Avengers 4 : 7 Most Likely Characters To Sacrifice Themselves

2. Iron Man

He might be the most valuable brand in the MCU (in terms of his individual films' pulling power and the effect Robert Downey Jr's name has on box office), but Marvel and the actor himself have been very clear that he can't stick around forever.

It's unlikely we'll see him play much of a part in Phase Four (though Disney's shareholders would love it), aside from perhaps taking over Nick Fury as the sort of father figure to the heroes. And it wouldn't really suit his arc to simply retire anyway.

Any Foreshadowing?

Lots. Tony Stark has an addiction - both to being Iron Man and the compulsion to save the universe. He's already said that there is nothing - not even almost losing Pepper - that would stop him (as he simply doesn't want to) and it's looked increasingly likely that it will only be death that ends his commitment.

If he's smart, he'll also see that he has the potential to be Thanos - or to follow him down the path to extreme methods for the good of the universe in the long-term - and that might terrify him enough to decide to lay down his life.

Plus, it's not like he hasn't already tried to give his life to save everyone else - not to mention him telling Peter Parker that his trip into space was designed to be a one-way ticket. He's definitely a contender.