Face It, the MCU Will Never Have a Thanos Replacement

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Who might serve as the next antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), following Thanos’ departure? This has been a significant query since the release of Avengers: Endgame, and to some extent, it was already a question before Thanos was defeated, given that speculation about future storylines is a common theme in discussions about the MCU. Marvel Studios is well aware of this, often using post-credit scenes to hint at upcoming plot developments. As Thanos was the villain who marked the first three phases of the MCU and played a crucial role in its most monumental films, it’s only natural that people would wonder – both within the studio and among fans – about who could fill such a formidable role next.

In much the same way that the search for what comes after the Infinity Saga brought about the Multiverse Saga, there’s been a distinct quest to discover Marvel’s replacement for Thanos. Initially, it appeared that character would be Kang the Conqueror, but Jonathan Majors’ dismissal and some underperforming films at the box office have caused a significant change in direction. This new path has led them back to Robert Downey Jr., this time portraying Doctor Doom. While we’ll have to wait and see if he becomes an impressive villain in Avengers: Doomsday, it’s evident that he won’t be the successor to Thanos, and nobody else will either.

The MCU Pulled Off A Miracle With Thanos

As a die-hard fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I must say, stepping back to marvel at the sheer brilliance of Thanos’ character arc is nothing short of mind-blowing. Weaving a villainous plotline across numerous films and delivering on every promise with style was no small feat. And let me tell you, Thanos has got to be one of the best MCU villains we’ve seen so far, despite all the hype that surrounded him. Marvel Studios have always been meticulous planners, though they never quite stick to a script as rigidly as it may seem – evidence lies in the late introduction of Spider-Man, the scrapped Inhumans movie, and transforming Captain America 3 into Civil War.

This indicates that the success of using Thanos as intended in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” was a result of several key factors coming together perfectly. It took multiple Marvel movies to become successful, and a consistent build-up of the Infinity Stones narrative throughout. Once they achieved this, they had to ensure Thanos was powerful enough to seem capable of destroying half the universe with the Gauntlet, and intriguing enough to create a genuine reason for his actions. Remarkably, all these elements combined to create an exceptional superhero movie antagonist across both films, given the numerous potential pitfalls along the way.

None Of Kang, Galactus, Or Doom Are The New Thanos

Moving on to Phases 4 and 6 (with the latter just beginning), some issues have arisen. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s image of invincibility has been cracked, its reputation slightly blemished, and nothing since the tantalizing hint of Thanos has held the same appeal. Partly, this is due to unforeseen circumstances disrupting plans, but even before that, Kang was not living up to the anticipation as a villain compared to Thanos. He was actually defeated by Ant-Man in his debut movie.

Doomsday and Secret Wars. However, films like Deadpool & Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite having their own issues, seem unscathed by these changes.

*Note: I’m not sure about the existence of a movie titled ‘Thunderbolts’. If it does exist, it might be part of the MCU, but I can’t confirm its release dates or connection to the plot changes mentioned above.

The transition from The Kang Dynasty to Doomsday in Avengers 5 might not seem overly abrupt, despite potential problems given the dynamic nature of the script during filming. However, this change implies that characters like Kang and Doctor Doom can no longer serve as Thanos’ replacements. While they may possess enough power, the question remains: will their roles be engaging enough?

As a devoted cinephile, I must share my insights about Doom’s portrayal in the upcoming Marvel movies. Unlike other notable villains who gradually gain prominence over several films, such as Thanos’ introduction in The Avengers and subsequent role in Age of Ultron, Doom won’t follow a similar path. His first appearance will be only hinted at in The Fantastic Four’s post-credits scene.

To illustrate, think of it this way: if Thanos was teased as a villain in the post-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy, without any prior appearances or buildup before that, then you have an idea of Doom’s role. In essence, he will leap directly from an intriguing post-credits cameo to becoming the main antagonist of future Marvel films, bypassing the traditional gradual introduction and development we’ve seen with other villains.

It’s not saying that Doom can’t be fantastic, but the excitement surrounding Thanos was built over years of anticipation, theories, and setup – elements that significantly contributed to making him an unforgettable villain. Now, those elements are largely absent, and it’s unlikely they’ll ever return in the same way; instead, the buzz around Doom primarily revolves around the casting rather than the narrative direction of the movies. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has evolved significantly in its operations, resulting in disjointed parts and delays in character returns after their initial appearances.

In 2026 and 2027, we’ll experience a double whammy of Doom, but after that, or at least the Downey Jr. portrayal, will come to an end – it’s uncertain if Galactus will reappear, as he’s already been defeated once before. There’s no upcoming antagonist similar to Thanos, and it’s advisable not to anticipate such a scenario.

Does The MCU Even Need A Thanos Replacement?

Isn’t it unusual that the MCU isn’t planning on replacing Thanos? From a fan perspective, it might not be ideal since they’ve grown accustomed to such extensive setup and payoff, which the MCU can no longer deliver in the same way. Moreover, creating excitement for more than just the next film, but also for what lies 3-4 years ahead, would be advantageous in this case.

At this point, Marvel appears to be in a situation where prioritizing the creation of high-quality films and rebuilding the public’s trust is crucial. The recent MCU film “Thunderbolts” was well-received, but it had a low box office performance compared to other franchise entries. While “Avengers: Doomsday” will undoubtedly be a blockbuster, it must demonstrate its ability to consistently deliver quality, particularly in the lesser-known movies. It’s essential for these films to feel like they’re part of a cohesive universe, but what really matters is simply creating good movies. This includes developing strong, compelling villains, regardless of their potential future appearances.

In simple and conversational language, the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie will be “Spider-Man: A Fresh Start,” hitting theaters on July 31st, 2026. Following that, “Avengers: Doomsday” is scheduled for release on December 18th, 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” is slated for December 17th, 2027.

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2025-08-30 16:12