Robert Downey Jr.s Avengers Instagram post will make you cry

Haven’t seen Avengers: Endgame yet? Well, SPOILERS AHEAD. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

I’ll give it a minute, in case any unspoiled eyes stray down — by accident or by “accident” — a few extra lines. Anyone who’s still here and reading should know that you’re entering spoilertown… right about… now.

The big knockdown brawl in Endgame‘s final hour is notable for a number of things, not the least of which is bringing back everyone who was dusted at the end of Infinity War for a final showdown with Thanos. Mixed into the high-stakes battle are some admittedly happy reunions — including a beautiful moment between Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark and Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.

If you’re reading this, then you know how things ended for Tony after the Thanos fight was over. You also know how special his relationship with Peter was. They were mentor and mentee at heart, but with a deep personal connection.

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Tony was a father figure to Peter. Losing him from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a bummer because Downey Jr. is such a magnetic personality, and a perfect fit for his role. But losing that Peter/Tony relationship? Heartbreaking.

Now it’s even moreso thanks to this behind the scenes footage of the pair’s reunion, which Downey Jr. shared on Instagram.

What a touching moment. Watching this makes the emotion of their reunion all the more amazing, too. Can you imagine tapping into feelings powerful enough to evoke a heartfelt performance while you’re in a weird suit with green screens all around and costumed weirdos are running by?

No, you’re crying. R.I.P Movie Tony Stark. You were the MCU’s emotional bedrock for more than a decade. Here’s hoping your protégé is up to the task of filling those shoes.

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