If Darth Vader and Thanos MCU Met: Would They Respect Each Other?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a vast and intricate web of stories, each with its unique set of characters and plotlines. We often imagine how these different characters might interact if they were to meet in the real world. One such fascinating scenario involves the iconic villains, Darth Vader and Thanos.

Darth Vader's Perspective

Darth Vader, the strict and emotionless dark lord of the Sith, operates under a clear moral compass, albeit a twisted one. He is the son of Anakin Skywalker, once a Jedi Knight, and is primarily driven by a desire to control and protect his son, Luke Skywalker. In the context of the MCU, if Darth Vader and Thanos were to meet, the following scenarios could play out:

Interactions with Thanos

a. Be surprised to see a huge unidentified purple alien man walking around and be even more surprised to see that he had six Infinity Stones more powerful than the Force.

Darth Vader would be shocked to encounter Thanos, a colossal figure, and would be even more astounded to learn that Thanos possesses six Infinity Stones. This would likely lead to a tense yet somewhat intrigued conversation, as Vader would struggle to understand the immense power Thanos wields. The Force, as a concept and tool, would clash with Thanos's reliance on the Infinity Stones, potentially leading to an initial conflict if they read each other as a threat.

b. Welcome Thanos into his territories unless he was in Thanos’ territory; then Thanos might welcome him.

In publicly recognized territories, such as the Galactic Empire, Vader might extend a grudging but formal welcome to Thanos. However, the dynamics would change if Thanos entered Vader's territory. The Empire might see Thanos as an ally, given their mutual disdain for the light side of the Force. However, Vader's personal code and honor would make it difficult for him to accept Thanos freely, and a conflict might be inevitable.

c. Fight Thanos.

Despite his initial assessments, the mutual respect for power and the starkly different paths they have taken might lead to a physical conflict. Both are masters of their respective forms of power, and long-standing enmity and pride would fuel their battle. The outcome would be highly unpredictable, but the contest would surely showcase the pinnacle of storytelling in the MCU.

Thanos' Perspective

Thanos, the Titan who believes he is doing the galactic good, is the master of order through mass annihilation. In his worldview, maintaining balance by eliminating half of all life is his ultimate goal. Here’s how Thanos might perceive Darth Vader if they encountered each other:

Interactions with Darth Vader

a. Be unexpecting but knowledgeable about the small black-suited man walking with the Force as his ally.

Although Thanos would be unprepared to meet someone so closely associated with the Force, his vast knowledge of the universe would allow him to recognize the relevance of the Force in this new context. Given that Vader is a Sith Lord, Thanos would not underestimate the power that the Force can bring to combat and might assess the encounter carefully. The Force, in Thanos's view, may be just another tool for power.

b. Openly welcome Darth Vader as a friend and ally as well as his Empire.

In a scenario where Thanos values unity and strength, he might embrace Vader as a powerful ally. This would be a pragmatic move for Thanos, as Vader's command over the Empire and his dark side abilities could be a valuable asset in his quest for order. Open dialogue and negotiation might lead to an uneasy alliance, especially if they share the belief that balance must be restored through extreme means.

c. Fight Darth Vader.

Ultimately, the mutual respect for power might lead to a fight if their goals or methods prove irreconcilable. Both are willing to go to extremes to achieve their objectives, and the battle would be a dramatic showcase of strength. This conflict would likely take place in the middle of a larger battle for galactic dominance, adding to the epic nature of the story in the MCU.

Conclusion

The hypothetical encounter between Darth Vader and Thanos would undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating storylines in the MCU. Their meeting would be both a clash of titans and a potential alliance, depending on the circumstances. The clash of their ideologies and methods, coupled with their unmatched power and determination, make their interaction an thrilling subject for fans of the series.

Both characters, in their unique ways, embody the struggle for control and balance in a universe where the stakes are incredibly high. Whether they choose to respect each other or not, their encounter would undoubtedly enhance the narrative and entertainment value of the MCU.