First, this post contains some MAJOR spoilers for the end of Avengers: Endgame. So, if you haven't seen the movie yet, I suggest you turn around and come back after!
So it's pretty clear that Avengers: Endgame is the epic finale of an 11-year Marvel Cinematic Universe journey.
And because of this, Endgame has some pretty amazing callbacks to previous films, like when Tony references this conversation from Age of Ultron.
But one of the biggest and most heartbreaking callbacks actually came toward the end of the film, and you might've missed it.
During Tony's funeral (I'm crying just typing those two words) we get to see all of Tony's friends and family.
But standing alone toward the back of the crowd is a teenage boy whom you might not have recognized right away.
The teenager is actually potato gun expert Harley Keener from Iron Man 3.
In case you need a refresher, Harley is the young kid Tony befriends while he’s stranded in Tennessee after being attacked.
Harley recognizes Tony right away and the two work together in order to repair Tony's Iron Man suit, and Harley even helps Tony with his panic attacks.
Tony eventually leaves after Harley helps him trace the Mandarin to Miami; however, he gives Harley an incredible workshop so he can keep inventing.
Avengers: Endgame is the first time we've seen Harley since Iron Man 3, but it's safe to assume Tony has kept an eye on him.
Also, if you want to cry some more, in Iron Man 3, Harley tells Tony that he hasn't seen his real dad in six years and fears he won't see Tony for six more years, too.
Whelp, Iron Man 3 and Avengers: Endgame were released exactly six years apart!
His reappearance in Endgame continues to fuel fan theories that Harley could take up the Iron Man mantle in the future.
Harley Keener will become iron man and no one can change my mind
The actor who plays him, Ty Simpkins, has remained part of the Marvel family — here he is in the massive Marvel 10th anniversary photo.
Ty has also attended almost every MCU movie premiere since Iron Man 3.
It remains a mystery as to what the future of the MCU will look like, but here's hoping Harley makes another appearance, preferably with Tony's other kids, Morgan and Peter Parker.
