Avengers Endgame: Did Tony Stark's Snap Kill or Time-Travel Thanos and His Army?

One of the most debated questions in the Avengers: Endgame movie revolves around Tony Stark's Snap and its impact on Thanos and his army. Was it a complete obliteration, or did it send them back to their original timelines? This article explores this intriguing conundrum, drawing insights from both the film's official content and various theories.

Official Explanation: Mortal Decimation

According to the established lore of Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark's Snap using the power of the Infinity Stones effectively disintegrated Thanos and his entire army. This action did not involve sending them back to their original timelines but rather eliminated them from existence. This is consistent with the known powers of the Infinity Stones, especially the Infinity Gauntlet, which can manipulate life and death. Therefore, the Snap resulted in the death of Thanos and his forces, not any form of time travel or return to their respective timelines.

The Hulk's Snap: The Earlier Incarnation

During the course of the story, the Hulk had also used the Snap (albeit a different version) to disintegrate half of the universe, thus eliminating Thanos and his army in Avengers: Infinity War. The pivotal difference was the timing and intent of Tony Stark's Snap. Although both actions resulted in the annihilation of Thanos and his army, Tony's Snap was likely more focused on restoring the timeline than merely eliminating the threat.

The Ancient One's Explanation: Willed Disappearance

Based on a deleted scene, the Ancient One explains that Thanos willed the lives of his victims out of existence, which is why they can be brought back to life. This theory suggests that the Snap did not definitively kill these entities but rather willed their existence out of the fabric of reality. According to the Ancient One, both Thanos and his army are not truly gone; they are simply floating out there, constituting 1030 billion little atoms in the cosmos. This perspective aligns with the screenwriters' intentions and the Russo brothers' descriptions of the Snap as a form of decomposition rather than outright death.

Potential Time Travel Theories: Sent Back to Original Timelines

Some fans and theorists propose that Tony Stark's Snap did indeed send Thanos and his army back to their original timelines. However, this theory is less supported by the primary narrative. For example, in one of the uncut scenes where Gamora does not attend Tony's tribute, it is possible that she, along with Thanos, went back to their original timelines. This suggests a resetting of the timeline, with Thanos and his army being restored in their original forms and positions, potentially leading to an alternate future.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Reality Warping

The enigma of Tony Stark's Snap and its impact on Thanos and his army reflects the complex and often ambiguous nature of reality in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the official narrative presents a clear view of Mortal Decimation, various theories and potential timelines offer a rich tapestry of interpretations. Fans can choose the narrative that best suits their imagination, adding to the film's enduring legacy and debate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Tony Stark's Snap kill Thanos and his army, or time-travel them back to their timelines?

A: According to the official narrative, Tony Stark's Snap killed Thanos and his army through Mortal Decimation. However, certain theories and deleted scenes suggest that it may have willed them out of existence, leaving them as 1030 billion little atoms in the cosmos. The exact nature of the Snap's effect remains an intriguing subject of discussion and speculation among fans.