- Primary Subject: Josh Brolin / Thanos in Avengers: Doomsday
- Key Update: Josh Brolin breaks silence on a potential MCU return, saying "if it happens, it happens."
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 13, 2026
- Quick Answer: Josh Brolin hasn't ruled out returning as Thanos, stating he'd consider it if conditions are right, though Doctor Doom remains Doomsday's main villain.
Josh Brolin has finally broken his silence on Thanos’ possible MCU return in Avengers: Doomsday, despite Marvel introducing its new villain, Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).
Brolin may be known for playing several famous characters, including Cable in Deadpool 2, but there’s no denying that Thanos has become his most iconic film role, despite the heavy visual effects involved.
So, after dying twice in Avengers: Endgame – first being beheaded by Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and later being snapped out of existence by Iron Man (Downey Jr.) – will Thanos return to the MCU?
Is Thanos Coming Back to the MCU?
Thanos first appeared in the mid-credits scene of the 2012 film The Avengers and quickly became a major part of pop culture with his antagonistic role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Sure, he might have died twice, but he has been immortalized as a cinematic icon through memes, cosplay, quotes, parodies, merchandise, and licensing deals.
As he maintains his fame and legendary status, rumors suggest he could be a surprise addition to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, with Josh Brolin reprising his role as Thanos. With that said, will fans see the Mad Titan again?
“People ask, you know: ‘Are you going to come back? Are you going to do it again?’ That kind of thing. It’s beside the point: if it happens, it happens,” he told ComicBook during the NYCC press lines for his new movie Whalefall. “But what has happened has been wonderful. And it’s impacted me in a major way, because I loved doing it. It was really fun.”
During that period, Brolin also appeared in other films, including Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Deadpool 2, but he admitted that he didn't enjoy some of those projects as much as the Avengers films, particularly because he loved working with directors Joe and Anthony Russo.
So as Brolin isn't ruling out a return, there may be a chance fans will once again see Thanos in the MCU's next major multiversal battle.
How Does Thanos’ Role Impact Josh Brolin?
Starting his professional acting career in 1985, Josh Brolin became known for his debut film The Goonies, playing Brandon “Brand” Walsh in the classic adventure movie.
He then went on to build a long and acclaimed career, with several standout roles, such as Llewelyn Moss in No Country for Old Men, Dan White in Milk, Cable in Deadpool 2, and Gurney Halleck in Dune, among others.
But Thanos is arguably his most globally recognized blockbuster character, becoming synonymous with his name.
So, while the MCU has already moved on to a new big bad in Doctor Doom, Brolin revealed that he is still feeling the impact of his time as Thanos.
“It’s been amazing, man!” he said. “I mean, the impact that that character had, and what they came up with and how it was utilized, and how it’s landed, is major!”
The character has already left a mark on superhero movie history, becoming one of the most culturally significant and story-defining villains of all time while helping transform the MCU.
So while Avengers: Doomsday introduces a new threat to the Marvel universe, Thanos’ legacy continues to loom large over the franchise.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to release in theaters on December 18.
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