Did The Avengers: Infinity War Trailer Reveal Thanos’ Motivations?

Our first look at Avengers: Infinity War arrived a week ago, but it was so stuffed full of exciting, thrilling moments that fans are still unpacking it for new information about the much-anticipated Marvel movie event. On top of teases of Loki’s storyline, several deaths and a whole bunch of easter eggs, something else that may be hidden in the teaser is a hint at the motivations behind Thanos’ quest for ultimate power.

During the climactic moments of the trailer, the Mad Titan is seen pummeling his way through the Avengers in a fierce battle. “Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the universe,” Josh Brolin’s voiceover intones. “But this… does put a smile on my face.”

Wait a second. What does he mean about “balancing the universe”? We can’t say for sure, but this could be a hint that the villain’s comic book motivations will remain intact in Avengers: Infinity War. As fans of the source material will know, Thanos’ thirst to control the Infinity Stones isn’t just due to a selfish wish for universal domination – well, it is, but the purple space tyrant has a justified reason for this in his warped mind.

You see, Thanos is in love with Lady Death, the female personification of Death. In “The Infinity Gauntlet” storyline, he wiped out an entire half of the universe with a flick of his hand as an offering to win her favour. This, in effect, brought balance to the universe, as it equaled the scales between life and death.

For further confirmation that the MCU will adapt this part of the character faithfully, check out Thanos’ final scene in 2012’s The Avengers. In it, his underling the Other warns him that to attack Earth again would be “to court death.” At this, the Mad Titan lets out a knowing grin.

If you’re thinking that introducing the personification of Death into an already crowded movie isn’t likely, then there is a way around that. Thor: Ragnarok introduced Hela, the Goddess of Death, who could easily stand in for Mistress Death in Thanos’ affections. Mark Ruffalo might have even let slip that Cate Blanchett’s in Infinity War. Let’s hope that’s the case, as what a power couple those two would make!

Avengers: Infinity War arrives in cinemas on May 4th, 2018.