When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are few villains who have left as indelible a mark as Thanos. Josh Brolin’s portrayal of the Mad Titan in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame was nothing short of cinematic legend, turning the purple-skinned antagonist into a pop culture icon. Recently, Brolin fueled fresh speculation about reprising the character for Marvel’s highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for a 2027 release, with fans buzzing at the mere possibility of his return.
In an interview, Brolin revealed he’s open to donning the motion-capture suit once more, but with one crucial condition: “It has to be right.” The actor hinted that he’s not interested in returning unless the storyline offers something genuinely compelling. For Brolin, who had initially signed on for a layered portrayal of Thanos, the return isn’t just about fan service; it’s about preserving the character’s legacy in a way that adds depth to the MCU’s overarching narrative.
Brolin’s Thanos, as fans know, met his end at the hands of Iron Man in Endgame. However, Marvel comics offer a treasure trove of story arcs where Thanos rises from the ashes. One particularly iconic storyline, and a fan-favorite, sees Thanos return as “King Thanos”—a version of the character who reigns over a dark, dystopian universe. Rumors have surfaced suggesting that Marvel might explore this storyline, making it a perfect entry point for Brolin to step back into his villainous role, albeit with a different twist. This theory gains traction as Secret Wars is expected to delve into the multiverse, where alternate timelines and alternate versions of familiar characters are possible.
Josh Brolin’s affinity for the role is no secret. Despite Thanos’ complex and often cold-hearted demeanor, Brolin enjoyed the emotional layers and motivations behind the character, from his tragic dedication to “saving” the universe to his relentless pursuit of the Infinity Stones. And it’s clear Marvel fans would be thrilled to see him reappear, especially under the direction of veteran MCU directors like the Russo brothers, who shaped Thanos’ first arc.
Will Marvel find a way to bring Brolin back as Thanos while maintaining the gravitas that defined his original arc? That remains the billion-dollar question. One thing’s for sure: if Brolin’s Mad Titan makes a comeback, it’ll likely be nothing short of cinematic mayhem. Marvel Studios has built its universe on interconnected stories and unforgettable characters, and Thanos’ re-entry, even if brief, could set the stage for a jaw-dropping crossover event that brings the most powerful heroes and villains of the MCU face-to-face once more.
So, fans will have to wait and see if the stars—and Infinity Stones—align for Brolin’s Thanos in Secret Wars.