Why Thanos Seemed Stronger in Avengers: Endgame Than in Avengers: Infinity War

Throughout the Avengers series, characters evolve, both in terms of their personal arcs and the consequences of their actions. In particular, the final battle in Avengers: Endgame sees Thanos appearing significantly stronger than in the previous film, Avengers: Infinity War. This perception is influenced by various factors that transform Thanos, making him a more formidable opponent.

Different Thanos

The Thanos in Endgame is from 2014, having just acquired the Power Stone and not yet experiencing the events of Infinity War. This younger, more ruthless version of Thanos is less tempered by the struggles he faced in the first film. He is more aggressive and, in many ways, less strategical. This version of Thanos is a more straightforward villain, embodying the pure motive of power and conquest without the moral complexities that emerge in Infinity War.

Motivation and Focus

By Infinity War, Thanos is portrayed as a character with a more complex motivation, striving to balance the universe. He is no longer simply a conqueror; he is a master of manipulation and a deep thinker. In Endgame, however, his focus has shifted to outright destruction of the Avengers and anyone who opposes him. This change in focus fuels his fighting spirit and determination. Thanos in Endgame is no longer haunted by the guilt and regret of his actions in Infinity War, which allows him to confront the Avengers with a renewed vigor and a singular purpose.

Battle Experience

The 2014 version of Thanos has not yet faced the Avengers. He has not been weakened by the struggles and losses he experienced in the first film. Therefore, he is at his peak in terms of strategy and combat readiness. The older Thanos in Infinity War had already fought the Avengers and was, therefore, facing a more seasoned adversary. In contrast, the younger Thanos in Endgame has not yet encountered the combined might of the Avengers, making him seem more invincible.

The Power of the Stones

While in Infinity War, Thanos used the Infinity Stones to achieve his goals, they were more strategic in nature, serving as a means to an end. In Endgame, he is using the Stones in a more aggressive and tactical manner. He demonstrates more mastery over their powers, particularly with the Power Stone. This newfound control over the Stones amplifies his combat abilities, making him an even more formidable opponent.

Narrative Needs

From a storytelling perspective, Thanos's increased strength in Endgame serves to heighten the stakes for the Avengers. It makes their struggle against him more intense and epic. The characters are facing a more focused, less complex, and yet more powerful version of their greatest foe. This heightened intensity adds layers to the narrative, making the final battle in Endgame more climactic and satisfying for viewers.

The Avengers series as a whole shows a progression in character development, not just for the heroes but also for villains like Thanos. In Infinity War, Thanos is the hero in his own story, fighting what he believes to be an almost holy crusade. By Endgame, his character has evolved, becoming less enlightened and more villainous. This transformation not only makes Thanos a more formidable opponent but also a more dynamic character, adding depth to the narrative of the series.