Why Are Some Avengers Missing from Avengers: Infinity War?

Marvel fans were left stunned and bewildered after the shocking events of Avengers: Infinity War. Many beloved characters vanished in the blink of an eye due to Thanos' powerful snap. However, a closer look reveals that not all major figures from previous Marvel films were affected. This article explores the reasons behind the absence of some Avengers and challenges the common assumptions about the fate of certain characters.

Major Characters Not Affected by Thanos' Snap

Despite Thanos' seemingly chaotic and random act of erasing half the universe, certain crucial characters from previous Marvel movies remain unaffected. Here are the notable exceptions:

Of these, some were confirmed to have vanished at a later point in the film. However, a critical analysis of the decisions behind these portrayals is essential to uncover the nuances of the story.

The Strategic Reasons Behind the Absence

Several factors contributed to the absence of these characters from Thanos' snap. Kevin Feige and the Marvel Studios team considered the overall impact of the film's narrative on both existing and new audiences. Some notable reasons include:

Intellectual Property Rights

One of the primary reasons for the absence of some characters is the complex intellectual property rights landscape. Deadpool, for example, was not included due to its ownership by 20th Century Fox, which had its own exclusive universe. Similarly, the Fantastic Four, also under Fox's control, were not part of the early Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) plan.

The Spider-Man Deal

Spider-Man's inclusion was a significant challenge. At the time, Fox owned the rights to the Spider-Man character, and extensive negotiations were required to obtain the rights for the MCU. The deal with Disney acquiring Fox made Spider-Man's inclusion feasible, but the window of opportunity had already passed for other characters.

Plot Considerations

Other characters were omitted due to consideration of plot developments and the layout of the narrative. For instance, Nick Fury was absent as he was playing a critical role in setting up the stage for the subsequent Avengers movies. Additionally, key villains and tertiary characters like Yelena Belova, Wanda Maximoff, and others were strategically omitted to maintain the focus on the main conflict and ensure character balance.

The Role of Thanos' Omnipresent Planning

Thanos, the universally revered villain, had a meticulously calculated plan. As a character driven by the desire for cosmic balance, his act of erasing half the universe was designed to be an unpredictable yet calculated move. He underestimated few but considered many to be mere nuisances with his five Infinity Stones.

Considering the sudden appearance of Scott Lang (Ant-Man), it could be argued that Thanos underestimated the potential of the remaining heroes. The Ant-Man snap, which followed, revealed that even seemingly insignificant heroes could pose a significant threat, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Conclusion

The absence of certain characters from Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War was driven by a complex web of intellectual property rights, strategic plot choices, and Thanos' meticulous plan. These decisions were rooted in the overall storytelling and ensured a well-rounded and engaging narrative for the audience. Understanding these nuances deepens our appreciation of the film and its intricacies.