One of the most highly-acclaimed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is undoubtedly “Avengers: Endgame” – a film that continues to be celebrated six years later as a high point of the studio’s golden age. However, one element of the movie has left fans puzzled over the years: during Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) funeral scene, an unidentified teenager unexpectedly appears in the background with no introduction. A quick glance might cause you to miss him, but if you notice him, you may find yourself perplexed – who is this young boy and why does he feature in such a crucial moment of the film?
Initially, many viewers thought he was merely an insignificant prop, while others pondered over a previous character that could fit the bill. For quite some time, most people remained puzzled. However, it was later revealed that the boy was none other than Harley Keener (Ty Simpkins), now grown up from his role in Iron Man 3. In that film, Tony Stark honored him by providing a garage filled with advanced tools and devices – a brief scene that turned out to be particularly memorable and hinted at a mentor-apprentice dynamic.
Although the Russo Brothers have explained that the boy in Tony Stark’s funeral scene from Endgame was the same one who assisted him in Iron Man 3, many viewers are still puzzled by this choice. This is because Iron Man 3 isn’t a film that everyone remembers clearly, and Harley, the kid from that movie, did not make any subsequent appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As a result, some audience members failed to recognize him during Tony Stark’s funeral, which may have caused confusion for viewers at a particularly emotional moment.
The point isn’t that the concept was flawed; quite the contrary. Having Harley present seems fitting. In times of crisis, Tony found him essential and they developed an emotional connection. Harley, being inquisitive, intelligent, and subtly embodying something Tony didn’t openly acknowledge he needed – genuine care – made a significant impact on Tony. Unfortunately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayed his return more as an Easter egg rather than a meaningful tribute. This is because Harley appears alone, without dialogue, and no characters react to him. For dedicated fans who scrutinize every detail, it’s satisfying; however, for casual viewers, it could seem like an oversight or mistake, drawing attention to an irrelevant extra.
Over time, Marvel Studios has become skilled at connecting stories and characters in ways that delight fans with keen eyes for detail. However, there’s a thin line between clever references and elements that interfere with the storyline. Harley’s cameo appears to cross that line. When significant scenes leave viewers requiring an online search immediately after the movie, it suggests something hasn’t been executed properly. Tony Stark’s funeral should be a universally moving experience, yet while it is emotional, it also became puzzling for many viewers (particularly those less familiar with the genre).
It’s all the more puzzling since his return in Endgame seemed significant, but since then, Harley hasn’t been featured in any MCU project, with no hints or signs of further involvement. So one might wonder, what was the purpose behind resurrecting him in Endgame?
Following the debut of “Iron Man 3”, fans have frequently pondered whether Harley might one day assume the roles of Iron Lad or headline Ironheart (despite Riri Williams not being officially recognized as the successor). Given his abilities and longstanding reputation, many viewers regarded him as an excellent contender to continue the legacy. However, these possibilities never materialized, leaving no confirmation behind. If it was merely a fan-pleasing move, it resonated with only a select group. While it may have been exciting, the lack of follow-through made the concept seem more significant than it actually was, as it failed to deliver any meaningful payoff.
As a movie critic, I found myself grappling with an execution issue that diminished the impact of Tony Stark’s funeral in Avengers: Endgame. If Harley Quinn had shared a meaningful interaction or even a poignant remark about Tony during his eulogy, it would have given us a deeper understanding of their relationship and justified his presence. Instead, his appearance felt unexplained and out of sync with the emotional weight this movie carries as the culmination of a decade-long narrative. For Harley, Tony Stark was more than just Iron Man; he was a pivotal figure who influenced her life significantly. Attending the funeral makes sense in light of this connection, but the scene lacked the clarity and emotional resonance it needed to be truly moving.
In the movie “Iron Man 3,” a character was introduced who later reappeared in “Endgame.” This reappearance took place during a significant moment, yet no explanation was given as to why this happened. Even six years after the film’s release, many viewers are still left puzzled by this decision. It remains an intriguing Easter egg and a touching tribute, but it stands out as one of the most perplexing creative choices in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). A more satisfying resolution would have been beneficial to avoid leaving fans bewildered and uncertain about the meaning behind this appearance.
Avengers: Endgame is now streaming on Disney+.
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2025-09-12 21:45