The bald lady in Avengers: Endgame is The Ancient One, portrayed by the acclaimed actress Tilda Swinton.
Unveiling The Ancient One in Avengers: Endgame
The Ancient One made a significant and unexpected appearance during the Time Heist in Avengers: Endgame, proving to be a critical figure in the Avengers' mission to reverse Thanos's snap. Her brief but impactful interaction with the Hulk provided crucial exposition regarding the nature of time and the Infinity Stones.
Who is The Ancient One?
The Ancient One is the wise and powerful Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, tasked with protecting the planet from mystical threats. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Tilda Swinton portrayed a female Celtic version of this character, debuting in the film Doctor Strange (2016) before her return in Avengers: Endgame (2019). She also appeared in the Disney+ animated series What If...? (2021), further exploring alternate realities.
Her lineage as a mystic extends beyond the MCU; the character was also voiced by Michael Ansara in the 1978 television film Dr. Strange, showcasing a long history in Marvel adaptations. She is known for her unparalleled mastery of the mystic arts, profound knowledge of time and dimensions, and her role as the mentor to Stephen Strange, who would eventually become the next Sorcerer Supreme.
Her Pivotal Role in the Time Heist
During the Time Heist in Avengers: Endgame, Bruce Banner, in his Smart Hulk form, travels back to 2012 New York City during the Battle of New York. He confronts The Ancient One on the rooftop of the New York Sanctum as she battles the Chitauri.
Their encounter was vital:
- Initial Refusal: The Ancient One initially refuses to hand over the Time Stone to Hulk, explaining the catastrophic consequences of removing an Infinity Stone from its timeline without returning it. She demonstrates this by showing how its removal would create a branching, dark timeline.
- Understanding Timelines: She elucidates the complex rules of time travel in the MCU, stressing that removing an Infinity Stone permanently would unravel her reality. She clarifies that personal time travel does not affect the past of the present timeline.
- Agreement and Trust: Convinced by Hulk's assurance that all the taken Infinity Stones would be returned to their precise points in time, she relents and entrusts him with the Time Stone, enabling the Avengers to complete their mission.
Powers and Abilities
As the Sorcerer Supreme, The Ancient One wields immense power rooted in the mystic arts. Her abilities include:
- Mastery of Mystic Arts: She can conjure and manipulate energy, create portals for instantaneous travel across vast distances or dimensions, and manifest powerful energy constructs.
- Astral Projection: The ability to separate her consciousness from her body, allowing her to travel the astral plane, where she can observe and interact without physical limitations.
- Immortality/Extended Lifespan: She possessed an extraordinary lifespan, having lived for centuries, accumulating vast knowledge and experience.
- Dimensional Manipulation: Proficient in navigating and utilizing different dimensions, as seen when she sends Doctor Strange on a mind-bending journey through the multiverse.
Legacy and Impact
The Ancient One's presence in Avengers: Endgame was more than just a cameo; it was a crucial narrative linchpin. Her explanation of time travel mechanics solidified the rules for the MCU's interpretation and her sacrifice of the Time Stone demonstrated her ultimate faith in the Avengers to restore balance to the universe. Her teachings and legacy live on through Doctor Strange, who continues to protect Earth using the mystic arts she once mastered.
| Character Role | Portrayer | Notable Appearance(s) |
|---|---|---|
| The Ancient One (MCU) | Tilda Swinton | Doctor Strange (2016), Avengers: Endgame (2019), What If...? (2021) |
| The Ancient One (1978 TV Film) | Michael Ansara (voice) | Dr. Strange (1978) |
