Apparently, “Endgame” wasn’t quite the end.
Marvel is bringing Avengers: Endgame back to theaters with Avengers: Endgame — Encore, and according to the reported scene descriptions, we’re getting a changed ending and THREE post-credits scenes setting up Avengers: Doomsday.
So, yeah. You might want to hold off on that giant soda.
SPOILERS AHEAD. Obviously.
Remember that beautiful ending where Steve Rogers finally gets his dance with Peggy Carter? A little peace. A little happiness. A proper goodbye.
Well, somebody’s knocking on the damn door.
After Steve and Peggy kiss, Peggy answers it while Steve ducks out of sight. Standing outside is Loki, wearing his TVA uniform, telling her, “I can help you. Both of you.”
Steve steps out, sees the guy who once tried to conquer Earth, and—
Cut to black.
Look, I loved that original ending. Messing with it makes me nervous. But Captain America opening his happily-ever-after to find Loki on the doorstep? Okay, you have my attention.
The first credits scene reportedly finds an older, bearded Bruce Banner hiding miles underground inside a military facility. He’s working on new ways to suppress Hulk, because apparently retirement for an Avenger means building yourself a prison.
Then a green glow appears.
Doctor Doom has entered the chat.
“Mr. Banner. I’m here to collect you.”
One Hulk roar later, they’re both gone, leaving a glowing green symbol on the floor.
That’s probably fine. Nothing concerning about Doctor Doom collecting the Hulk.
The next scene heads back to the TVA, where Loki apparently has an Employee of the Month plaque. Nice to see the benefits package includes recognition.
Unfortunately, the workday goes straight to hell.
Casey and O.B. discover two Earths firing missiles at each other as their universes begin colliding. Then more Incursions appear. And more. Pretty soon, there are thousands.
The multiverse is collapsing.
But the final scene is the one that could really get people talking.
Remember the hammering sound at the end of the original Endgame credits? That little tribute to Tony Stark building his first Iron Man suit?
This version reportedly gives that sound a new image:
Doctor Doom forging his mask.
Okay. That’s a hell of a tease. It’s also taking something that felt like a goodbye to Tony Stark and turning it into an advertisement for the next movie.
Am I intrigued? Absolutely.
Am I a little protective of a movie that already stuck its landing? Also absolutely.
Avengers: Endgame — Encore is slated to arrive September 25.
Seven years later, Marvel apparently has a few more things to say before we’re allowed to leave the theater.
