Was Thanos Responsible for the Wiping Out of Half of All Life Ever?

The intense narrative of the Avengers: Endgame concludes with a mind-boggling scenario where Thanos snaps his fingers, causing a catastrophic event in the universe. This event results in the extermination of half of all life, including intelligent beings, animals, and plants. This pivotal moment has sparked widespread debate among fans, and some are questioning if the narrative holds up to scrutiny. Let's delve into the details and explore the implications of the events in Endgame.

Scott’s Observations and Thanos’s Impact

The character Scott, at one point, expresses amazement because birds are seen at the window. This moment, while seemingly minor, carries significant weight in the context of the story. True, Scott suggested that the presence of birds outside the window implies they were snapped before, not just those who were sentient beings.

Indeed, when Thanos says he wiped out half of all life in the universe, it is explicitly stated to encompass all lifeforms, not just humans. The inclusion of animals, trees, and other plants adds an additional layer of horror to the scene. This aligns with considerate storylines previously established in the Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame narratives, where Thanos's brutal actions are not confined to human lives but extend to all living beings.

The Villainous Motivation and Plot Hole Considerations

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige’s response to an interviewer further substantiates the idea that all life was wiped out. When asked if half of all animal life was eliminated by the snap, Feige confirmed, "Yes! Yes. All life." This statement directly contradicts Thanos's apparent goal of fixing overpopulation on various planets to ensure that the resources left would be sufficient for the surviving half of the human population.

The plot holes in this narrative are glaring. On one hand, Thanos aimed to fix the overpopulation issue so that the remaining half could thrive. On the other hand, he snaps and destroys half of all life, leading to a moral dilemma. If Thanos only intended to destroy half of the human population, there would be no logical reason for him to cause the death of all intelligent life and vast numbers of non-sentient beings.

Analysis of Gamora’s Experience and Thanos’s Intentions

During the flashback to Gamora's childhood, it is evident that Thanos does not prioritize non-sentient life. He focuses on people and appears unconcerned about the destruction of natural life forms. Furthermore, the fact that the other half of the population had food and no worries further indicates Thanos's preoccupation with human survival, rather than the well-being of the entire ecosystem.

In the aftermath, no one mentions the wiping out of half of all life. Instead, the emphasis is on fixing overpopulation. It suggests a need to retcon and clarify the narrative, especially as it impacts the portrayal of Thanos's character. If the goal was truly to save all life and resources, the effects should have been a bit more balanced, without annihilating entire animal and plant species.

Conclusion: Thanos Wiped Out Half of All Living Beings

The evidence from the film and statements from Marvel Studios points to the conclusion that Thanos did indeed wipe out half of all life in the universe. However, this narrative choice presents a series of plot holes that undermine the coherence of the story. Justifying this action within the narrative framework remains a challenge, and it is likely that the upcoming spin-off films or other media will attempt to rectify and expand upon this storyline.