What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?

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Learn the history behind this fan-favorite Avengers line

Co-authored by Cheyenne Main Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: March 20, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Meaning
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• Origins
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• Responses

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There are tons of iconic, tear-jerking quotes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The line “I love you 3000” was first spoken in the Marvel Movie Avengers: Endgame and instantly captured the hearts of fans. But where did it come from and what does it mean? How do you respond when someone says it to you? Keep reading to find out!

Meaning of “I Love You 3000”

“I love you 3000” is a quote from Avengers: Endgame that basically means “I love you more than anything.” The line was first said by Morgan Stark, Tony Stark’s daughter after he tucked her into bed. In his last hologram at the end of the movie, Tony turns to Morgan and says “I love you 3000” before disappearing.

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Section 1 of 3:

What does “I love you 3000” mean?

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1. “I love you 3000” basically means “I love you more than anything.” “I love you 3000” is a famous catchphrase in the MCU. The first person to use this line was Morgan Stark, the daughter of Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man), in Avengers: Endgame. In that scene, Tony tucks Morgan into bed and says “I love you tons,” and Morgan says, “I love you 3000.”

   • At the end of the movie, Tony sacrifices himself to save the universe. After his funeral, his wife Pepper Pots plays a hologram he recorded of himself. In the end, Tony turns to Morgan and says “I love you 3000” before disappearing forever.
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Section 2 of 3:

Where does “I love you 3000” come from?

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1. “I love you 3000” was a line that Robert Downey Jr.’s child said to him. The original script for the movie had Morgan say “I love you tons” in response to Tony. Robert Downey Jr., who plays Tony Stark in the film, said that one of his children said “I love you 3000.” Co-director Anthony Russo told the screenwriters about that story, and it made its way into the script.

   • Before the backstory of this line was revealed, fans theorized that it was a clever reference to the 3000-minute combined runtime of all the MCU movies.
   • The line was later used by Gwenpool in the 2019 comic Gwenpool Strikes Back #2.

Section 3 of 3:

Replying to “I love you 3000”

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1. 1
   Say “I love you 3000” back if you feel the same way. There are tons of ways to say “I love you” to that special someone. “I love you too” is always a classic way to reply, but you can also reference the movie back to them by saying “I love you tons” or “I love you 3000.”

   • “I love you, too.”
   • “I love you tons!”
   • “I love you 3000.”
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   Tell them how much they mean to you with a heartfelt Marvel quote. If the person you’re talking to loves Marvel movies, tell them you love them back with another memorable MCU quote. Whether your love for them is romantic or platonic, these touching quotes and one-liners are sure to make a Marvel fan smile.

   • “I’m with you ‘til the end of the line.” (Bucky and Steve, Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
   • “But what is grief, if not love persevering?” (Vision, WandaVision)
   • “When you love something, you protect it. It is the most natural thing in the world.” (Thena, Eternals)
   • “I just feel you.” (Wanda and Vision, Avengers: Infinity War)
   • “You ever feel lost? Just look into the eyes of the people you love.” (Star-Lord, Thor: Love and Thunder)
   • “I love you guys.” (Tom Holland Spiderman, Spiderman: No Way Home)
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   Let the other person down gently if you don’t feel the same way. If someone says “I love you 3000” and you don’t feel the same way or you aren’t comfortable saying it back, let them know over text or in person when you’re somewhere private. Try to keep your response short so they won’t misinterpret what you’re saying.

   • “I’m sorry, I don’t feel the same way.”
   • “I care for you as a friend but I don’t have romantic feelings for you.”
   • “I really enjoy spending time with you, but I’m not interested in you in that way.”
   • “Thank you so much for telling me, but I don’t feel the same way about you.”
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