One fan updates the poster for 2012’s The Avengers with the heroes’ respective suits in Avengers: Endgame. Directed by Joss Whedon, Marvel Studios’ first ensemble project was the first indication that the MCU’s interconnected storytelling format can thrive. That film was the culminating outing for the then-budding franchise’s Phase 1 which consists of only five standalone movies introducing the universe’s six founding heroes. Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) and Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) all came together to defeat Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

Seven years and a string of other MCU films later, the franchise had grown exponentially with the introduction of new wave of heroes such as the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Spider-Man and Captain Marvel. In-universe, there was a string of wins and losses for the franchise’s fan-favorite good guys. However, despite a plethora of contemporary key players, fans still have a special connection to the MCU’s original six. Sadly, some of their stories came to an end in Endgame but not before assembling once again to defeat their worst adversary - Thanos (Josh Brolin).

In celebration of the MCU’s founding heroes, Reddit user with the handle Imperio Avis looked back at The Avengers’ ensemble poster and updated it with the original six’s latest suits from Endgame. Interestingly, however, the contemporary iteration didn’t include Sam L. Jackson’s Nick Fury who was an integral in the 2012 film but only appeared at the very last minute of Endgame. Check out the side-by-side below:

For longtime MCU fans, it’s difficult not to be nostalgic seeing these posters. The characters have gone through a lot since they first got together to take down the Thanos-controlled Loki and his Chitauri army. They went on their separate ways and suffered their most devastating failure when the Mad Titan successfully killed half of life in the galaxy - effectively teaching them that they’re better together than apart. So while they had their differences, it was very gratifying to see them come together for one last time in Endgame. It’s impressive seeing how Kevin Feige and all the filmmakers behind the MCU built a cohesive (for the most part) overall narrative. However, arguably their biggest accomplishment was developing these specific six characters in a way that fans were totally invested in their personal arcs. This is the reason why seeing Tony Stark sacrificing himself for the greater good or Steve Rogers finally getting the long-overdue dance with Peggy (Hayley Atwell) are so emotional.

The deaths and farewells are definitely depressing and, admittedly, the MCU will never be the same without some of the original six. However, in order to move forward sustainably, Marvel Studios had to earn the respect of the public by proving that their stories have stakes. The Avengers solidified their plans for an interconnected universe with Avengers: Endgame fulfilling the promise of narrative pay-off. Now, it’s time to transition to a brand new era for the franchise with the second wave of heroes.

More: Marvel’s Biggest MCU Retcons

Source: Imperio Avis

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