The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen better days. The franchise that once ruled the world with its interconnected stories is now struggling to replicate the magic that made the Infinity Saga so special. Now, rumors of a possible Thanos return have brought back hope among fans.
Not only out of nostalgia, but because his return would allow Marvel to bring back something truly remarkable: a villain so threatening and relatable that he would jumpstart the narrative focus of the MCU again. That villain is Doctor Doom. If executed wisely, Thanos’ return could become the bridge that allows Doom to rise, setting Marvel back on the path to greatness.
Only Thanos’ Return Can Prepare The MCU For Doctor Doom’s Era Of Destruction
When Thanos first appeared on the big screen in ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘, he not only transformed the MCU, but he also transformed what a comic book villain could be. The role that could have easily been a CGI spectacle was given depth, tragedy, and conviction by Josh Brolin’s performance. Thanos was not straight evil; he was reasonable. His mission to equalize the universe by genocide was not merely a destruction; it was a twisted form of order.
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This is the subtlety that made ‘Infinity War’ a success. The film had the courage to make the villain the focus of the story. Viewers did not simply see Earth Mightiest Heroes lose; they saw Thanos win. The opening sequence, in itself, in which he easily destroys Thor, Loki, and Hulk, informed the audience of everything they needed to know about him. He was unstoppable, scary, and above all, realistic. And that is where the MCU has gone wrong in its recent projects.
The Multiverse Saga was a promise of limitless possibilities. However, in many cases, it brought confusion rather than unity. Characters were introduced and dropped in and out of time with minimal emotional follow-through. The stakes were never real since there was no main threat that would bind everything. That can be corrected by bringing Thanos back, not as a primary antagonist, but as a representation of fear and strength. Imagine Doctor Doom not only facing Thanos but defeating him effortlessly. That single moment could instantly cement Doom as the most dangerous entity in the multiverse.
MCU Could Perfectly Explain Just How Powerful Doom Is Through Thanos
Doctor Doom’s upcoming debut in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ has fans both excited and anxious. On the one hand, Doom is one of the most recognizable and complicated villains in the whole of the Marvel universe. He is a ruler, a sorcerer, and a scientist with pride and a mission. On the other hand, the MCU has not really established a strong base that led to his coming. The sudden appearance of Doom is rushed and disconnected, unlike Thanos, who was teased over the years before his grand entrance.
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That is where the reappearance of Thanos might do miracles. By using the Mad Titan as the measuring stick for Doom’s power, Marvel can create a cinematic shorthand for audiences. They are already aware of Thanos’ power, his wickedness, and the destruction he brought. Having him completely beaten by Doom would immediately convey the message of how powerful the new villain is, without a long exposition dump. This concept is not merely movie flair, but it has comic book origins.
In ‘Secret Wars #8’ (2015), Doom kills Thanos without a second thought, which demonstrates that he is the superior being. Bringing that scene to the big screen would provide Marvel with an opportunity to combine emotional familiarity with shocking new stakes. However, not spectacle, but tone. The Infinity Saga succeeded on the emotional level. The Multiverse Saga, in its turn, has been missing a piece of the puzzle. A reintroduction of Thanos enables Marvel to revisit that emotional resonance and introduces a villain who embodies the next stage of anarchy.
