It is arguably the most exciting time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. A decade of filmmaking and 21 blockbusters will come to a head when Avengers: Endgame arrives in theaters this month, ending both Phase Three and the MCU as we know it. Moviegoers are eager to return to the MCU, and see what happened to the galaxy after Thanos wiped out half of all life with the snap of his big purple finger.
The trailers and marketing material has teased a darker and more grim world for the survivors to inhabit in the wake of Thanos' dinger snap (aka The Decimation). But Josh Brolin's signature villain has been largely absent, save for a shot of his armor and his hand walking through a field. Fans are eager to catch up with the Mad Titan, and now merchandise has revealed he'll be getting a badass new weapon in Endgame. Check it out below.
Does anyone else have chills? It looks like Thanos is getting a sword in Avengers: Endgame, which should be a new way to see the Mad Titan in action. And considering that characters like Thor are packing heat, it opens up the possibilities for action in the upcoming sequel.
This new image comes to us from Hot Toys, which are selling a stunning rendering of Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. With the blockbuster just weeks away, its merchandise is set to arrive in theaters. Blockbusters in the MCU make a ton of money through action figures, but toys can sometimes leak information before they hit theaters. That seems to be the case with Thanos' new sword, which will no doubt bring some punishment to the surviving heroes when Endgame finally arrives.
The Endgame trailers show that the surviving heroes are focused on avenging the fallen, whatever it takes. It looks like the upcoming blockbuster will largely focus on those characters, and how they're coping with the apocalyptic event that Thanos caused. This is in stark juxtaposition to Infinity War, which followed Thanos as the protagonist. But while he's noticeably absent from the trailers, Josh Brolin's character should still have a major affect on the events of Endgame.
But it looks like the public won't know much about Thanos' role until Endgame finally arrives in theaters. Marvel Studios is keeping its cards close to the chest to avoid spoilers, and allow moviegoers to have the optimal experience in theaters. In fact, the Russo Brothers are encouraging fans to avoid spoilers and see their blockbuster on its opening weekend in order keep all of its secrets. And that includes Thanos' role and ultimate fate.
According to Gamora, Thanos has only ever wanted one thing: to assemble the Infinity Stones and wipe out half of all life. Now that's he's succeeded, one has to wonder: what's next? How is he holding up in retirement?
Avengers: Infinity War gave the audience a clear look into Thanos' psyche, however monstrous it was. Josh Brolin's layered motion capture performance brought heart and context to the character's quest for mass genocide. While intent on murdering half of all life, the Mad Titan truly believes he's doing a good thing. Because in solving overpopulation with a snap, he's convinced he's saving future generations from a galaxy that can't sustain them.
It's a quest that's misguided, but something Thanos has built his entire belief system on. What's more, he's got firsthand experience, after seeing his home planet of Titan reduced to rubble in the wake of overpopulation. Thanos was willing to do anything to ensure victory, including killing his daughter Gamora in order to acquire the Soul Stone. And since he's succeeded, the question is: what now?
After all, what's the point of changing the galaxy if you have no one to share it with? While he wiped out half of all live, Thanos suffered loss throughout the course of Avengers: Infinity War as well. Every member of his Black Order perished in the blockbuster, all while attempting to serve their master. He's also presumably still grappling with the guilt and mourning over Gamora, who was killed by his own hands.
Gamora's death played a major role in Avengers: Infinity War, with the young Gamora coming to Thanos after he snapped his fingers and caused The Decimation. And when Mantis managed to incapacitate him briefly on Titan, she felt his mourning and agony. Marvel villains aren't typically shown with such conflicted motivations, or having any remorse for their actions. So it should be interesting to see how Thanos has changed since we last saw him.
Of course, most cinephiles assume that the affects of Thanos' snap will be reversed during Endgame, although how it anyone's guess. Common fan theories involve time travel and The Quantum Realm, but what if the Mad Titan simply changed his mind? Could his time in retirement and inevitable new conflict with the surviving heroes make him change his mind? It would be fascinating to see Josh Brolin's signature character do an about face, and it would be a major change in Thanos' personality.
In addition to seeing how Thanos has managed after The Snap, it will also be interesting to see him interact with what's left of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. While Infinity War saw Gamora and Nebula dealing with their trauma and hatred toward Thanos, now all of the characters have the same bone to pick. The entire galaxy is in mourning, so the motivation to take down Thanos is all the more dire. And now the good guys have reinforcements with Captain Marvel and Ant-Man.
According to one hilarious fan theory, Ant-Man and Thanos' purple butt are the way the good guys will eventually win. Even Josh Brolin weighed in on it all. Still, Paul Rudd's character looks like he's going to have a major role in the upcoming blockbuster.
All will be revealed when Avengers: Endgame arrives on April 26th, one year after Infinity War shocked us all. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
