One Last Thanos Scene the MCU Must Show Before He Disappears for Good

The return of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) remains uncertain. Nonetheless, one particular scene is essential to witness before the character is fully retired from the franchise. As the pivotal antagonist of the Infinity Saga, Thanos established himself through a meticulously crafted narrative that began with his cameo in The Avengers’ post-credits scene. His ominous presence built suspense leading up to his confrontation with the Avengers in Avengers: Infinity War. Although his motives were often more relatable than those of conventional villains, his actions created a formidable legacy of devastation across various planets.

Thanos’s relentless pursuit of all six Infinity Stones culminated in an impressive yet catastrophic triumph, as he decimated countless worlds. Despite the Avengers eventually reversing his infamous ‘snap,’ numerous planets bore the scars of his tyranny, including Xandar, home of the Nova Corps from Guardians of the Galaxy. To wrap up Thanos’s arc meaningfully, the MCU must delve into the events that transpired between him and Xandar.

The Untold Power of Thanos

The Silence Surrounding Xandar’s Demise

At the conclusion of Guardians of the Galaxy, the Nova Corps safeguarded the Power Stone on Xandar. However, by the start of Infinity War, Thanos had already seized the Power Stone, leading to the implication that he had obliterated Xandar in the process. This destruction effectively nullified the efforts of the Guardians to save the planet and left the fates of characters like Glenn Close’s Nova Prime and John C. Reilly’s Rhomann Dey hanging in the balance.

Despite its significance, the moment capturing Thanos’s triumph over Xandar was never depicted onscreen. A notable 45-minute sequence showcasing this destruction was filmed but ultimately cut from Infinity War. In an interview, Jim Starlin, the creator of Thanos in the comics, indicated that budget constraints for special effects and concerns over runtime contributed to the edit. Although Infinity War was lengthy, this pivotal moment remains absent from the narrative, leaving fans longing for its inclusion.

Nova: The Potential to Reveal Xandar’s Fall

Reviving Xandar’s Fate Through the Nova Series

In July 2024, Kevin Feige announced the development of a Nova series focusing on Richard Rider, a teenager who inherits the powers of the last surviving member of the Nova Corps following Xandar’s destruction. While specifics regarding the series remain limited, it has been revealed that Ed Bernero, known for his work on Criminal Minds, will serve as writer and showrunner.

This new series offers a unique opportunity to finally portray Thanos’s carnage on Xandar. As Rider gains his powers in the wake of the planet’s ruin, the inaugural episode could effectively illustrate the events of Xandar’s downfall. Whereas the comics designate intergalactic pirate Zorr as the destroyer of Xandar, the MCU may easily adjust this narrative to reflect Thanos’s actions instead, establishing a strong connection to the larger storyline. Although it would raise questions about Nova’s absence during the five years between Infinity War and Endgame, Marvel could adjust the timeline to fit Rider’s ascension with the powers of the Nova Corps.

Josh Brolin’s Interest in Returning as Thanos

A Desire to Reprise the Role

Although Thanos is primarily a CGI character, the absence of Josh Brolin’s iconic voice would be sorely felt if the character were revived. Brolin’s powerful portrayal significantly contributed to Thanos’s menace, and he has expressed willingness to return under the right circumstances. During an interview at New York Comic Con 2024, Brolin indicated his openness to reprising the role, particularly if he had the chance to collaborate once more with the Russo brothers:

“I’m not kidding — There’s a thing with playing Thanos. It’s like, ‘Oh, they’re gonna bring Thanos back.’ It has to be right. Thanos has to fit if you’re going to bring him back. I would do anything that the Russos wanted me to do.”

While the Russo brothers are set to direct upcoming projects like Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, their involvement in the Nova series is uncertain. Nevertheless, the destruction of Xandar offers a compelling reason to bring Thanos back, particularly with Brolin’s continued interest. It is crucial for Marvel to capitalize on this window before interest wanes, ensuring they depict Thanos’s infamous assault on Xandar with Brolin reprising his role as the formidable villain.

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