Convincing MCU Theory Reveals Thanos’ Return in Avengers: Secret Wars (& It’s Good for RDJ’s Doom)

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Thanos, the powerful villain from previous Marvel movies, might reappear in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars film. A popular theory suggests his return could be connected to a particularly frightening development for Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. While a version of Thanos briefly appeared in the first Avengers movie, Josh Brolin became famous for portraying the character in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Brolin’s performance made Thanos a surprisingly relatable villain, even as the Avengers struggled to defeat him – ultimately succeeding in Endgame.

Even though Thanos was defeated in Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now exploring alternate realities through the Multiverse Saga. So far, these alternate versions of characters have mainly appeared in animated series like What If…? and Marvel Zombies. However, Thanos might return in live-action Marvel movies. The upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars are expected to feature different realities, and one of those realities could introduce a powerful new version of Thanos, played by Josh Brolin.

King Thanos Could Make His MCU Debut In Avengers: Secret Wars

There’s a lot of buzz that the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars movie might feature King Thanos. This version of Thanos is different from the one we’ve seen before – in his story, he won against the Avengers, becoming a powerful, long-reigning king. He’d then face off against heroes from different universes. Fans are excited about the possibility of seeing this character brought to life, especially if the movie includes the ‘Battleworld’ concept. Some believe Josh Brolin, who played Thanos previously, may have hinted at his return in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

Josh Brolin has suggested there’s a possibility his character, Thanos, could reappear in a future Avengers movie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) November 10, 2025

Josh Brolin says he’d be open to returning as Thanos in future Marvel Cinematic Universe films, especially if the right idea comes along from someone like Joe Russo. He suggests he’d likely agree very quickly. Brolin’s willingness to reprise the role makes it possible for Thanos to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars, which would be a great addition. This return could also potentially benefit the MCU’s current main villain, Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.

King Thanos’ Secret Wars Debut Can Make Doctor Doom An Even Better Villain

If King Thanos appears in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars movie (part of Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe), he might take on the role originally held by Thanos in the 2015 Secret Wars comic book event. This could involve him joining a team of multiversal villains who are trying to eliminate other realities to prevent catastrophic collisions. However, their plan fails, and they end up on Battleworld – a world created by Doctor Doom using the power of the Beyonders, where he rules as a supreme leader.

As a huge comic book and movie fan, I’m really hoping the upcoming Secret Wars adaptation includes one of the most shocking moments from the source material: Doctor Doom absolutely destroying Thanos. In the comics, when Doom faced off against the Cabal, he didn’t just beat Thanos – he literally ripped his spine out! It was brutal, and it instantly cemented Doom as a force to be reckoned with. With Josh Brolin already having played Thanos in the MCU, bringing this scene to life on screen would be incredible. Imagine Doom taking down that Thanos – the one who actually beat the Avengers! It would make him seem even more terrifying and unhinged, and honestly, it’s a moment that’s stuck with me for years. It needs to be in the movie!

Thanos’ Multiverse Saga Stories Set Up His Return & Defeat In Secret Wars

Although Thanos was defeated by Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame, he’s popped up in a few animated projects since then. Unfortunately for him, most of these animated versions of Thanos haven’t fared well. They’ve been quickly defeated by characters like Star-Lord (T’Challa), Ultron, Black Panther, Gamora, Ronan the Accuser, Hela, and even the Illuminati, hinting that he might not succeed in Avengers: Secret Wars either.

The upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars could see Doctor Doom swiftly defeat Thanos, continuing a rivalry last seen when Iron Man sacrificed himself to stop Thanos and his forces. Bringing in King Thanos – a version who conquered the Avengers – would be a strong addition to the MCU in Phase 6. He’d be a formidable opponent for Doom, though likely still less powerful than the new supervillain Robert Downey Jr. is set to play.

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2025-11-19 16:40