How Could the Avengers Have Killed Thanos Without Snapping Him Out of Existence?

While the recent release of Avengers: Endgame has been celebrated by fans, many also scrutinize the inherent plot holes and the logic behind key narrative decisions. One of the most contentious aspects of the film is the method by which the Avengers ultimately defeated Thanos. Let's explore a hypothetical scenario where the assembled heroes could have taken down Thanos before his snap.

The Constraints of Time Travel in the Marvel Universe

The MCU presents a universe with strict rules regarding time travel and its effects on the timeline. According to the film, the past is a fixed point, and any changes made by traveling back in time create a new timeline, leaving the original timeline unchanged. This concept is rooted in the idea that altering the past can have profound consequences on the future. For instance, if the Avengers had access to the Infinity Stones before Thanos obtained them, the timeline might alter drastically.

Strategic Time Travel and the Infinity Stones

One theory suggests that the Avengers could have traveled back in time and confiscated the Infinity Stones before Thanos could gather them all. By distributing the stones across the galaxy, they would have disrupted the timeline, making it impossible for Thanos to amass enough power to perform the snap. This theory is indeed more plausible and aligns with the established rules of the MCU.

Plot Holes and Narrative Convenience

However, such a narrative would complicate the storytelling in significant ways. The entire story of Avengers: Endgame revolves around the concept of fixing a broken timeline. If the Avengers could simply travel back and preemptively dispose of the Infinity Stones, the journey from the moment of the snap to the endgame would lose its dramatic tension. This approach would go against the core premise of the film, which focuses on the emotional journey of the characters and the hurdles they must overcome.

Realistic Approaches to Defeating Thanos

Given the characters' capabilities in the MCU, there are a few strategic approaches that could have led to Thanos' defeat:

Physical Confrontation Near the Beginning

The Avengers could have chosen to attack Thanos while he was still collecting the remaining stones, particularly when he was in a weakened state. For instance, during his confrontations with Adam Warlock or when he was on Vormir, the situation might have provided a more favorable battlefield for the heroes. Given Thanos' immense strength and the destructive power of the snap, attacking him without the stones would have been extremely risky, as they still had a portion of his power despite being weakened.

Psychological Warfare

An interesting alternative could have been utilizing psychology to affect Thanos. In the comics, Thanos was sometimes depicted as vulnerable to emotional manipulation, particularly by Adam Warlock who convinced him to abandon his quest. If the Avengers had access to such psychological insight, they could have employed similar tactics, possibly reducing Thanos' will to survive long enough to be physically defeated.

Teamwork and Coordination

Collaboration among heroes, such as Iron Man, Captain America, and many other characters, could have allowed for coordinated attacks. By working together, each hero could have focused on a different aspect of Thanos, creating a more balanced approach than relying solely on one or two powerful characters. This method would have capitalized on the diverse strengths of the team, making it harder for Thanos to counter and outmaneuver them.

The MCU’s Approach to Storytelling

Ultimately, the narrative choices in Avengers: Endgame were made with the goal of entertainment and emotional engagement, rather than strict adherence to the rules of time travel and reality. The film's creators wanted to craft a story that resonated with audiences, including the journey from the snap to the final confrontation. While the decision to defeat Thanos by destroying the stones and preventing the snap is arguably more convenient from a storytelling perspective, it is also more philosophically sound within the established universe of the MCU.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Avengers could have attempted to neutralize Thanos before his snap, the chosen narrative ultimately serves the larger story and emotional stakes. The film balances the practical and emotional aspects of the conflict, providing a satisfying and engaging conclusion to the MCU's journey.