Josh Brolin Envisions Thanos Battling Doctor Doom in the MCU

Tena Milakovic
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Few villains loom as large over the MCU as Thanos. Even after Tony Stark’s snap in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, fans continue to speculate about the Mad Titan’s potential return, especially with the emergence of a new formidable foe.

This new villain is Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., who is set to lead ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ under the Russo brothers’ direction. Thanos served as the primary antagonist in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’, both of which grossed over $2 billion globally. Downey has acknowledged the challenge of following such a legendary character, as a villain often shapes the film’s success.

Recently, Josh Brolin shared his thoughts on a dream matchup that fans have been envisioning. In an interview with Polygon regarding his upcoming survival thriller ‘Whalefall’, which premieres on October 16, Brolin was asked if Thanos could triumph over Doctor Doom. While he refrained from declaring a victor, he expressed enthusiasm for any confrontation with Downey and praised his former co-star for taking on the role.

The concept of Thanos and Doom clashing isn’t merely fan fiction. In the 2015 ‘Secret Wars’ comic storyline, Doctor Doom absorbed the powers of the Beyonders and brutally defeated Thanos. Fans have long hoped to see this moment brought to life on screen, especially since similar intensity could be featured in ‘Secret Wars’ set for 2027.

Promotional material for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ has hinted that Doom has bested Thanos in an alternate reality, keeping the speculation alive. While this doesn’t confirm Thanos’s return, it highlights the connection between these two iconic villains.

Brolin has consistently expressed his willingness to reprise his role. He has mentioned staying in touch with the Russos and Downey, indicating he would return if the right opportunity arose. Last year, he told Entertainment Tonight that he might consider it if Joe Russo approached him with a compelling plan.

More recently, he has maintained a relaxed stance on the possibility. In an exclusive with ComicBook.com, he stated that if a return were to happen, it would happen organically, noting that playing Thanos has significantly impacted him because he enjoyed the experience. At New York Comic-Con, he reportedly remarked that any return would need to fit the narrative Marvel is crafting.

Currently, there is no confirmation regarding Thanos’s appearance in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, and Brolin is not listed among the announced cast. A rumor from the scooper MyTimeToShineHello previously suggested he was in discussions to return, likely for ‘Secret Wars’, but Marvel has yet to make any official statements.

This leaves ‘Secret Wars’ as the most plausible destination for Thanos’s return. The film is intended as the grand finale of the Multiverse Saga, allowing for various variants and callbacks, and Thanos plays a significant role in the comic storyline it shares a name with. If Marvel aims for a showdown reminiscent of the comics, the groundwork is already laid.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is set to hit theaters on December 18, followed by ‘Secret Wars’ on December 17, 2027. Brolin has expressed eagerness to see ‘Doomsday’, indicating his curiosity about how Downey’s Doom will be portrayed. He remains active outside the Marvel universe, with ‘Whalefall’ releasing this week and an action comedy, ‘Brothers’, featuring Peter Dinklage, on the horizon.

For now, the prospect of a Thanos and Doom confrontation remains a fan’s dream rather than a confirmed plan. However, with the Russos back in charge and Brolin openly supporting the idea, it’s a scenario that’s difficult to dismiss.

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