Thanos was the big bad of the Infinity Saga in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. First revealed in a post-credits scene in 2012’s The Avengers, he loomed large over Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. The Mad Titan met his end in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Twice, technically. But once Tony Stark snapped him out of existence, it truly felt like Thanos died. Or did he? 

 

In a recent interview with Collider, actor Josh Brolin was promoting his new movie The Dog Stars. He was asked whether he believes Thanos is actually dead in the MCU. The actor’s response left some room for speculation, especially in light of upcoming events. Here’s what Brolin had to say about it. 

 

“I don’t know how to answer that question.”

 

Now, there are a few ways actors in big superhero movies can handle things. They can be like Andrew Garifled and outright lie about being in a movie like Spider-Man: No Way Home. Brolin could have said, “Yes, Thanos is dead.” Or he could have said, “I’m not coming back.” Instead, he kind of sidestepped it. 

 

Naturally, this leaves room for some fairly obvious speculation. Brolin wasn’t included as part of the massive cast for Avengers: Doomsday. That said, Marvel is undoubtedly going to want to keep some surprises in store. It’s a multiversal adventure and that could pave the way for Thanos to return, in theory. Or a version of him anyway. Whether or not Marvel would do that is another question entirely, but Brolin’s comments seem to at least crack the door open. 

 

Here is the synopsis for Avengers: Doomsday. 

 

“’Avengers: Doomsday’ follows beloved heroes from three distinct universes as they’re set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.” 

 

If not Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars will bring the Multiverse Saga to a close. Bringing Thanos back for one last hurrah would make that movie seem even bigger than it already is. Then again, it might also run the risk of undercutting the ending of Endgame. At the same time, Marvel is already bringing back Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom, as well as other actors from the past. Maybe Thanos returning wouldn’t be all that outlandish. 

 

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026. Avengers: Secret Wars is currently set to follow on December 17, 2027. 

 

What do you think? Would you like to see Thanos return? Or do you think it’s better to leave him dead? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Instagram!