Josh Brolin's Tease: Is Thanos Making an MCU Comeback in Doomsday?

Remember that gut-wrenching moment in Avengers: Endgame when Iron Man, with a final, desperate snap, vanquished Thanos from existence? For many, that felt like a definitive end to the Mad Titan's reign, closing the book on the Infinity Saga's ultimate antagonist. But what if death in the MCU isn't quite as permanent as it seems, especially when you're dealing with a multiverse where possibilities are, well, infinite?

Recent comments from Josh Brolin, the actor who so powerfully brought Thanos to life, have reignited speculation that the purple titan could be eyeing an unexpected comeback. With the MCU hurtling towards its next major crossovers, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the timing couldn't be more intriguing for such a powerful figure to potentially re-enter the cosmic stage.

The Mad Titan's Voice Speaks: Josh Brolin's Condition for a Comeback

In a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, Josh Brolin was directly asked about the possibility of donning the intimidating Thanos armor once more. His response wasn't just a polite dismissal; it was an open invitation that sent ripples of excitement through the Marvel fandom. He essentially laid out his single, crucial condition for a return:

"If Joe Russo comes to me — which he may have. I don't know. And has an idea, then I might acquiesce. Probably pretty quickly."

This isn't the first time Brolin has expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the role. He previously told Josh Horowitz in a "Happy Sad Confused" interview that if the Russo brothers called him to London, he'd be there "tomorrow," indicating a strong personal desire to step back into Thanos's shoes. This consistent eagerness from the actor himself adds significant weight to the growing whispers of his return.

Multiverse Mechanics: How Thanos Could Return Even After His Demise

At first glance, bringing back a character who was definitively killed might seem like a narrative cheat. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already established a convenient, universe-spanning loophole: the multiverse. We've seen various alternate versions of characters in projects like What If...?, where Brolin himself voiced a different iteration of Thanos.

The rules of the multiverse dictate that countless realities exist, each with its own unique history and version of every character. So, while our timeline's Thanos met his end, there's nothing preventing a variant from another universe — perhaps one where he wasn't defeated, or even one where he's allied with new forces — from making an appearance. This narrative device neatly sidesteps any continuity issues stemming from his fate in Endgame.

A Date with Doom: Comic Lore Hints at a Massive Showdown

The prospect of Thanos returning becomes even more compelling when we consider the stated direction of the Multiverse Saga. The next major villain poised to take center stage is none other than Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, who will be anchoring the Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars films. Interestingly, the comic books provide a direct, iconic precedent for a confrontation between these two formidable foes.

In the 2015 Secret Wars comic event, Doctor Doom famously defeats Thanos in a brutal fashion, ripping out his spine. This iconic panel has long been a source of fan discussion, and Marvel Studios seems to be subtly acknowledging it. Back in September, during a light show at the Walt Disney Studios Marketing Expo in Shanghai, a brief yet striking image of Doom tearing out Thanos's skeleton flashed across the screen (Source: Avengers Updates on X.com, via FandomWire). This kind of visual nod from Marvel's marketing arm suggests they're at least aware of, if not planning for, this specific comic book clash.

Such a moment, if adapted for Avengers: Doomsday, wouldn't necessarily mean Thanos is the primary antagonist. Instead, it could serve as a powerful introduction for Doctor Doom, showcasing his immense power by having him dispatch a character audiences already know and fear. This could instantly establish Doom's menace, unlike some of the more recent villains who've struggled to leave a lasting impression.

The Road Ahead for the MCU: Upcoming Avengers Films and More

With the Russo brothers, who masterfully helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, returning to direct both Doomsday and Secret Wars, the idea of bringing back their former "big bad" makes even more sense. They know the character and the actor well, making a potential collaboration seamless. Moreover, Kevin Feige himself, at CinemaCon 2025, confirmed that not every cast member for the upcoming ensemble film has been revealed yet, leaving plenty of room for surprises.

The release schedule for these monumental films gives us a timeline to watch:

• Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Spider-Man 4): July 31, 2026
• Avengers: Doomsday: December 18, 2026
• Avengers: Secret Wars: December 17, 2027

Before these blockbusters, Brolin is quite busy outside the MCU, starring in Edgar Wright's The Running Man remake this weekend and reprising his role as Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three, expected in December 2026 (Source: Brandon Schreur, "Avengers: Doomsday Thanos Role Seeming More Likely After Josh Brolin Comments," November 10, 2025). This means his schedule might be tight, but his eagerness implies he’d make it work.

A Small Detour for a Counterpoint: Is Doctor Doom Strong Enough to Carry the Villain Mantle?

Some might argue that bringing back Thanos, even in a cameo, could overshadow Doctor Doom, who is meant to be the next overarching threat. The MCU has a habit of introducing new villains who don't quite reach the iconic status of the Mad Titan. However, if Thanos's appearance is specifically to be definitively defeated by Doom, it actually serves to elevate Doom's status rather than diminish it. It’s a passing of the torch, albeit a violent one.

Another Limitation: Marketing Teases Aren't Always Guarantees

While the Shanghai light show was a clear nod to comic lore, it's important to remember that such marketing teases don't always translate directly into on-screen events. Sometimes they're Easter eggs for dedicated fans or conceptual art rather than firm commitments. Marvel is known for its misdirection, so while the tease is compelling, it's not a 100% confirmation of Thanos's direct return in a fighting capacity.

Why a Thanos Return Could Elevate the Multiverse Saga

Introducing a variant of Thanos, or showing him being decisively dealt with by Doctor Doom, offers several narrative advantages. It grounds the new multiversal threats by referencing a villain audiences already have a deep emotional connection to. It also raises the stakes significantly, demonstrating that even a figure as powerful as Thanos can be a stepping stone for an even greater menace. This could provide the "weight and menace" that some felt was missing from Kang's introduction in Ant-Man 3, as noted by FandomWire (Source: Santanu Roy, "Avengers: Doomsday Could Mark Josh Brolin's Return as Thanos," FandomWire, November 10, 2025).

For example, imagine you're at the December trailer drop for Avengers: Doomsday. The screen goes dark, a familiar purple hand grips something... then Doctor Doom's armored fist crushes it without effort. The theater erupts in cheers, not just for Doom, but for the shocking statement it makes about the new threat. That's the kind of fan frenzy a Thanos return, even a brief one, would spark, reminding everyone of the sheer power and stakes he brought to the Infinity Saga, now magnified by Doom's emergence.

Whether Thanos returns for a full-fledged role, a powerful cameo, or simply to establish Doctor Doom's dominance, Josh Brolin's comments have certainly thrown a fascinating wrench into the machinery of Marvel's future plans. Fans will undoubtedly be theorizing and scouring every upcoming trailer for clues until Avengers: Doomsday finally arrives.