The Infinity Saga had Thanos looming over the Avengers in multiple films. He wreaked havoc and decimated half of the population of the galaxy in his quest to create balance in Avengers: Infinity War. The makers had a lot to live up to with the character as he was teased as the overarching villain of the Infinity Saga.
The MCU planned the character to be the most compelling and terrifying villain who had understandable motivations that explained his genocidal plans. The writers of the last two Avengers films decided to expand his arc in these two films, with him driving the first film through his quest to acquire the Infinity Stones.
Thanos’ Arc Was Expanded In Two Films, With A Major Change in Storytelling
The MCU had been teasing the appearance of Thanos through multiple films including The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. The time had come for the character to make his proper appearance in a future MCU film and the writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely were assigned to write a compelling arc for the villain.
According to the book, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, the writers had written many versions of the origins of the character. Many of them were jettisoned but one scene involving his introduction to a young Gamora remained (as seen in Avengers: Infinity War). The writers and makers decided that that Thanos’ arc should be told in two films with the character driving the story of the first film.
A villain driving the narrative of an MCU film was a first for the studio and they were confident that this would be a strong approach for Thanos’ motivations and characterization. They also decided that the character would succeed at the end of the first film, leading to a devastating loss for the Avengers, which had never happened before.
This approach incredibly paid off as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame became two of the most celebrated superhero films ever made. Thanos was also very well received by audiences with many considering him the best villain the MCU has ever had.
Josh Brolin is Open to Returning as Thanos
Josh Brolin’s captivating and terrifying performance as Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame received acclaim from critics and audiences. The character is considered to be arguably the best villain the MCU has ever had. Brolin also had a great time portraying the character and when asked about reprising the role, he expressed his openness to the opportunity.
In an interview with Sirius XM, Brolin admitted that he doesn’t know the future plans of the MCU and he would be open to returning as Thanos if the studio wanted him to. He said,
“I don’t know where they’re going with it, no. It’s not that I don’t have an interest in it. They have their own trajectory that they’re worrying about and if they want me to do it, I would do it I’m sure, but I don’t know what they’re thinking.”
It has to be said that Thanos’ arc felt complete with the ending of Avengers: Endgame. It remains to be seen whether the studio brings back the character in some form and in what capacity.
