Will Thanos Return to MCU? Josh Brolin Has an Interesting Reply to This Question

Published 08/26/2026, 11:47 PM PDT

Credit: Marvel Studios

Death does not always mean the end in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and that is well known to fans. The existence of the multiverse, time travel, and various forms of magic have made it possible for dead characters to return to life. Several characters have died and been brought back in the MCU, with Loki being one of the shining examples.

While he has faked his death in the past, he has also seemingly died and still managed to return. Now, fans have been wondering whether the beloved MCU villain Thanos could also return to the franchise. They have often directed the question toward Marvel or Josh Brolin, who plays the character. Most recently, the actor finally addressed the concerns to give an honest response.

Josh Brolin on Thanos’ potential to return to MCU

Thanos met an unfortunate end at the hands of Iron Man, who used the Infinity Stones to turn him into dust in Avengers: Endgame. Since then, Marvel and Josh Brolin, who played the character, have been asked whether Thanos is truly dead or could return to the MCU one more time. During a recent interview with Collider, Brolin was asked the same question, and he had an amusing yet candid response this time. 

“I don't know how to answer that question,” he said.

Credit: Marvel

The actor has lent his voice to the character since taking on the role in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Since then, he has appeared in four Marvel movies, including major roles in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. While he may not know whether his character, Thanos, is truly dead for good, Brolin did share a few words about Thanos’ intentions and whether he believed they were right during his interview. 

“That's the segue. And then what did Thanos do? He got rid of half the universe in order to save the other half. That was the justification — which is not necessarily wrong. Do you know what I mean?” he said about Thanos’ theory to save Earth.

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While there is no certainty that Thanos will return, Brolin’s other character in The Dog Stars also faces uncertainty as he is left as one of the survivors in an apocalyptic world.

Josh Brolin starred as Bangley in The Dog Stars

Josh Brolin reunited with director Ridley Scott more than 20 years after American Gangster for his new movie, The Dog Stars. He played the role of a former Marine, Bangley, and one of the survivors after a dangerous virus wipes out much of the population. The actor almost quit the film after seeing the director’s vision, only to later admit that he was impressed by it. 

Credit: Fabio Lovino/20th Century Studios

Brolin is joined by Jacob Elordi, who plays a civilian pilot named Hig, and Margaret Qualley. The entire cast, including Brolin, has spoken highly of the film. But how Brolin’s character and the other survivors manage to live in this post-apocalyptic world and survive will be revealed when the movie arrives in theaters on August 28, 2026.

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What do you think about Josh Brolin's opinion on Thanos? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

1124 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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