Avengers: Endgame - Captain America & Iron Man's Fates Explained

4. Iron Man Sacrifices Himself To Stop Thanos' Army

Going into Endgame, there was a prevailing sense among fans that either one of Tony Stark or Steve Rogers would pass away. Most thought the latter; with Captain America lacking a reason to stop being a soldier, and with Tony seemingly set on starting up a family, it just seemed inevitable that Steve would die so that Stark could live.

Having seen Endgame now, obviously that didn't turn out to be the case.

After succeeding in their 'time heist' to resurrect those killed by Thanos' decimation, the time-travelling Mad Titan travels to the present to kill the Avengers and steal their newly-forged Infinity Gauntlet. Fortunately for Earth's Mightiest Heroes, their fallen allies arrive just in time to take on Thanos and his army, with Captain America, Iron Man and Thor all leading the charge against him.

Despite their efforts, Thanos comes dangerously close to reclaiming the Gauntlet. After conferring with Doctor Strange, who confirms to Tony that this is the one future where they win, Stark swipes the Infinity Stones from right underneath the Mad Titan's nose, fuses them into his armour, and snaps his fingers. Thanos, the Black Order and his army all crumble to dust, but the power of the gems prove to be too much for Stark, who collapses to the floor in a critical state.

There, unable to speak, he says goodbye to Rhodey, Peter and Pepper. Then, he passes away, his last act having ensured the survival of half the universe. A more fitting send-off couldn't be possible.