Imagine a blockbuster film that wrapped up an entire era of cinematic storytelling with such emotional depth that six years later, nothing has matched its impact—yet, surprisingly, its blueprint didn't come from within the Marvel machine itself. That's the fascinating tale of how Avengers: Endgame redefined superhero finales, and today, we're diving into the unexpected influence that sparked it all. But here's where it gets intriguing: this inspiration came from a rival studio's film, raising eyebrows about creative boundaries in Hollywood. Stick around, because the details might just redefine how you view these epic sagas.
It's been half a decade since Avengers: Endgame hit theaters, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) hasn't even come close to capturing that same heart-stirring payoff. Picture this: after ten years of building a sprawling universe on screen, this movie delivered a crescendo of emotion that left audiences both exhilarated and reflective. Its massive box office haul wasn't just luck—it's a testament to how well it balanced grand spectacle with personal stakes, raking in records that still stand as benchmarks for the genre (as detailed in sources like SlashFilm's analysis on its five-year anniversary). And let's be real, replicating that magic is tough; it's like trying to top a symphony that hits every note perfectly.
What made Endgame so spectacular? Well, it masterfully wove a gripping time-travel narrative—easy enough for beginners to follow, as it involves leaping through portals to alter past events—while escalating to a colossal clash involving a multitude of heroes. Imagine dozens of characters, from Iron Man zipping through the skies to Captain America charging into battle, all converging in a world-altering showdown (SlashFilm's oral history of the final battle breaks it down beautifully). But beyond the explosions and special effects, the film achieved something rare: a fulfilling wrap-up for the original Avengers team. Take Captain America (played by Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), whose arcs received poignant farewells that honored the decade-long buildup of the MCU. Their stories ended on high notes, providing closure that felt earned and emotional.
Interestingly, this approach to definitive endings wasn't always in the cards for Marvel. Back when the MCU kicked off, the idea of superheroes hanging up their capes, meeting their demise, or closing chapters for good seemed far-fetched—almost taboo in a franchise built on continuity. Sure, Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises had Batman retiring in a way that felt conclusive, but that made sense because Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne was always portrayed as a character with a finite journey, unlike the ever-expanding Marvel roster.
So, when it came time to bid farewell to Tony Stark in Endgame, Marvel's chief executive, Kevin Feige, drew inspiration from an unlikely source: a critically adored film outside his purview. That gem was Logan, Fox's gritty take on the Wolverine saga. And this is the part most people miss—how a non-Marvel movie reshaped Marvel's pinnacle achievement.
In a candid moment during the Assembled: The Making of Deadpool and Wolverine doc on Disney+, Feige opened up about Logan's role as a template for Endgame's narrative. "I had always been very vocal with Hugh [Jackman] that he had one of the best endings of any fictional character ever," Feige shared. "And I told him that is so amazing, what he was able to accomplish in 'Logan.' That's what we were striving for with Robert Downey Jr. in 'Endgame,' is to give this incredible, iconic fictional character an amazing ending." It's clear how Logan lit the path for Tony Stark's storyline, functioning as a blueprint for crafting a meaningful close to a character's long-running tale (SlashFilm's explainer on Logan's ending dives deep into its significance).
Think of Logan as a standalone film that doubled as the epilogue to the original X-Men trilogy, plus the two prior Wolverine movies. It wasn't part of a neatly packaged series with a clear start, middle, and finish; instead, it stood alone while wrapping up decades of X-Men lore. The movie treated its universe with a profound seriousness, blending nostalgia and raw honesty—even in its darker, more somber tones—that made Logan's ultimate sacrifice resonate deeply. After nearly 20 years of X-Men stories, his death became a pinnacle in superhero cinema, proving that endings could be both heartbreaking and heroic.
But here's where things get controversial: Logan demonstrated the power of definitive superhero farewells, yet Endgame took it a step further by showing how to conclude an active franchise without slamming the door shut entirely. It ended one chapter while teasing new beginnings, leaving fans eager for more. Critics like Jon Favreau, who helmed the first Iron Man, reportedly tried to intervene and prevent Tony Stark's death (as reported by SlashFilm), sparking debates on whether such sacrifices are necessary for storytelling depth or just needless shock value. As the MCU gears up for another major reboot, Feige might benefit from revisiting this inspiration to recapture that emotional spark.
What do you think—does borrowing ideas from competitors blur creative lines in Hollywood, or is it a smart way to innovate? And on a bigger scale, should beloved characters like Tony Stark or Logan ever get permanent endings, or do fans deserve endless reinventions? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree that Logan was the unsung hero behind Endgame's magic, or if you see it differently. After all, in the world of blockbusters, every twist can lead to heated discussions!**
