Marvel fans everywhere have been dreaming of a legendary battle between two of the MCU’s most formidable villains — Doctor Doom and Thanos. Now, Josh Brolin, the actor who brought the Mad Titan Thanos to life, has confirmed he is open to returning as the character in upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars — but there’s one important condition. He wants the call to come directly from the Russo Brothers, the directors behind some of Marvel’s biggest hits.
Josh Brolin Talks About Returning as Thanos
Josh Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos has been a defining part of the MCU’s success over the last decade, with his complex performance reaching a climax in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. During a recent interview, Brolin shared that he would gladly reprise the role if approached by directors Anthony and Joe Russo.
“I have a lot of respect for the Russos,” Brolin said. “If they asked me to come back and be a part of this, I’d absolutely be on board. They know how to tell these stories with depth and heart.”
This statement is significant because it hints that Marvel Studios is considering bringing Thanos back for the next phase of their cinematic universe — and that Brolin himself is ready to step back into the role, provided the conditions are right.
The Exciting Prospect of Doom vs. Thanos
Fans have long speculated about a potential showdown between Doctor Doom, Marvel’s cunning and powerful villain, and Thanos, the cosmic warlord who once wielded the Infinity Gauntlet. With Robert Downey Jr. rumored to return as Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers, the stage seems set for an unforgettable clash.
The idea of Doom and Thanos facing off has sparked excitement across social media platforms, fan forums, and comic book discussions. Both characters possess immense power, intelligence, and ambition, making any encounter between them a high-stakes battle.
Some fans are imagining epic fight scenes showcasing Doom’s mastery of magic and technology versus Thanos’ raw strength and strategic mind. The potential storyline could explore themes of control, power, and destiny, weaving these two titans into a narrative that challenges the MCU’s heroes in unprecedented ways.
What Does This Mean for Marvel’s Future?
Josh Brolin’s openness to return as Thanos could signal Marvel’s intent to revisit and expand upon their previous story arcs, especially as the MCU enters its ambitious Phase Six. This phase is expected to explore complex multiverse storylines, with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars as its crown jewels.
Bringing Thanos back not only adds a familiar face to upcoming blockbusters but also provides an opportunity to explore the character’s evolution or possible redemption. It’s a chance to deepen Thanos’ legacy beyond the Infinity Saga, adding layers to one of Marvel’s most iconic villains.
Moreover, the Russo Brothers’ involvement assures fans that these stories will be handled with the care, creativity, and emotional weight that made their previous Marvel films so beloved.
Fans React to the News
The announcement that Josh Brolin would consider returning has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among Marvel’s dedicated fanbase. Online forums and social media channels have been buzzing with speculation and excitement.
Many fans are thrilled at the possibility of seeing a face-off between Doom and Thanos, viewing it as a dream matchup that could redefine Marvel’s cinematic landscape. Others are hopeful that Brolin’s return means the character’s story will receive a satisfying continuation.
However, some fans remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that casting rumors can be fluid and dependent on many factors. Still, the overall tone of the fan response is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting Brolin’s memorable performance and the Russo Brothers’ reputation.
The Road Ahead for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars
With Avengers: Doomsday set to release in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars following, Marvel Studios is gearing up for what promises to be an epic chapter in the MCU. These films are expected to push boundaries, expand the multiverse, and bring together characters from various corners of Marvel lore.
If Josh Brolin does return as Thanos, fans can anticipate a portrayal that blends the character’s intimidating power with the emotional complexity that Brolin has previously delivered.
As the Russo Brothers are reportedly overseeing these films, expectations are high that Doomsday and Secret Wars will blend action, storytelling, and character development at a cinematic level rarely seen in superhero films.
