Robert Downey Jr.’s one line to Chris Evans in Civil War would’ve changed the MCU’s course if it were included in the final film.

One deleted moment in Captain America: Civil War could have ruined the entire arc of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. In an earlier draft of the movie, Tony Stark makes a statement that implies that he and Pepper Potts are having a baby. While the characters eventually have a baby in the MCU, it happens much later in the films. Stark’s very young daughter served as one of the biggest emotional factors in Iron Man’s final appearance.

Another scene was cut from Avengers: Endgame, an interaction between Tony Stark and a very adult Morgan Stark, played by Katherine Langford, in the Soul World. This scene would’ve also confused fans and negatively impacted his scenes with Lexi Rabe’s young Morgan in the film.

Robert Downey Jr.’s One Deleted Line In Civil War Would’ve Ruined Iron Man’s Emotional Arc

In Avengers: Infinity War, Robert Downey Jr.‘s Tony Stark has a “dream” about having a kid named Morgan. After the tragedy that falls upon the Avengers at the end of the movie, Stark pursues that dream and becomes a father to a daughter named Morgan. When he embarks on his final mission to save the world in Avengers: Endgame, he puts his fatherhood at stake for the world.

Things don’t end well for Iron Man, who sacrifices himself to save the universe from Thanos, leaving his young daughter behind. This arc hits the audience with a bunch of emotions anytime they rewatch the Infinity Saga finale films. However, none of this would’ve happened if Downey Jr.’s one line was kept in Captain America: Civil War.

The film had an earlier draft where Tony Stark mentions to Steve Rogers that he “missed [his] Lamaze classes” (via MCU Fandom). It was a clear implication that Gwyneth Paltrow‘s Pepper Potts was pregnant during the events of the film. It would have changed a lot of things in the film itself, not to mention his arc down the MCU lane.

For instance, it would’ve put doubts in his mind about the Sokovia Accords and also impacted the way in which he reacted to the big reveal in the climax of the film. Most importantly, it would’ve ruined his story arc in the two-part Infinity Saga finale and his final heroic sacrifice. A much older daughter in Avengers: Endgame is something fans can’t even begin to process.

Marvel Actually Deleted An Adult Morgan Stark Scene From Avengers: Endgame

Marvel actually filmed a scene where, as soon as Robert Downey Jr. snapped his fingers, he reaches the Soulworld and meets an adult Morgan, played by Katherine Langford. The scene was included in the test screenings of the film and was taken out after the viewers were confused and didn’t resonate with the scene emotionally.

Fans loved Lexi Rabe’s depiction of a 5-year-old Morgan and were emotionally moved by Tony’s final message to his young daughter. The fact that he didn’t get to go home to his daughter in the end left a huge emotional impact on the audience. Bringing Langford into the picture would’ve downplayed this sacrifice from Tony Stark.

The deleted scene later surfaced on YouTube and was hugely unpopular with fans, who appreciated Anthony and Joe Russo’s decision. Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame are now available for streaming on Disney+.