Avengers: Endgame Aftermath - Where Is Thanos and What’s Next for Marvel Cinematic Universe villains?

With the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, the epic final installment of the Infinity Saga, many questions have emerged about the fates of its key characters—especially the one and only Thanos. But beyond the immediate aftermath, where is Thanos in the current context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? And what does this mean for the future of villains in the MCU?

The Current Status of Thanos in the MCU

At the end of Avengers: Endgame, we learn that the Thanos who initiated the snap in Infinity War is currently resting on the Garden Planet. This version of Thanos was mercifully defeated by Thor after he separated Thanos' gauntlet arm from his body and subsequently his head from his body. The version of Thanos that jumped through time with the intent of sniping everyone was also turned to dust along with his army by Tony Stark's snap, known as the Counter-Snap.

Additionally, in the present timeline of Avengers: Endgame, Thor killed Thanos definitively, making him non-existent in the current timeline, at least as we know it in Avengers: Endgame.

Will Thanos Stay Gone Forever?

While Thanos seems to be done for as far as the present timeline is concerned, some have speculated about the possibility of his return. After all, the MCU has been known for its enduring villains and the potential for story arcs that extend beyond just one major storyline. Consider the Fox buyout, which could bring more villains and storylines into the MCU. Potential BBEGs like Doctor Doom, Galactus, Kang the Conqueror, and the Skrulls offer exciting possibilities.

Doctor Doom and His Potential

Doctor Doom, for instance, could be a compelling addition to the MCU. As a magical genius who rivals Stephen Strange, and who once ruled his own country, he offers a dynamic character that could stand alone or join in other story arcs. Doom's transformation from a seemingly sympathetic character in the Fox-owned X-Men universe to a villain is contrasted with the potential for a more nuanced portrayal in the MCU, where his conflicts and motivations could be explored with depth.

The Red Skull’s Return

Another villain that has made a surprising reappearance is the Red Skull. In Avengers: Endgame, he appears as a guardian of the Soul Stone. Given that the MCU has a reputation for reviving iconic villains, the Red Skull could be a significant character to watch in future films. There's an entire backstory to explore and a new antagonism to create, both of which could be incredibly captivating.

Other Villainous Options for the MCU

The MCU is home to a plethora of other villainous characters and groups. The Skrulls, for example, could be a formidable and complex adversary. Similarly, the Beyonder and potential villains like Magneto, Dr. Doom, Galactus, the Phoenix Force, and Apocalypse could all add rich layers to the MCU's future storylines. The upcoming Disney-Fox acquisition will also allow the MCU to utilize popular villains from other comic book properties, including Loki, Hela, and HYDRA.

Lastly, the Loki and Hela from Loki: Agatha All Along and Thor: Love and Thunder respectively, could continue to evolve and become more prominent threats, while HYDRA remains an ever-present threat due to its technological and intelligence capabilities.

Conclusion

While Thanos is seemingly gone for good, the vast universe of the MCU offers a wealth of other villains and story possibilities. From the return of Doctor Doom and the surprising reappearance of the Red Skull to the vast array of comic book villains that could be reintroduced, the potential for new and exciting storylines is immense.