The final battle sequence in Avengers: Endgame is probably the most glorious big-screen battle since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It’s epic, heart-pounding and heartbreaking. The best part is, it also further showcases Thanos as an absolute freak of nature. At one point, Thanos singlehandedly delivered an ass-whooping to Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. At another point, Thanos actually uses his giant sword and cuts Captain America’s previously thought-to-be invincible shield. But how on earth did he do that? Isn’t Vibranium, the material used to make Cap’s shield (and Black Panther’s suit) supposed to be virtually indestructible?
During the commentary track for the film’s Blu-ray, the filmmakers discuss Thanos’ powerful blade. Co-writer Stephen McFeely mentioned something interesting in particular.
“You can also see that while Vibranium is the strongest substance on Earth, whatever Thanos’ straight razor there is made out of is stronger.”
I know, this sounds like a contradiction to what we learned in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, which hailed Vibranium (an element that crashed onto Earth many many years ago) is the most powerful metal out there. That said, I wouldn’t consider Thanos’ blade a plot hole or a retcon. It would appear that the kings, queens and historians in Wakanda may have got this one wrong.
Previously, co-director of Endgame, Joe Russo had mentioned that he doesn’t think Vibranium is the most powerful metal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“Clearly Thanos is a thousand-year-old character who has fought everyone in the universe and is the greatest: He’s the Genghis Khan of the universe, so he would have the greatest weapon. He knows of Eitri, he’s been to Eitri to have his glove created. Did he have them create his blade as well? Potentially. But it’s interesting that it could destroy the shield.”
The Blu-ray of Avengers: Endgame is now available to purchase.
