Image Source: Disney [1]
We all knew Thanos was going to be Avengers: Infinity War [2]'s big bad, but we weren't expecting his, um, interesting new makeover. The intergalactic villain, voiced by Josh Brolin — who is also taking on the role of Cable [3] in the Deadpool sequel [4], interestingly enough — made his first impression in the team-up movie's epic trailers [5] thanks to his pale purple skin and one very questionable goatee.
Avengers: Infinity War marks the most screen time ever for Thanos, who we've only gotten minor glimpses of in the past in 2012's The Avengers and in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy (he's Gamora and Nebula's dad, remember?). But seriously, guys — what is happening on his chin? Are those skin folds? Individual chin muscles? And why does he bear a startling resemblance to Bruce Willis? While Brolin continues to look better with age [6], his CGI counterpart cannot say the same. Fortunately not even that chin can distract from Brolin's fantastic performance, which brings depth, sadness, and even a little bit of empathy to the character. Marvel's track record with villains hasn't always been on the money (Ultron, we're looking at you), but Infinity War gives Thanos a solid backstory and relatively believable reason for wanting to destroy half of the universe [7], despite the craziness of the idea.
For those of you wondering why Brolin's voice sounds familiar, it's because you've watched him in countless films over the years. After kicking off his career by playing Brand in 1985's The Goonies, the Oscar-nominated actor has gone on to nab memorable roles in Men in Black III (pictured below), No Country For Old Men, Inherent Vice, Old Boy, and Sicario.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Despite Brolin's handsome appearance offscreen and his nuanced take on Thanos onscreen, Twitter hasn't been able to help themselves from roasting the lavender bad guy ever since the trailers dropped. Hopefully those infinity stones [8] also give Thanos the power to ignore his own memes.
if you dont then you dont
love me deserve me
at my at my #THANOS [10] pic.twitter.com/Yz1Jp1BEUR [11]— clənt (@clintneeis) April 26, 2018 [12]
I admire their commitment to making Thanos look like a purple Joss Whedon pic.twitter.com/kZOP9EH2Ln [13]
— Guy (@yeblod) November 29, 2017 [14]
To Thanos: pic.twitter.com/wUPqwbk35E [15]
— ✨Maria✨ (@quacksonqueen) April 26, 2018 [16]
Imagine Thanos snapping fingers like this #InfinityWar [17]https://t.co/B7nV4yTAp4 [18]
— 9GAG (@9GAG) April 26, 2018 [19]
pic.twitter.com/2cYO1f9W4h [20]
— Ryan Broderick (@broderick) November 30, 2017 [21]
I'm not fighting anyone who got finger waves on their chin with no hair on their chin. Thanos a wild boy
— Beyonce has an uncle named Larry Beyince. Bruh.... (@DragonflyJonez) November 29, 2017 [22]
#Thanos [23] showed up in Marvels #InfinityWar [24] Trailer like.... 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/FVxt1sxYUA [25]
— ChocolateCityComics (@ChocCityComics) November 29, 2017 [26]
this is pretty fucked pic.twitter.com/Dm9Mmk3wtn [27]
— Ryan Broderick (@broderick) November 29, 2017 [28]
Avengers tryna help Tony after getting socked by Thanos pic.twitter.com/TrMxZWgWJf [29]
— Nah, You Good. (@uglynewyork) November 29, 2017 [30]
I'm mad Thanos has a goatee that isn't actually there pic.twitter.com/a5zYyqAUDM [31]
— Charlotte Mane (@intrepid_heroin) November 29, 2017 [32]
The Vision: Why you trippin Thanos????
Iron Man: Yeah Thanos give em back his gem!!
Thanos:.........What Gem? pic.twitter.com/RROKkEcQZ0 [33]— Big B.I.N.G. (@imBINGnotGOOGLE) November 29, 2017 [34]
I'm glad that Thanos has very distinct Summer vs. Winter looks #InfinityWarTrailer [35] pic.twitter.com/1rhlZ3hHNb [36]
— Chloe (@chloegoodhart) November 29, 2017 [37]
Does Thanos have a goatee or are they gills? pic.twitter.com/mM6k5wh35j [38]
— Troop Thanker (@Dr_BrianMD) November 29, 2017 [39]
Thanos has red eyes, bad skin and a hairless goatee. Drink some water man! #AvengersInfinityWar [40] #Thanos [41] #InfinityWarTrailer [42] pic.twitter.com/B4KJ5t3CUH [43]
— Ricky "Borg Life" Riley (@AcidHeist) November 29, 2017 [44]
Tony stans: TONY IS GONNA SAVE THE AVENGERS FROM THANOS SINGLEHANDEDLY
Thanos with one punch: pic.twitter.com/VKeT5R5EE5 [45]— christophe (@lawfulmagnus) November 29, 2017 [46]
Thanos looks like a divorced dad of three who just wants to see his kids, Susan. Take the house and the car, just let him see his kids. pic.twitter.com/hPmvcsTyrP [47]
— Zito (@_Zeets) November 29, 2017 [48]