out of the woodwork for the fourth Avengers movie.
