Josh Brolin Confirms Readiness to Return as Thanos for Next Avengers Chapter

Actor Josh Brolin has signaled his strong willingness to embody the formidable villain Thanos once more for the forthcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters, "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars." Brolin, who previously portrayed the iconic Mad Titan across "Infinity War" and "Endgame," indicated that he would enthusiastically accept the opportunity for a comeback, provided director Joe Russo presents a sufficiently compelling narrative concept. According to the actor himself, he anticipates giving his assent "pretty quickly" should the offer materialize, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to one of cinema’s most recognizable antagonists.

These highly anticipated cinematic events, which continue the epic saga of the MCU, are slated for release toward the end of 2026 ("Avengers: Doomsday") and late 2027 ("Avengers: Secret Wars"). The directorial reins for these massive crossover films will once again be held by the dynamic duo, Joe and Anthony Russo, who successfully helmed the previous climactic installments. The potential reappearance of Brolin as Thanos—a character whose decisive defeat marked the dramatic conclusion of the "Infinity Saga"—foreshadows a monumental conflict for the Avengers. Crucially, the introduction of the Multiverse concept in recent MCU phases leaves the door wide open for the inclusion of alternative character variants, making the return of the formidable Thanos, in some form, entirely plausible and narratively exciting.

While the possibility of Thanos’ return looms large, the established primary antagonist for "Avengers: Doomsday" is none other than Doctor Doom, reportedly set to be played by the esteemed Robert Downey Jr. This casting choice alone has generated significant buzz among fans. Intriguingly, in the comic book source material for "Secret Wars," Thanos made a significant appearance on Battleworld, a patchwork planet created by Doctor Doom himself. This specific piece of comic lore could serve as a crucial narrative bridge, linking the MCU's past history—specifically the legacy of the Mad Titan—with its current multiversal trajectory.

Industry whispers strongly suggest that the storyline for "Doomsday" will revolve around a catastrophic crisis spanning the entire multiverse, setting the stage for "Secret Wars," where the heroes might be forced to confront the most dangerous villains drawn from countless different realities and timelines. The sheer magnitude of the impending events is so vast and complex that actor Channing Tatum reportedly suggested the films are poised to "blow everyone's minds."

The confirmed ensemble cast for both movies is extensive, featuring not only established key figures from the MCU but also introducing major new players who will shape the future of the franchise. This highly anticipated roster includes the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Thunderbolts, ensuring that the scope of the conflict is unprecedented. Whether Thanos manifests as the original iteration, an echo from a divergent timeline, or a completely new multiversal variant, his presence would undoubtedly act as a potent narrative catalyst. His involvement would force the existing heroes to fundamentally reassess their collective power and strategic capabilities in preparation for confronting a new, all-encompassing threat that dwarfs their previous encounters.