Thanos was only meant to be a cameo originally, says Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin, renowned for his portrayal of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently disclosed that his role as the iconic villain was initially intended as a minor cameo. During an episode of Tony Hawk’s Hawk vs Wolf show, Brolin revealed that when he signed on to play Thanos, it was merely envisioned as a brief nod to the comics, not the extensive role it eventually became in “Avengers: Infinity War” and its sequel, “Endgame.”

Recalling his introduction to the character, Brolin mentioned receiving a comprehensive Marvel lore “bible,” which intrigued him despite initially considering it while “surfing and doing drugs.” He admitted that the prospect of portraying a significant antagonist piqued his interest more than playing a conventional MCU character.

Despite his uncertainty regarding when Marvel Studios decided to elevate Thanos to the forefront of the MCU’s narrative, Brolin commended the studio’s vision. He acknowledged their influence in shaping Thanos’ portrayal, emphasizing their preference for a more subdued approach, akin to Marlon Brando in “Apocalypse Now,” rather than a dynamic performance.

Brolin’s journey as Thanos began with a cameo in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” followed by a significant role in the first “Avengers” film’s stinger scene. However, he revealed that he was unaware of Marvel’s grand plans for Thanos until after his appearance in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Marvel Studios’ decision to position Thanos as the ultimate villain, uniting every hero in the MCU against him, proved to be a monumental success, earning billions at the box office and garnering widespread acclaim from fans worldwide. Brolin expressed his enthusiasm for being part of this cinematic journey and credited Marvel Studios for their creative direction in shaping Thanos’ character arc.