Some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's best-known heroes met their demise in Avengers: Infinity War, and while we know many will return next year in Avengers 4, there's one death that the directors assure was final.Fans had speculated that, despite his on-screen death early in the film, Loki actually survived the events of Infinity War. One theory suggested the god of mischief had cheated death yet again by not actually being on Thanos' ship. After all, he's projected doubles of himself in previous films, and according to some eagle-eyed fans, Loki's projections tend to be reverse incarnations. That, of course, is noteworthy because Loki only uses his non-dominant hand in Thor: The Dark World -- in which he fakes his death -- prior to Infinity War. But there's also the theory that Loki is posing as Bruce Banner, and thus escapes safely to Earth, which would explain the character's continual battle with the Other Guy. Yet, while both theories seem feasible, directors Joe and Anthony Russo insist Loki's actually died on screen.RELATED: Why So Many MCU Fans Think Loki Survived Infinity WarDuring a Q&A in Los Angeles on Wednesday, following screening of Avengers: Infinity War, the filmmakers were asked to address those theories once and for all. And unsurprisingly, they opted to keep their answer sharp and to the point, simply saying that, "Loki is dead."

Of course, given the secrecy surrounding Avengers 4 -- the Russos wouldn't answer any questions about the sequel's title or trailer -- it's entirely possible they're simply playing coy. After all, we know Tom Hiddleston isn't done playing the god of mischief just yet, as he's been confirmed to return for a limited series set to premiere on Disney+, the streaming service set to launch late next year. Could he return for Avengers 4? Sure. Heck, we know all of the dusted Guardians of the Galaxy are set to return, so Loki's resurrection isn't necessarily impossible. However, it's also possible the Russo brothers are telling the truth and Loki's time on the big screen is done -- for now.

RELATED: Loki Live-Action Series Confirmed for Disney+ Streaming Service

The Loki series is expected to be six-eight episodes and will be exclusive to Disney+.

The untitled sequel to Avengers: Infinity War will release on May 3, 2019. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, Marvel’s Avengers 4 stars Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Benedict Wong, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland and Anthony Mackie.