The untimely demise of Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron remains a source of disappointment for many fans, and the recent release of Sony’s Kraven the Hunter has only amplified these sentiments. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who has become a familiar face in the Marvel universe over the past 14 years, has portrayed three distinct Marvel characters, with his role as the titular character in Kick-Ass standing out the most. Unfortunately, the journey of Kraven the Hunter appears to signify a downturn for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, and Taylor-Johnson’s introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Quicksilver was abruptly cut short by a frivolous death within the narrative.
Despite my admiration for Avengers: Age of Ultron, I concede it is arguably the weakest entry in the Avengers franchise. However, it still resonates with me far more than Kraven the Hunter, which, while possessing several redeeming qualities, suffers from a multitude of baffling moments. It’s essential to recognize that, although Quicksilver and Kraven are fundamentally different characters, a pang of nostalgia struck me regarding Pietro’s tragic end while grappling with Kraven’s powers and actions.
The Unexplained Death of Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron
Fans Question How a Speedster Could be Shot
As a devoted fan, I found Quicksilver’s death in Avengers: Age of Ultron to be particularly frustrating. Kevin Feige and director Joss Whedon framed this decision as a bold narrative strategy to subvert audience expectations and reinforce the idea that even superheroes can face mortal peril. Yet, many could not shake the feeling that Pietro’s death was alarmingly convenient, undermining the dramatic stakes.
Pietro Maximoff, a speedster, previously demonstrated his abilities by dodging bullets fired from close range and disarming Klaue within moments. His ultimate sacrifice, made to save Hawkeye and a child, is overshadowed by the realization that he could have employed numerous alternatives to avoid his fate, such as simply relocating Clint and the child to safety. This lack of foresight not only stripped the MCU of a vibrant character but also left fans grappling with the lost possibilities of what could have been.
Kraven the Hunter’s Impact on Quicksilver’s Legacy
Kraven’s Bullet-Dodging Feats
While I appreciate Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal of yet another iconic character, his role as Kraven only intensifies the disappointment of losing his previous character. In Kraven the Hunter, after a bizarre series of events in which he combines his blood with that of a legendary lion and consumes a mystical potion, Kraven gains an array of superhuman abilities, including strength and speed. Strikingly, despite these enhancements, he is depicted dodging bullets throughout the film with comparative ease, yet this doesn’t render him invulnerable. This incongruity adds an extra layer of bewilderment when juxtaposed with Quicksilver’s demise.
It’s important to clarify that Quicksilver’s ultimate sacrifice was made with the noblest intentions; he chose to shield Hawkeye and the child knowing that his super-speed was their only hope for survival. However, witnessing Taylor-Johnson’s subsequent ability to dodge bullets with such casual ease feels like a poignant reminder of lost potential. While Kraven the Hunter falters due to its logical inconsistencies, Quicksilver’s death remains a lingering regret in the MCU.
Revisiting Quicksilver: Opportunities for Marvel
The Possibility of a Multiversal Variant of Quicksilver
The most disappointing aspect of Quicksilver’s death is the lack of opportunity to fully explore his character within the MCU. With Marvel Studios having regained the rights to the mutants, this provides a unique opportunity to reconsider his fate. Historically, both Quicksilver and his sister, Wanda, were mutants in the comics, though Marvel later chose to retcon this continuity, which disappointed many fans.
While his death may have elevated Wanda’s character arc—adding to her tragic backstory—it feels increasingly like a wasted opportunity. As Marvel continues to expand its multiverse narratives, the most compelling way to reintroduce Quicksilver could arise through the concept of multiversal variants. Fans eagerly anticipate Wanda’s return following her apparent demise in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, possibly paving the way for a reunion with her brother in upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars.
If Marvel pursues this route, it would be prudent to directly address the controversy surrounding Quicksilver’s premature exit, providing a satisfying nod to fans who felt robbed of a beloved character.
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