Understanding Time Travel in Avengers: Endgame - The Multiverse Theory Explained

The concept of time travel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a fascinating topic, especially when explored through the lens of the film Avengers: Endgame. One of the most intriguing aspects of this movie is the multiverse theory, which stars in the complex plot surrounding time travel. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of why Nebula, the old version, does not vanish when the new one kills her past self, and explore the broader implications of time travel in the MCU.

Why Doesn’t the Current Nebula Vanish?

When considering the death of the old Nebula from the past in Avengers: Endgame, the question arises: why doesn’t the current Nebula from the present timeline vanish or blink out of existence? The answer lies in the multiverse theory employed by the Russo brothers in their storytelling. According to this theory, when a character travels through time, they do not change their own past; instead, they create a parallel universe where the changes occur.

As explained by Professor Hulk's line, "Time doesn't work that way! Changing the past does not change the future." This principle is central to the multiverse theory. The Russo brothers opted to use the multiverse theory to avoid the paradoxes and logical inconsistencies that could arise with other time travel theories. In this theory, each individual event that happens in the universe may result in the creation of an entirely new universe where that event never happened or where different events occur.

Exploring the Multiverse Theory in Avengers: Endgame

The multiverse theory is a complex concept, and Avengers: Endgame provides a detailed illustration of how it works. When characters travel through time, they enter a different universe, often referred to as a parallel universe. This means that the current version of a character (like Nebula) is not affected by the actions of their past version. Instead, the past version is killed in a separate universe, which does not change the current timeline.

For instance, when Nebula from the past timeline kills the old Nebula, she is simply eliminating that version of herself from that specific universe. This action does not erase her current existence in the present timeline because the two exist in parallel universes. The multiverse theory ensures that no paradoxes arise from changing the past, as the changes take place in a different universe entirely.

Theories Behind the Multiverse in MCU

The multiverse theory in the MCU is not without its uncertainties. There are three primary theories one can consider:

Pure Multiverse Theory: In this theory, all possible universes, both good and bad, exist. This would mean that returning the Infinity Stones would not eradicate the "bad universe" as they still exist as part of an infinite multiverse. Self-Centered Philosophy: Another interpretation is that despite the pure multiverse theory, the Ancient One of Endgame, who is protective of the Time Stone, may have an egocentric view. She believes that her own universe is most important, even though this still does not fully explain the acceptance of Banner's solution. Modified Multiverse Theory (Multiverse Lite): This version suggests that the multiverse is not entirely deterministic. Only certain parallel universes exist based on specific actions, such as time travel. This aligns better with the plot of Avengers: Endgame and provides a more coherent explanation for the sequences of events.

The modified multiverse theory (Multiverse Lite) provides the simplest and most logical explanation for the plot of Avengers: Endgame. It ensures that time travel is consistent with the principles of causality and avoids paradoxes like the Grandfather Paradox. Under this theory, traveling back in time does not lead to a continuous loop but creates a new universe.

Conclusion

The multiverse theory used in Avengers: Endgame is a crucial element that explains the complex time travel sequences and character interactions. By establishing the creation of parallel universes, the Russo brothers ensured that no logical contradictions arose. The current Nebula, therefore, does not vanish when her past self is eliminated because they exist in different universes, allowing for a coherent and intriguing narrative in the MCU.