5 Reasons Scarlet Witch Should Have Defeated Thanos in Endgame
When Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame hit theaters, fans were left awe-struck by the epic battles and emotional farewells. However, one burning question lingered in the minds of many: Why didn’t Scarlet Witch, one of the most powerful Avengers, take down Thanos on her own? In this article, we delve into five compelling reasons why Scarlet Witch should have been the one to defeat the Mad Titan, exploring her immense powers, narrative potential, and the missed opportunities in the film.
1. Scarlet Witch’s Powers Surpass Thanos’ Strength
From her debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) has been portrayed as a force to be reckoned with. Her abilities, which stem from exposure to the Mind Stone, include telekinesis, mind manipulation, and reality warping. By the time we see her in Endgame, her powers have evolved to a near god-like level.
In her confrontation with Thanos, Wanda showcases her raw strength by single-handedly dismantling his armor and nearly obliterating him. Thanos, in sheer desperation, orders a massive airstrike to escape. This moment clearly demonstrates that Scarlet Witch was fully capable of defeating him if given just a few more seconds.
The question remains: why did the filmmakers choose to cut her triumph short? Allowing Wanda to defeat Thanos would have not only been consistent with her growing powers but also established her as a pivotal player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) future.
2. A Personal Vendetta Adds Emotional Weight
Thanos didn’t just wipe out half of the universe; he also took everything from Wanda. In Avengers: Infinity War, he brutally killed Vision, the love of her life, to claim the Mind Stone. This act of cruelty left Wanda devastated, and her grief became a central part of her character arc.
Imagine the narrative impact if Scarlet Witch had been the one to avenge Vision by defeating Thanos. It would have been a satisfying conclusion to her story of loss and resilience, providing closure not only for Wanda but also for fans who empathized with her pain. Instead, her revenge was sidelined, leaving audiences to wonder if her emotional journey was fully realized.
By sidelining Wanda, the filmmakers missed an opportunity to highlight the importance of personal stakes in epic battles. While Iron Man’s sacrifice was undeniably heroic, giving Scarlet Witch the spotlight in this moment would have resonated deeply with viewers on an emotional level.
3. Breaking the Pattern of Male Dominance in Climactic Battles
The MCU has faced criticism for its lack of female representation in pivotal moments. While Endgame featured an iconic scene of female heroes uniting, Scarlet Witch defeating Thanos would have sent a much stronger message. It would have shown that a woman, driven by personal loss and unparalleled strength, could take down the most formidable villain in the franchise.
Historically, male characters like Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man have dominated the climactic battles in the MCU. Giving Wanda her moment would have disrupted this pattern and reinforced Marvel’s commitment to empowering female characters. It would have also paved the way for Wanda’s expanded role in WandaVision and the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
This decision could have cemented Scarlet Witch as a symbol of strength and independence, inspiring a new generation of fans who look up to female heroes. By sidelining her in the final battle, Marvel missed an opportunity to redefine the dynamics of power in their cinematic universe.
4. Thanos Was Vulnerable Without the Infinity Stones
One of the main arguments against Scarlet Witch defeating Thanos is the perceived imbalance of power. However, in Endgame, the Thanos she faced was from an earlier timeline, lacking the Infinity Stones. This version of Thanos relied solely on brute strength and strategy, making him significantly less formidable.
Scarlet Witch, on the other hand, wielded unparalleled magical abilities. In a fair fight, her powers would have overwhelmed Thanos, especially since she was fighting with a burning desire for vengeance. The film’s portrayal of her as nearly defeating him despite the interference underscores her superiority in power.
Had the fight continued without external interruptions, there’s little doubt that Wanda would have emerged victorious. This scenario raises questions about the narrative choice to portray Thanos as an insurmountable foe, even when logic suggests otherwise.
5. Setting Up Scarlet Witch as a Central MCU Figure
Scarlet Witch’s journey in the MCU is far from over. With her starring role in WandaVision and her key part in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it’s clear that Marvel sees her as a major player in the franchise’s future. Allowing her to defeat Thanos in Endgame would have been the perfect way to solidify her importance and set the stage for her upcoming storylines.
By denying her this victory, the filmmakers missed an opportunity to elevate her status among the Avengers. Instead, her potential was overshadowed by other heroes, leaving fans to wonder if her character’s full capabilities will ever be realized on screen. A victory over Thanos could have been the defining moment that launched Wanda into the forefront of the MCU.
Conclusion: Wanda’s Moment Deserved More Spotlight
While Endgame delivered an unforgettable cinematic experience, Scarlet Witch’s role in the battle against Thanos felt like a missed opportunity. Her immense powers, emotional stakes, and potential to break narrative patterns made her a prime candidate to defeat the Mad Titan. As the MCU moves forward, fans can only hope that Wanda Maximoff gets the recognition she deserves as one of the most compelling and powerful heroes in Marvel history.
