Josh Brolin Thanos vs. Doctor Doom is a matchup Marvel fans want to see on the big screen. Now, the actor behind the Mad Titan has shared his thoughts on a potential confrontation with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
Josh Brolin on Thanos vs. Doctor Doom in the MCU
During an interview with Polygon at New York Comic Con 2026, Brolin was asked whether Thanos could defeat Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although he did not predict a winner, his response showed that he is excited to see Downey take on the role.
“I don’t know. Any confrontation with Downey, I like the idea of it. I love that he’s doing that, by the way. I can’t wait to see it,” Brolin said.
His comments have fueled further interest in a possible clash between two of Marvel’s most powerful villains. However, Marvel Studios has not confirmed that Thanos will return. Brolin stopped short of saying whether Thanos could beat Doctor Doom. Instead, he praised Downey’s casting and expressed enthusiasm for seeing the actor take on a new role in the MCU.
Downey famously played Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, throughout the Infinity Saga. Now, he is set to portray Doctor Doom, one of Marvel Comics’ most dangerous villains, in the upcoming Avengers movies. A confrontation between Brolin’s Thanos and Downey’s Doom would bring together two major figures from different chapters of the MCU. Still, fans will have to wait for official confirmation before expecting the Mad Titan to return.
Marvel Comics Already Has a Brutal Thanos vs. Doctor Doom Battle
Speculation about Thanos returning has partly grown from Marvel Comics’ 2015 Secret Wars storyline, which features a particularly brutal encounter between the two villains. In the story, Doctor Doom acquires the Beyonders’ immense power and becomes God Emperor Doom. He then rules Battleworld, a world assembled from the remains of different realities.
Thanos eventually challenges Doom’s authority. However, Doom demonstrates the enormous gap between their power levels by killing the Mad Titan and tearing out his spine and skull. The shocking moment has become a popular reference point for fans discussing how Marvel Studios might adapt the storyline. One fan expressed their hopes on Reddit, writing, “I really wanna see Dr Doom ripping out Thanos’ skeleton.”
Although the scene could provide inspiration for the MCU, Marvel has not confirmed plans to recreate it in live action.
Will Thanos Return in Avengers: Secret Wars?
Fans have also speculated that Thanos could appear in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. However, Brolin’s latest comments do not confirm his involvement in either film. Marvel Studios has not announced whether Brolin will reprise his role as Thanos in an upcoming project. For now, the possibility of a showdown with Doctor Doom remains speculation.
The two upcoming Avengers movies could bring together heroes and villains from different corners of the multiverse. Whether Thanos joins the story remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Avengers: Secret Wars will follow on December 17, 2027. Until Marvel reveals more details, fans can only imagine how a battle between Thanos and Doctor Doom might unfold on the big screen.
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