Is Josh Brolin Thanos In Guardians Of The Galaxy?

UPDATE: Variety has now confirmed this news.

The Marvel rumors are flying fast and furious this week, as news seems to be leaking out of the studio at an alarming rate. First, we had the whole Edgar Wright debacle, which led to a bunch of speculation as to who would take his place. Now, we’re hearing that Josh Brolin may have joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe and could be playing Thanos in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

While not confirmed by the studio just yet, Marvel scoop masters Latino Review are the ones breaking the news and they’re telling us that the actor will provide his voice in the upcoming film. We’re not sure yet of how big a role he’ll have here, but apparently Thanos is also set to appear in the third Avengers outing as well as show up briefly in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Of how the character would factor into the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe, Joss Whedon said the following in an interview last year:

Well, Thanos is more powerful. He is so powerful; he is not someone you can just trot out and punch him. Like he did in the comics, you want him threading through the universe and to save the big finale for the big finale. He is definitely a part of what I have got going on. The thing about The Avengers is that they are very powerful but not very stable. So, there will definitely be some people that will shake them up in the next installment.

It’s clear that the studio has big plans for Thanos, so casting Brolin makes sense. Not only is he a recognizable and respected name, but he’s also an imposing screen presence, which would definitely come across even in just his voice.

Of course, we probably won’t know for sure what Marvel has planned for Thanos until Guardians of the Galaxy hits theatres on August 1st. Until then, though, feel free to speculate!