The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) often hesitates to implement significant changes to its storyline, causing it to backtrack on bold promises made to fans. Being a longstanding franchise with 34 films and counting, compromises are inevitable in order to sustain its expansive universe. Although the series occasionally dazzles viewers with monumental plot twists, it often retreats from them almost as swiftly as they are introduced, preserving the overarching status quo.
Typically, the MCU concludes its films with dramatic revelations that threaten to alter the narrative landscape dramatically. However, many of these intriguing developments are frequently reversed in subsequent films or episodes, allowing the franchise to maintain a seemingly endless future. This reluctance to make lasting changes can be attributed to a desire to keep audiences engaged, despite potential creative aspirations for more substantial transformations.
10
Spider-Man’s Secret Identity Reveal Was Immediately Undone
Spider-Man: No Way Home
The concept of secret identities isn’t a major element in the MCU, largely overshadowed by Iron Man’s iconic declaration, “I am Iron Man.”However, Spider-Man’s personal struggles with his dual identity have always been pivotal to his character. Thus, the revelation by Mysterio that Peter Parker is Spider-Man at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home was particularly shocking.
The fallout explored in the beginning of Spider-Man: No Way Home presented an opportunity for unique narrative developments, as Spider-Man navigated life as a publicly known superhero. Unfortunately, this intriguing premise was abruptly curtailed when Spider-Man enlisted Doctor Strange’s help to cast a spell that would erase this knowledge from everyone’s memory. While this twist had adverse effects on Peter Parker’s life, it ultimately undermined the potential for deeper storytelling.
9
Thor’s One Eye Was Way More Temporary Than You Might Think
Avengers: Infinity War
While Thor: Ragnarok is largely recognized for its humor and lightheartedness, it also served to advance Thor’s character arc significantly by marking the loss of his right eye at the hands of Hela. This brutal act not only left a lasting mark on Thor, invoking a connection to his father, but also hinted at his potential ascension as the next All-Father.
Regrettably, the weight of this character evolution was swiftly diminished in Avengers: Infinity War, where Thor receives a state-of-the-art cybernetic eye from Rocket Raccoon. Future films neglect to address Thor’s eye loss, and Thor: Love and Thunder misses an opportunity for depth by not incorporating any notable visual cues like heterochromia to signify his new eye. This swift reversal detracts from the earlier emotional stakes attached to his physical sacrifice.
8
Iron Man’s Two Retirements Didn’t Last Long
Avengers: Age of Ultron and Avengers: Endgame
Throughout the MCU, Iron Man has shown a repeated tendency to retire from superhero responsibilities, not once, but twice, before meeting his end in Avengers: Endgame. Tony Stark’s reluctant return to heroism appears to be justified, as he embraces his role after five years of domestic life. However, his retirement in Iron Man 3 seems utterly meaningless.
At the conclusion of Iron Man 3, Stark vows to Pepper Potts to step away from heroics and even destroys his army of Iron Man suits. Yet, by the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, he is not only active in the Avengers but has amassed even more Iron Legion drones, which ultimately turn against him. This inconsistency raises questions about the necessity of the retirement premise, given Stark’s swift return.
7
Loki’s Many Fakeout Deaths Kept Him Narratively Immortal
The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, Loki
While Tony Stark’s retirement may have fallen flat, Loki’s myriad of fakeouts have rendered his death almost meaningless over time within the MCU. Initially, Loki appears to perish at the end of Thor, only to return unceremoniously in The Avengers, posing a significant threat that necessitated the superhero team’s formation.
This pattern continues; Loki feigns death in Thor: The Dark World and lives incognito as Odin until his brother reveals the truth. Although he ultimately meets his demise in Avengers: Infinity War, a variant of Loki survives and re-emerges in the Loki series as the God of Stories, ensuring Loki remains a central figure in the MCU narrative, no matter how many times he “dies.”
6
The Bifrost’s Destruction Didn’t Matter At All
Thor: The Dark World
Within the realm of plot devices, the Bifrost Bridge stands as a pivotal structure that enables inter-realm travel. Thor’s sacrifice at the end of his original film, which leads to the destruction of the Bifrost, signifies his growth and acceptance of responsibility. However, the consequences of this act are practically nonexistent in successive films.
In Thor: The Dark World, the Bifrost is rapidly repaired, effectively nullifying the impact of Thor’s sacrifice. Furthermore, both Thor and Loki arrive on Earth in The Avengers without utilizing the Rainbow Bridge at all, indicating that the repercussions of Thor’s actions were little more than temporary setbacks.
5
James Gunn Walked Back Past Gamora Getting Back With Quill
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Gamora’s resurrection in the wake of the events from Avengers: Endgame appeared to set the stage for a smooth transition back into the Guardians of the Galaxy. After her alternate self is pulled into the main timeline, it seemed likely she would rekindle her relationship with Peter Quill.
However, James Gunn redirected the narrative arc in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, illustrating that this new iteration of Gamora harbors no interest in rekindling her past romance. Instead, her disinterest in Quill serves as a poignant commentary on the emotional fallout of her original death, emphasizing the lasting consequences of past events on character relationships.
4
Evan Peters’ Quicksilver Is Quickly Walked Back
WandaVision
The Disney+ series have showcased the MCU’s tendency to zap major plot developments almost instantaneously. Evan Peters’ portrayal of Quicksilver in WandaVision initially excited fans, hinting at a potential crossover between the X-Men franchise and the MCU.
Disappointingly, this version of Quicksilver turns out to be a mere pawn in Agatha Harkness’s scheme, serving little purpose other than a comedic twist. The reveal that he was simply an actor named Ralph Bohner downplays the potential excitement surrounding his character and leaves many fans feeling cheated of what could have been a significant narrative device.
3
Bruce Banner’s Control Of The Hulk Is Constantly In Flux
The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron
Although Bruce Banner has endured a recast from Edward Norton to Mark Ruffalo, he remains the same character throughout the MCU. This lack of consistency regarding his relationship with the Hulk is particularly perplexing. The conclusion of The Incredible Hulk suggests Bruce has achieved some control over his transformations, further reinforced by his “I’m always angry”quote in The Avengers.
Contradictorily, in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Hulk reverts to being a potential threat, necessitating significant restraint to ensure he is directed towards threats. This inconsistency questions the effectiveness of Bruce’s previous efforts to control the Hulk and illustrates a concerning narrative regression that detracts from the character’s development.
2
Sam Wilson Drags His Feet In Becoming Captain America
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
One of the most touching moments in Avengers: Endgame occurs when Steve Rogers passes Captain America’s mantle to Sam Wilson. Initially hesitant yet seemingly honored to accept the shield, Sam’s later actions in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier reveal a more complicated narrative.
Instead of embracing his role as Captain America, Sam donates the shield to the Smithsonian shortly after receiving it, contradicting his apparent commitment to taking up the legacy. This lapse allows the morally ambiguous John Walker to seize the mantle, which he soon tarnishes with violence. Nevertheless, Sam is poised to redeem himself in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World.
1
The Snap Immediately Gets Undone In The Next Movie
Avengers: Endgame
Thanos’ Snap, which eradicated half of all organic life in the universe, represents a profound turning point in the MCU. The dramatic implications of this event left audiences reeling and the heroes in despair. Yet, astonishingly, the repercussions of the Snap are largely overturned in the very next installment of the franchise.
Though a five-year gap known as the Blip allows the storyline to explore the ramifications of Thanos’ victory, it feels like a brief interruption before everything returns to normal. The rapid restoration of balance in the universe dilutes the profound effects of the Snap and leaves viewers longing to see further exploration of its consequences.
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