Why Didn't Tony Stark Use the Infinity Gauntlet to Reverse Thanos' Snap in Avengers: Endgame?

In the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame, the events leading up to the snap and its reversal are complex and multifaceted. Many fans are curious as to why Tony Stark, the genius billionaire industrialist, did not use the Infinity Gauntlet to reverse the effects of Thanos' snap. Let's explore a few possible reasons for this outcome.

1. Experience and Phases of Life

One reason could be that Tony Stark, better known as Iron Man, chose to prioritize his personal life over the immediate victory over Thanos. In the years following his battle with Thanos, Tony has had the chance to experience more than just the typical life of a superhero. He has settled down, started a family, and lived a life he has always yearned for. This reflects a deeper level of personal fulfillment that he has not been able to achieve due to his constant superhero duties.

The choice made by Tony to prioritize his life over superheroics is a testament to his personal development and maturity. Tony then focuses on living life to the fullest, rather than being tied to the constant need to save the world. This decision showcases a different facet of Tony Stark, aligning more with the character he has become since the Iron Man series.

2. Thorough Fatigue and Realization

Another critical point to consider is the state of Thanos himself after the snap. Upon returning from the snap, Tony sees a remarkably worn out Thanos. This exhaustion is evident even before the final battle, particularly in a scene where Thanos is shown sitting, seemingly resigned to his fate. This weariness does not come from the mere five seconds in which he will turn into dust; rather, it stems from the back-to-back battles and sheer strain of overpowering the entire universe and all its champions.

Thanos would have known that even with the gauntlet in hand, he would be unable to survive another snap. People often underestimate how drained a superpowerful entity like Thanos would be after such an exertion, especially when faced with an opponent as formidable as the combined might of the Avengers. The realization that he had indeed failed did hit Thanos hard, and his fatigue reflected this tragic acceptance.

3. The Hulk's Better Chance of Survival

Furthermore, the decision to use the Infinity Gauntlet was not Tony’s but rather the Hulk’s. After a heated debate among the Avengers, they collectively decided that the Hulk had the best chance of survival given his incredible strength and raw power. Avengers: Endgame acknowledges that the Hulk is genetically predisposed to handle the power of the Infinity Stones, making him a more viable candidate to wield the Gauntlet and reverse the snap.

When Tony snaps away Thanos' army in the battle, it is clear that even a reduced use of the gauntlet had enough residual energy to take Tony out. This was a significant risk, but one the Avengers deemed necessary given the Hulk's proven track record of surviving the gauntlet's effects.

4. Historical and Chronological Considerations

A timeline discrepancy exists in the overall battle strategy. The Avengers planned to heist the Infinity Stones, but the approach was to avoid directly confronting Thanos, especially in the time leading up to the final snap. The plan didn't include stopping to confront Thanos personally, much less in the past, especially with the use of the Nano Gauntlet. Tony would have had no reason to believe Thanos would travel back in time to snap again, and this unexpected scenario was outside the original plan.

The scene where Thanos is left alone and mortally wounded, unable to use the stones to restore his strength, adds an element of a dire, one-way situation. The gauntlet, in his hands, would have been a powerful deterrent, but also a harbinger of death. Natural decline and the sheer toll of his actions would render Thanos' physical form unable to withstand the gauntlet's immense power, making it a futile move in the end.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of Avengers: Endgame, the decision not to use the Infinity Gauntlet by Tony Stark is a multifaceted choice driven by personal growth, physical exhaustion, and strategic planning. The film presents a nuanced exploration of the characters and their motivations, reflecting the broader themes of time, sacrifice, and learning to live a full life even in the face of nearly insurmountable odds.