Josh Brolin has sent Marvel fans into overdrive with his enthusiastic response to rumors about Thanos returning in upcoming Avengers films. During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor revealed that all it takes is one call from the directors, the Russo Brothers, for him to step into the shoes of the purple titan once again.
While the audience witnessed the end of the Mad Titan in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, speculation about his potential return in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars continues to build momentum across the Marvel Cinematic Universe fanbase.
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Josh Brolin Instant Availability for Marvel Return
“That was one movie, and I’ve said it…the Thanos thing, if they called me in London right now and said let’s do this,’ I’d be like, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow,'” Brolin declared during his podcast appearance. This enthusiastic response showcases his deep connection to the character that defined Phase 3 of the MCU.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Last MCU Appearance | Avengers: Endgame (2019) |
| Character Status | Deceased (snapped by Tony Stark) |
| Return Speculation | Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars |
| Actor’s Readiness | Immediate availability confirmed |
| Director Connection | Strong relationship with Russo Brothers |
Marvel’s Multiverse Opens New Possibilities
The Marvel star revealed that he is sure of the new films being a complete package for the fans of the franchise, saying “they’re going to come up with something really fun; I mean, who knows? … I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I’m sure it’ll be interesting. I think they do that very, very, very well.”
Potential Return Scenarios:
- Variant Thanos: Different timeline versions from across the multiverse
- King Thanos: An older, more powerful version from the comics
- Flashback Sequences: Past events or alternate timelines
- Secret Wars Integration: Battleworld scenarios requiring all major characters
Behind-the-Scenes Marvel Connections
Brolin shared that he maintains close relationships with his Marvel family, revealing he talks with Robert Downey Jr. almost 4-6 times a year and often speaks with Anthony and Joe Russo. This ongoing connection suggests potential for future collaborations, especially with RDJ’s return as Doctor Doom.
Marvel Relationship Network:
- Robert Downey Jr.: Regular contact (4-6 times yearly)
- Russo Brothers: Frequent conversations
- Marvel Studios: Open communication channels
- Cast Members: Maintained friendships post-Endgame
Upcoming Avengers Films Timeline
The speculation around Thanos’s return centers on two major upcoming releases:
Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026)
- Features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
- Potential multiverse villain team-ups
- Russo Brothers directing return
Avengers: Secret Wars (May 2027)
- Ultimate multiverse event
- All-hands-on-deck storytelling approach
- Perfect opportunity for Thanos variant
For more Marvel Cinematic Universe updates and character analysis, explore our comprehensive MCU Phase 6 guide covering all upcoming releases and rumored returns.
Industry Impact & Fan Expectations
Brolin’s openness to return addresses a significant fan demand. Thanos remains one of the MCU’s most compelling villains, with his complex motivations and devastating impact on the universe creating lasting appeal beyond his apparent demise.
Why Thanos’s Return Makes Sense:
- Multiverse Storytelling: Infinite possibilities for character variants
- Fan Demand: Consistently requested character return
- Box Office Appeal: Proven audience draw
- Narrative Potential: Unfinished storylines across timelines
Market Response & Speculation
The entertainment industry has responded positively to Brolin’s comments, with various outlets reporting increased speculation about Marvel’s Phase 6 plans. Marvel fans should expect to hear more about potential Thanos returns as Marvel Studios continues to lay the groundwork for Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Current Marvel Strategy:
- Bringing back proven characters in new forms
- Utilizing multiverse concepts for creative freedom
- Balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling
- Maintaining actor relationships for future opportunities
Ready to dive into the Marvel multiverse? Visit the official Marvel website for the latest updates on upcoming MCU releases and character announcements.
What This Means for the MCU’s Future
Brolin’s enthusiasm signals Marvel’s continued commitment to interconnected storytelling and actor relationships. His willingness to return immediately demonstrates the lasting impact of his MCU experience and opens doors for creative narrative possibilities.
The success of multiverse concepts in recent Marvel properties like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proves audiences embrace variant characters, making a Thanos return both feasible and potentially profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How could Thanos return if he died in Avengers: Endgame?
A: The multiverse concept introduced in Phase 4 allows for variant versions of characters from different timelines. A Thanos return could feature an alternate universe version, such as “King Thanos” from the comics, or explore past events through time travel scenarios. Marvel has proven adept at bringing back characters through creative storytelling methods that respect continuity while opening new possibilities.
Q: Would Josh Brolin’s Thanos return overshadow Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in upcoming Avengers films?
A: Rather than overshadowing, a Thanos return could potentially enhance Doctor Doom’s introduction by providing a scale of threat comparison. Having Doom potentially defeat or outmaneuver a Thanos variant would establish his credibility as the new primary MCU villain. Marvel has successfully balanced multiple major characters before, and both actors have expressed enthusiasm for their roles, suggesting collaborative rather than competitive storytelling.
