Could Thanos Return to the MCU? Josh Brolin Just Dropped a Massive Hint for 'Avengers: Doomsday'

The Mad Titan's portrayer, Josh Brolin, recently spilled the tea on his potential comeback, reigniting hopes (and debates) for the villain's presence in the upcoming Multiverse Saga finales.

TL;DR

• Josh Brolin is open to returning as Thanos, with the condition that Joe Russo approaches him with an idea.
• Despite Thanos' definitive end in Endgame, the multiverse opens doors for variant versions to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) or Secret Wars (December 17, 2027).
• This potential return sparks a debate among fans: is it a thrilling comeback or a nostalgic rehashing, especially with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom set as the new main antagonist?

Is the Mad Titan Gearing Up for an Unexpected MCU Comeback?

Imagine the scene: a red carpet, flashing lights, and a question every Marvel fan has whispered since Avengers: Endgame. "Will Thanos ever return?" This isn't just a hypothetical anymore, thanks to Josh Brolin, the actor who brought the iconic purple titan to life. His recent comments have sent ripples through the MCU fandom, suggesting that the Mad Titan might not be as "snapped away" as we once thought.

In a candid chat with Entertainment Tonight, Brolin was asked about reprising his role as the universe's most formidable villain. His response was precisely the kind of coy, tantalizing tease that Marvel actors have mastered over the years.

"If Joe Russo comes to me, which he may have I don’t know, then I might acquiesce. Probably pretty quickly."

— Josh Brolin on a potential Thanos return (Source: Entertainment Tonight, November 2025)

That "I don't know" from Brolin? It's the equivalent of a knowing wink, immediately fueling speculation across every corner of the internet. The implication is clear: talks might already be happening, or at the very least, the door is wide open for a return.

Thanos' Unforgettable Legacy and the 'Endgame' Conundrum

For years, Thanos was the ultimate shadow looming over the MCU. From his brief post-credits sting in The Avengers to his full, devastating arrival in Infinity War, his story was a masterclass in long-term villain development. He successfully collected all the Infinity Stones, snapped his fingers, and wiped out half of all life—a cinematic moment that truly left audiences breathless and heroes at their lowest point.

Then came Endgame, where the Avengers rallied, first defeating and killing their timeline's Thanos. Later, Iron Man, in a heroic sacrifice, used a remade Infinity Gauntlet to snap away a 2014 variant of Thanos and his army, definitively ending the Infinity Saga. It was a powerful, emotional conclusion, seemingly sealing the Mad Titan's fate not once, but twice.

The Multiverse: Marvel's Ultimate Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

However, the MCU is no stranger to twisting expectations, especially with the introduction of the multiverse. This narrative device allows for endless possibilities, bringing back characters thought long gone or introducing alternate versions of familiar faces. Thanos has already made a comeback in animated form, with Brolin voicing different variants of the character across three episodes of Marvel's What If...?. He also appeared in Marvel Zombies. These appearances proved that while our Thanos might be gone, other Thano-ses (Thani?) are definitely out there.

The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026, and its follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027, are central to the Multiverse Saga. Both films are being directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the same duo who helmed Infinity War and Endgame. This reunion with the Russos is a key factor in Brolin's comments, making a live-action variant appearance all the more plausible.

Doctor Doom's Reign and the Tug-of-War of Villains

Interestingly, the new big bad for these Multiverse Saga finales appears to be Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, marking another significant return for a beloved actor. Many fans are eager to see this new antagonist take center stage, especially given his iconic status in the comics. In fact, a particular comic book moment involving Doctor Doom and Thanos facing off in a hologram has already been teased by Marvel Studios, hinting at a potential clash of titans.

This raises an interesting question: with Doctor Doom poised to be the next major threat, how would Thanos fit in? Would he be a secondary villain, a multiversal ally (however unlikely), or simply a cameo? The idea of two such massive villains sharing the spotlight could either be an epic showdown or risk diluting the impact of the new threat.

The Balancing Act: Nostalgia Versus Novelty in the MCU

Bringing back beloved characters can be a double-edged sword for a massive franchise like the MCU. On one hand, the sheer nostalgia and excitement of seeing a character like Thanos return could generate massive buzz and box office numbers. Fans who remember the emotional weight of Infinity War and Endgame would undoubtedly flock to theaters.

However, there's also a valid argument that Marvel needs to "move on" from Thanos. Some critics suggest that relying too heavily on past successes and bringing back old characters, rather than developing new, compelling antagonists, could lead to "chasing short-term wins" and ultimately hinder the franchise's long-term growth. The Multiverse Saga aims to explore fresh storylines and introduce new faces, and a constant revisiting of old villains might detract from that.

For example: Imagine a group of friends chatting about the latest Marvel news. "Did you hear Brolin about Thanos?" one exclaims. "I'd lose my mind if he came back! But wait, aren't they doing Doctor Doom? I hope it's not just a rehash. I want something new, but also... it's Thanos!" This encapsulates the internal debate many fans are likely having – the pull of an old favorite against the desire for fresh narratives.

The success of the MCU was built on a long-term vision, culminating in Thanos. If Marvel keeps returning to the well of established villains, it risks running dry on innovation. The studio will need to carefully balance the thrill of nostalgia with the necessity of evolving its storytelling and introducing genuinely new, exciting threats for future sagas.

Beyond the Snap: Josh Brolin's Other Epic Roles

While we wait for any official word on Thanos, Josh Brolin certainly isn't short on projects. The busy actor is taking on another villainous turn in Edgar Wright's remake of The Running Man, set to hit U.S. theaters this weekend. Fans can also look forward to seeing him reprise his role as Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated Dune: Part Three, expected in December 2026. And if you're a fan of whodunits, he's also starring in Rian Johnson's upcoming sequel, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which will be available on Netflix on December 12.

So, whether Thanos returns or not, Brolin remains a prominent figure in cinema. But for Marvel fans, the question of the Mad Titan's comeback will surely keep us theorizing until Avengers: Doomsday arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avengers: Doomsday and Thanos

• When does Avengers: Doomsday come out? Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
• Who is the main villain in the upcoming Avengers movies? Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom is expected to be the key antagonist in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
• How could Thanos return if he died in Endgame? Thanks to the multiverse concept, different variants or alternate timeline versions of Thanos could appear, even if the original timeline's Thanos is definitively gone.
• Where can I watch Josh Brolin's original Thanos appearances? You can stream Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, along with his animated appearances in What If...?, on Disney+. Plans start from $11.99 a month (with ads).

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating Thanos' Potential Return

• Keep an open mind: The multiverse means anything is truly possible in the MCU, including a new version of a familiar foe.
• Don't expect the "same" Thanos: If he returns, it will likely be a variant with different motivations or allegiances than the Thanos we knew.
• Focus on the new threats: While exciting, remember that Doctor Doom is currently positioned as the primary antagonist for the Multiverse Saga.
• Stay tuned to official announcements: Marvel's tight security means any real confirmation will come from official studio channels, not just actor teases.

Sources

• CinemaBlend: "Josh Brolin Might Have Just Teased His Possible Return As Thanos In Avengers: Doomsday" (November 10, 2025)
• FandomWire: "Josh Brolin Hints Thanos Returning in Avengers: Doomsday After Revealing His Only Condition" (November 10, 2025)
• ScreenRant: "Avengers: Doomsday Thanos Role Seeming More Likely After Josh Brolin Comments" (November 10, 2025)
• Geo News: "Thanos star makes big comments ahead of 'Avengers: Doomsday'" (November 12, 2025)
• The News Digital: "Josh Brolin updates about his return to Marvel as 'Thanos'" (November 11, 2025)
• GeekTyrant: "Josh Brolin’s Comments Hint Thanos Might Be Returning to the MCU in AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY or SECRET WARS" (November 10, 2025)
• CBR: "Avengers: Doomsday Thanos Role Seeming More Likely After Josh Brolin Comments" (November 10, 2025)