Thanos remains one of the most iconic villains in film history, so it’s no surprise that fans continue to hunger for insight into his past—especially after Avengers: Infinity War co-writer Christopher Markus revealed that earlier versions of the script delved far deeper into the Mad Titan’s origin story. While we’ve yet to see those scenes or learn exactly what was left on the cutting room floor, a newly revealed piece of concept art offers an evocative glimpse into what might have been.
The artwork, created by concept artist Justin J. Sweet, showcases a younger version of Thanos, seated solemnly on a levitating throne. His appearance is striking—clad in minimal golden armor, with a steely gaze locked forward, as if contemplating the burden of his cosmic ambitions.
It’s a far more somber and introspective look than the more casual, almost monk-like aesthetic we saw in Infinity War. The image suggests a Thanos still very much in the thick of his rise to power, possibly wrestling with the decisions that would lead him down the path of destruction and obsession with the Infinity Stones.
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Sketch of young Thanos for Avengers Infinity War. #avengersinfinitywar #marvel #conceptart #thanos
This glimpse into a younger Thanos raises intriguing questions about what his earlier life in the MCU might have looked like—his time on Titan, his relationship with his people, and the transformation from outcast to warlord. While the MCU never fully explored those years onscreen, this concept art offers a rich visual cue that fills in some of the imaginative blanks for fans.
With Avengers: Endgame fast approaching, interest in Thanos and his future in the franchise is at an all-time high. Josh Brolin’s layered performance in Infinity War earned the villain surprising empathy and admiration from audiences, making his role in the upcoming sequel even more highly anticipated. However, his exact place in Endgame remains uncertain. Will he return as the central antagonist, or are the Russo brothers preparing to subvert expectations once again?
Regardless of what’s ahead, one thing is clear: this haunting portrait of a younger Thanos adds yet another layer of intrigue to the character’s mythology—and reminds us just how much of his story is still untold.
Avengers: Endgame hits theaters on April 26, 2019.