The history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen many great quotes all but lost in scenes deleted from the films of the franchise. Throughout the MCU’s movie timeline, there have been many scenes that didn’t make it into the final cuts of the franchise’s films. Very few of these deleted scenes had the potential to actively change their respective movies or the franchise as a whole, but that isn’t to say that they’re lacking in substance.
Oftentimes, the scenes deleted from the movies of the MCU contain moments of quality that simply didn’t make it into the final cut. Whether poignant and emotional, comedic, or just otherwise interesting, there are many excellent quotes from MCU movies that ended up on the cutting room floor for one reason or another. With that in mind, here are the 10 best MCU quotes from deleted scenes.
10 “Sorry, Miles, I’m Not Gonna Make It.”
Aaron Davis, Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
The first solo entry into the MCU’s Spider-Man movie timeline came in 2017 with Spider-Man: Homecoming, expanding on the hero’s brief role in Captain America: Civil War. The movie saw Tom Holland’s Spider-Man encounter many enemies, but one of the film’s more subtle additions was that of Aaron Davis, better known as the villain Prowler, who is also the uncle of Peter Parker’s successor, Miles Morales. One deleted scene from the movie almost confirmed much more about the villain’s MCU story, however.
The deleted scene included an extended version of a scene in which Spider-Man apprehends and interrogates Davis. After being stuck to his car via Spider-Man’s webbing, Davis is shown making a phonecall to his nephew Miles, who he tells that he’s “not gonna make it”. The quote explicitly confirms the existence of Miles Morales in the MCU, rather than the vague reference to him that remained in the theatrical cut.
- Director
- Jon Watts
- Release Date
- July 7, 2017
9 “It Is Of The Six, The Infinite Six.”
The Norns, Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron elevated the story of the MCU to new levels, raising the stakes considerably after Tony Stark inadvertently created the titular villain. Much of the film’s narrative revolves around the Stone that was previously housed in Loki’s scepter. One point in Age of Ultron sees Thor leave his fellow heroes to seek more insight into the Stone, returning to explain the extent of its power and to help create Vision.
A deleted scene adds further context to Thor’s journey, showing him being briefly possessed by the Norns, who deliver the key exposition. Among other things, the Norns explain that the stone is “of the six. The Infinite six.” The explicit reference to the Infinity Stones could have given the Avengers movie a better-defined place within the Infinity Saga, and the nature of the scene and the Norns as characters made the quote all the more memorable despite being deleted from Age of Ultron.
8 “Power Comes From The Heart.”
Zeus, Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)
Of the many additions to the MCU in the cast of Thor: Love and Thunder, Zeus was by far one of the most fascinating and powerful figures to make his franchise debut. His role in Love and Thunder’s story is relatively limited, although a deleted scene almost added much more to his characterization. The scene in question shows Thor and Zeus walking together, with the older god sharing various insights on the nature of power.
During the scene, Zeus offers valuable advice and guidance to Thor, and at one point explains to the God of Thunder that “power comes from the heart.” It’s a touching moment, as it gives Zeus a more fatherly aspect, rather than the hedonistic and unpleasant characterization that remained in the finished film. Not only did the quote make Zeus seem far better as a character, but it also established him as a mentor to Thor.
- Release Date
- July 8, 2022
7 “I’m Giving The People What They Want.”
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor: The Dark World might not have proven to be one of the more successful entries into the MCU, but one of its greatest strengths was its exploration of Loki as a character. After his role as the main antagonist of both 2011’s Thor and 2012’s The Avengers, The Dark World examined a different side of Loki. One early deleted scene made this characterization even better, though it ultimately wasn’t included in the final cut.
The scene shows Loki being crowned king of Asgard, with the people cheering and celebrating him. It’s swiftly revealed to be nothing more than a fantasy by an imprisoned Loki, who simply explains to his mother when she asks what he’s doing that he’s “giving the people what they want.” The quote offers an insight into Loki’s psyche, echoing his plans to subjugate Earth in The Avengers with a single tragic line.
- Director
- Alan Taylor
- Release Date
- November 8, 2013
6 “Don’t Mistake It For Kindness.”
Tony Stark, Iron Man (2008)
2008’s Iron Man may have started the entire MCU, but it also marked the beginning of Iron Man’s story in the franchise. Tony Stark’s narrative arc saw him go from a self-absorbed billionaire to a genuine hero, and though it occurred across the entirety of the Infinity Saga, he was already well on his way after just one movie. One deleted scene from Iron Man’s ending perfectly captures this idea.
After battling Obadiah Stane, Stark sees him falling into the unstable Arc Reactor and catches him, temporarily saving his life. He immediately tells Stane not to mistake his gesture for kindness, clearly demonstrating his heroic streak and his strong moral fiber despite his personal feelings about the villain. The quote is an excellent marker of where Stark is in his hero journey at that point, though it was sadly deleted from the finished movie.
5 “You’re Shaking My Hand Now, Wait ‘Til You Get The Bill.”
Stephen Strange, Doctor Strange (2016)
2016’s Doctor Strange saw the debut of its eponymous hero, chronicling his origins as a sorcerer and his encounters with multiple magical villains of staggering ability. For all the impressive abilities on display throughout the movie, it’s the more human aspects of its characters that really make it stand out, with Benedict Cumberbatch’s ability to play both a tragic hero and a deeply sarcastic and occasionally cynical character at once. One particular quote from a deleted scene perfectly outlines this idea.
While traveling the world and living on the streets, Stephen Strange meets a limping dog. Using his medical knowledge, he helps treat the dog’s leg, then remarks “you’re shaking my hand now, wait ‘til you get the bill.” The line manages to communicate both Strange’s sense of humor and the depth of his compassion in just a few brief moments, making it especially memorable despite being cut from the movie.
- Director
- Scott Derrickson
- Release Date
- October 25, 2016
4 “Now Give Us A Kiss.”
Loki, Thor (2011)
As Thor’s MCU story quite literally begins with a major defining moment, it’s perhaps unsurprising that a brief scene leading up to it was cut from the finished film. 2011’s Thor begins with the God of Thunder’s supposed coronation, though it ultimately doesn’t go to plan. One deleted scene set moments before the coronation introduced Thor and Loki in an incredibly different manner, having the two share a little banter and a tender fraternal moment ahead of the ceremony.
After admitting to Thor that he’s proud of his brother, Loki diffuses the serious moment by adding: “now give us a kiss.” The quote captures Loki’s sense of fun and mischief, but also his vulnerability, using comedy to dispel the tension of the moment. The scene and the quote add excellent depth to Thor and Loki’s relationship, making it a shame that it was cut from the film.
3 “I Gotta Get Me One Of Those.”
Bucky Barnes, Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Captain America: Civil War proved to be one of the most important movies in the MCU, as its narrative had huge ramifications for many individual characters and for the franchise as a whole. Its iconic airport showdown between Team Cap and Team Iron Man is one of the most memorable moments in the Infinity Saga, and it’s positively packed with memorable quotes. However, one particularly great line didn’t make it into the finished film, as it was spoken in a brief deleted scene.
The scene shows Bucky Barnes using Captain America’s shield during combat. When Cap arrives and reclaims it, Bucky simply remarks: “I gotta get me one of those.” The line is seemingly a nod to Bucky being Steve Rogers’ successor to the mantle of Captain America in the comics, while also tapping into the pair’s friendship and better establishing Bucky’s human side.
2 “You Complete Me.”
Tony Stark, Iron Man 2 (2010)
Iron Man 2’s alternate opening only added a short amount to the film, but its implications were potentially huge. As well as more thoroughly setting up an adaptation of the Demon in a Bottle story from the comics, it also saw an exchange between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts ahead of Iron Man’s impressive entrance to the Stark Expo. Though the scene was ultimately cut, it featured an excellent Tony Stark quote.
While persuading Tony to jump from the plane, Pepper kisses his mask and throws it out. Immediately before diving after it, Tony tells Pepper: “you complete me.” Using a pop culture reference in such an off-handed way seems incredibly fitting for Stark’s character, as well as serving as a witty response to Pepper throwing his mask. It’s a memorable moment that sadly didn’t make the final cut.
1 “It’s Been A Long Time Since I Felt A Light About Anything.”
Bruce Banner, The Incredible Hulk (2008)
The Incredible Hulk is often considered one of the weaker entries into the MCU, but it does feature moments of brilliance that are worthy of note. Interestingly, one such moment occurs during a deleted scene, in which Bruce Banner sits down for a meal with Betty Ross and Leonard Samson. The three are happily sharing stories when Bruce suddenly begins to sob uncontrollably, unexpectedly altering the entire tone of the scene.
Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner then goes on to explain through his tears that it’s “been a long time since he felt a light about anything.” The sudden emotional reaction to an otherwise innocent story suddenly makes sense, and Norton’s delivery of the line is simply heartbreaking. As such, it’s perhaps the best quote to have been lost within the deleted scenes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Director
- Louis Leterrier
- Release Date
- June 13, 2008