Ever since Avengers: Endgame was released, fans have been theorising the deeper meaning behind Tony Stark's now-famous "I love you 3,000" line.
In case you forgot, Iron Man said the words to his daughter Morgan as he put her to bed, and they were later repeated through a hologram at his funeral.
One of the theories going around is that it is a nod to the alleged runtime of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe of 3,000 minutes – though Endgame directors the Russo brothers aren't buying it.
"We worked really hard to make sure… we've been planning that since Winter Soldier," Joe Russo joked to Deco Drive. "No, I mean that is absolutely coincidental, we're not that smart."
Anthony Russo added: "It's hard enough to make these movies, trying to hit a minute count like that seems off the mark."
Sorry guys, you're probably looking too deeply into it.
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Endgame is due to be released back in cinemas very soon to try and beat Avatar's highest-grossing movie record let fans enjoy it once again on the big screen.
After that, fans will be able to enjoy the movie at home – and the trailer for its home release includes the emotional moment where Iron Man sacrifices himself. So prepare to sob all over again.
Avengers: Endgame is out now.
Disney+ Watch the MCU on Disney+
Abrams Books The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry
Marvel Studios Marvel Phase 1-3 complete set Blu-ray
![Avengers: Endgame 4K Includes Bonus Disk [Blu-ray] [2019] [Region Free]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1565171628-51DyZnkLD7L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Avengers: Endgame 4K Includes Bonus Disk [Blu-ray] [2019] [Region Free]")
Disney/Marvel Studios Avengers: Endgame 4K Includes Bonus Disk [Blu-ray] [2019] [Region Free]
![Avengers: 1-4 Complete Blu-ray Boxset Includes Bonus Disk [2019] [Region Free]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1565171833-51x6a0eLuRL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Avengers: 1-4 Complete Blu-ray Boxset Includes Bonus Disk [2019] [Region Free]")
Disney/Marvel Studios Avengers: 1-4 Complete Blu-ray Boxset Includes Bonus Disk [2019] [Region Free]
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
