Whedon Hints At Death In The Avengers

One of the big rumors circulating about the Dark Knight Rises is that Batman might die in the movie. Well, it looks like Joss Whedon might be starting a similar rumor about The Avengers. According to IO9, Whedon wants to give The Avengers the sense that the heroes could die just like in any other Joss Whedon movie. According to Total Film (via ComicBookMovie.com), Whedon said, "I find superhero movies to be a little too neat. And when you have Earth's mightiest heroes — like Thor, you know Thor! — you have to put them in a situation that makes you feel like they're not all going to make it. The climax of this movie isn't one where you go, 'Oh yes, there's the Avengers, good for them, bye!' When it all hits, it hits hard." While we know that Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America will survive since future movies starring those characters have already been announced, could Whedon possible kill off one of the other characters? Nick Fury is likely safe as well since Samuel L. Jackson signed a nine picture deal with Marvel Studios. It's also unlikely that the Hulk would be killed, since he would be a major draw for a sequel. However, Hawkeye and Black Widow are likely completely expendable. Killing either one or both of those characters off would bring a sense of danger to the movie. Plus, it would also allow Marvel Studios to make an Avengers sequel feel different with new characters like Ant-Man and/or the Wasp. We earlier speculated that death could be a possibility in The Avengers based on some interesting comments pertaining to Black Widow.  The writer of a Black Widow comic book tie-in to The Avengers movie said, "…who knows where she'll be after 'Marvel's The Avengers'; maybe she doesn't even make it out at the end?" While this might just be a typical teaser, Scarlett Johannson has downplayed the idea that she will be in Iron Man 3. If Johansson wants to take a break from superhero movies and Marvel Studios is unsure of her future availability, then killing her off in The Avengers movie might make sense. If later, they were able to work out a deal to get her back, comic books have already shown that death is not always the end of a character.