When he arrives in Avengers: Infinity War, he fits this image perfectly as he attacks the Asgardian refugee transport. This opening scene leaves us in no doubt as to the nature of the character – and indeed, his intentions. But, soon, we witness something akin to tenderness, as the story flashes back to when he first met Gamora. This image of a giant terrorist consoling a traumatized child – explaining to her the reasons behind his actions as his foot-soliders slaughter half her village in the background – adds an important layer of complexity to Thanos that, again, is missing from most of his predecessors.
It’s the clearest glimpse we’re given of the depth of his delusion. He literally has the village divided into two camps – one half made up of those that oppose him, and the other half made up of those that will submit. The opposing half is murdered, leaving only those that are compliant. Thanos has convinced himself – and others – that his reasons are the altruistic push for universal balance and order, and that he’s ‘saving the universe,’ when he’s, in truth, seeking only to dominate. When Thanos breezes through a population centre and leaves only half alive, there’s no balance and order left in his wake – there’s only chaos and bereavement. There’s only the creation of enemies, seeking vengeance.
This is where it gets truly fascinating – because this is what really sets Thanos apart from every other MCU villain. Previously, villains of this franchise have been the enemy seeking vengeance – and usually against the hero. Even Erik Kilmonger – brilliantly portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in Black Panther – falls into this category. But, Thanos’ delusions flip that equation, putting him on the side usually occupied by the hero.
Not only that, but it places him in the driving seat of the narrative, making Avengers: Infinity War essentially a Thanos movie, as opposed to an Avengers movie. His story and character are more heavily emphasized than that of any of the heroes – partly because there are so many of them to fit into the tale, but mostly because this is a whole new era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Unlike every other MCU villain, there is no easy answer to the problem of Thanos. He can be neither appeased, nor contained, nor controlled. Prior to November 2017, it had felt like there were no more surprises to be found in this juggernaut film franchise – but now, there is Thanos, and all bets are most assuredly off.
