Avengers: Endgame Crowd Shocked By Tony Stark's I Am Iron Man Scene

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Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo have shared a video taken of a crowd’s reaction to the film’s “I am Iron Man” scene. Avengers: Endgame premiered in theaters on April 26th of last year, and in celebration of its first anniversary, the movie’s directors participated in a watch party. The occasion allowed the Russo Brothers to share behind-the-scenes tidbits about the cinematic event.

Avengers: Endgame ties up 21 films worth of storytelling; beginning with 2008’s Iron Man, the Marvel Cinematic Universe established and developed a roster of heroes. Those heroes became united in their cause to save the universe from Thanos’ genocidal agenda. After half of all life ceases to exist in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame sees the remaining Avengers, led by Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark and Chris Evans’ Captain America, fight to bring everyone back. The film brought a satisfying conclusion to some of the biggest arcs in the MCU — a finale worthy of fan anticipation.

Before its release, one of the biggest questions surrounding Avengers: Endgame revolved around Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr’s inimitable performance as Iron Man helped to make the MCU what it is today Having played him for over 10 years, everyone wanted to know the fate of his character. At the beginning of Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark is dejected, determined to protect what remains — his wife and daughter. By the end of the film, Tony makes a decision that does more than just that, a decision that outweighs self-interest. Days after the Avengers: Endgame watch-a-long, the Russos have shared one last thing from their trip down memory lane. The Twitter post is of a video, taken on Joe Russo’s phone, showing fans react to Tony acquiring the Infinity Stones from Thanos and snapping the "Mad Titan" from existence. You can view the moment below.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1255625012112814082

The creative decision to have Tony say “I am Iron Man” before snapping his fingers was made in post-production. Robert Downey Jr. was even brought in to re-shoot that particular aspect of the scene. The line is a callback to the end of 2008’s Iron Man; while at a press conference addressing the events of the first film, Tony defiantly states “I am Iron Man.” S.H.I.E.L.D. had prepared a statement for Tony which would have covered up his iron-clad escapades. Instead, Tony gives in to the allure of declaring himself a superhero.

Avengers: Endgame’s “I am Iron Man” scene bookends Tony Stark’s character arc. Not only does he sacrifice himself for the greater good (an act not typically associated with self-indulgent billionaires), but he enlists the help of his most recognizable line. The crowd at the Regency Village Theater’s shock is reflective of what most audiences felt when realizing Tony would perish (albeit triumphantly). It's a reaction that undoubtedly exceeded the expectations of Joe and Anthony Russo, one that they will remember forever.