Could the Avengers Have Used Pym Particles in Avengers: Endgame to Save Tony and Natasha?

In the world of Avengers: Endgame, one intriguing question revolves around the use of Pym Particles to save Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff before their deaths. This article explores the implications of such an action and the potential outcomes within the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Introduction to Pym Particles

Pym Particles, also known as quantum particles, play a significant role in the MCU. These particles can be manipulated to create devices that allow for tiny leaps through time or, in Ant-Man's case, enlarge or shrink objects and living beings. In Endgame, Pym Particles are utilised not just for their usual shrinking or enlarging powers, but also for time-traveling devices.

The Quantum Devices and Their Usage

The development of these devices is evident in previous MCU films, like Captain America: Civil War. In 1970, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers stole some Pym particles to power their time-travel device, which aimed to prevent Thanos's impending threat in 2023. By the time of Endgame, the Avengers had not only mastered these particles but also used the Ant-Man suit to propose a plan that relied on the stones.

The TVA and the Alternate Reality

One fundamental principle in the MCU is the Time-Varied Authority (TVA). When characters attempt to change the past, the TVA intervenes to prevent alterations that could disrupt the established timeline. In Endgame, the Avengers use the Time Stone, Space Stone, Mind Stone, Soul Stone, and Reality Stone to achieve their goals. However, even this action does not change the course of events but rather restores the timeline to its original state. If the Avengers had attempted to change the past by saving Natasha and Tony before their deaths, an alternate timeline would have branched off, leading to unforeseeable consequences.

Robinson's perspective on Character Discontinuity

Robbie Robertson, the actor known for his role as Clint Barton (Hawkeye), has addressed the concept of character continuity in interviews. Robertson's point of view is echoed in the broader discussion around the MCU. Bringing back key characters like Natasha and Tony would undermine the narrative stakes and the sacrifices made by the other heroes. Character arcs often require character deaths to provide depth and emotional weight to the storytelling. In this sense, the deaths of key figures like Tony Stark are integral to the narrative.

Magical Realism and Character Evolution

While Pym Particles and their use in Endgame are rooted in scientific and technological advancements, the MCU incorporates elements of magical realism to explore deeper themes. Dr. Strange, for instance, represents a new path that Stark might have taken if he had chosen magic over technology. This dichotomy reinforces the idea that there are multiple paths to achieving greatness, and the narrative stakes would be different if characters were resurrected.

Conclusion

While the use of Pym Particles to save Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff is an interesting hypothetical within the confines of the MCU, it would violate the fundamental rules established by the time-continuity laws. The narrative choices made in Endgame, including the deaths of iconic characters, serve a greater purpose in terms of character development and the overall story arcs. The legacy of these heroes remains even in their absence, as their sacrifices contribute to the broader narrative of the MCU.