Josh Brolin Reflects on Portraying Thanos

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Over the course of more than a decade, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been graced with a plethora of exceptional performances and memorable moments. Among these noteworthy instances, many would argue that Josh Brolin's portrayal of Thanos has earned its place in the pantheon.

The enigmatic and powerful Mad Titan became an integral part of the franchise's Phase 3, but this was far from the first or last comic book character Brolin has embodied. In a recent interview with Variety, Brolin delved into his experience of playing Thanos and shed light on what initially attracted him to the role.

From A Glimpse to a Starring Role

"First of all, we had no idea it was going to be that big or that meaty of a part — it was more like a cameo type thing," Brolin confessed. "I was doing 'Everest' in London and they dropped off the colossal compendium of Thanos, his significance in the Marvel Universe, his trajectory, his relationship with Lady Death, and all this material.

I found it truly intriguing, but I had already declined several substantial roles in similar films—not Marvel, but from other studios. I simply lacked any real enthusiasm for pursuing such projects. I felt that it was a path I wasn't particularly interested in exploring.

However, when this opportunity came along, I found it captivating, and it was the comprehensive information that did it for me. I pored over volumes upon volumes of content and thought, 'This is genuinely fascinating, and I appreciate the depth they've gone into.'

" Brolin went on to explain his collaboration with the Russo brothers, the directors of the Avengers movies: "We started doing these tests and I just became more and more at ease. It was a genuine testament to their directing prowess.

They told me to stop performing and just be the character. We started likening him to Brando in 'Apocalypse Now,' and it was an absolute delight. It brought back memories of my theater days in New York, transporting me to an incredibly imaginative and exhilarating space.

I had a blast and I loved that it spanned two movies. I enjoyed that film, and I don't usually appreciate those kinds of movies."

The Future of Thanos in the MCU

When asked last year if he would consider reprising his role as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brolin expressed that he was not against the idea, provided the narrative made sense.

"I don't know where they're going with it, no. It's not that I don't have an interest in it," Brolin explained to The Jess Cagle Show. "They have their own trajectory that they're focusing on, and if they want me to do it, I would be more than willing, I'm sure. But I don't know what they're thinking."