‘Avengers: Endgame’ Director Joe Russo Explains How Thanos Broke Captain America’s Shield
Fans of Avengers: Endgame are still dissecting aspects of the film four months after it’s initial release. Understandably, there’s a lot to unpack considering the cameos and easter eggs hidden throughout the movie. One moment fans have been wondering about is when Thanos (Josh Brolin) broke Captain America’s (Chris Evans) shield. Joe Russo, who directed Avengers: Endgame along with his brother, Anthony Russo, explained how this could happen during a recent interview. Learn how Thanos was able to break Captain America’s shield ahead.
Captain America isn’t Captain America without his shield. The red, white, and blue weapon is his trademark along with his blue suit. Marvel fans know his shield has protected him from all types of threats … until now.
Warning, spoilers ahead!
In the last battle in Avengers: Endgame, Thanos and the Avengers fight to the death. At one point, Captain America took on Thanos by himself using his shield. Surprisingly, Thanos broke the superhero’s shield.
Per Marvel Wiki, Esquire explained why Captain America’s shield is so strong:
“Made from vibranium, it is able to absorb and reflect kinetic energy, enabling it to withstand impacts that would break a shield made of any other material. The shield’s center is also highly deflective, able to redirect flying projectiles- as demonstrated when Rogers was able to ricochet a concentrated fire of high caliber bullets from a minigun back at his enemies- and also reflect the impact of Mjølnir to cause a massive shock wave. It was also discovered to be incredibly effective at deflecting or diffusing attacks from energy-based firearms such as those developed by HYDRA, Iron Man’s repulsor beams, or the guns used by the Chitauri. The vibranium shield also demonstrated that it can be used to cushion falls from great heights.”
Marvel Wiki on Captain America’s shield.
As far as fans have been concerned, Captain America’s shield is the end-all-be-all of weapons. It can withstand anything. So, that’s why they’ve been begging to know how Thanos broke his shield in the final installment of the Avengers movies.
Joe Russo explains how Thanos broke Captain America’s shield
During a May 2019 interview with Comicbook.com, Russo explained how Thanos did the impossible and broke Captain America’s shield.
“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,” Russo said. “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.”
Russo referenced the craftsman who made his weapon, his glove. And because of his age and the fact he’s gone up against everyone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he had the edge against Captain America.
More spoilers!
Captain America fans rejoiced because Evans’s character survived the battle with Thanos and went on to live a happy life. The superhero also known as Steve Rogers decided to go back in time to be with his love interest throughout the series, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). While this seemed to be the end for Captain America, it may not be given what Evans has said in interviews about the future of his character.
