The Continuity of Thanos in Phases 4 and 5
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been experiencing a worrying trend in Phases 4 and 5 that revolves around the continuity of Thanos, the main villain of the Infinity Saga. This trend poses a potential risk of worsening the Avengers' defeat from Avengers: Infinity War if it continues into future properties. Throughout Phase 4 and parts of Phase 5, the MCU's narratives have largely focused on the aftermath of the conflict against Thanos. While some upcoming MCU projects are expected to follow this pattern, others will delve deeper into the Multiverse Saga, bridging the gap between the franchise's two overarching stories.
Thanos vs Captain Carter in What If Season 2
One of the key concerns is the blending of both the Multiverse Saga and the Infinity Saga, which has been observed in recent MCU projects like What If...? season 2 and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This blending of storylines has raised apprehensions about the portrayal of Thanos and its potential impact on the perception of the Avengers' defeat in Avengers: Infinity War.
Thanos and the Illuminati from the MCU.
The Impact of Thanos' Continuity
The continuous appearance of Thanos in Phases 4 and 5 has raised concerns about the portrayal of the Avengers' defeat in Avengers: Infinity War. The trend of integrating Thanos into the Multiverse Saga, where he is seemingly defeated with relative ease by characters from other universes, has the unintended consequence of making the Avengers appear weaker in comparison. This is particularly evident in projects like What If...? season 1 and 2, as well as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where Thanos is shown to be easily overcome by other characters, thus diminishing the magnitude of the Avengers' struggle and defeat in the Infinity War.
The use of this storytelling device, while intriguing within the context of the individual projects, has the adverse effect of undermining the significance of the Avengers' battle against Thanos. The trend of portraying Thanos' defeat in alternate universes as a testament to the power of other characters inadvertently diminishes the valor of Earth-616's Avengers and their ultimate confrontation with Thanos.
The Future Implications of the Thanos Trend
While the continuity of Thanos in Phase 4 and 5 projects has not yet posed a major problem, there are apprehensions about its potential impact on the future of the MCU. With upcoming films like Deadpool 3 and Avengers: Secret Wars confirmed to explore the multiverse, there is a growing concern about the portrayal of Thanos in these projects. Should the trend of downplaying Thanos' significance and defeat continue, it could lead to unintended consequences, potentially tarnishing the legacy of Avengers: Infinity War and the overall narrative of the MCU.
It is essential for Marvel Studios to be mindful of the impact of this trend on the portrayal of Thanos and the Avengers' defeat in Avengers: Infinity War. The studio must prioritize maintaining the integrity of the Infinity Saga and ensure that the climactic defeat of the Avengers remains a defining moment in the MCU's history. As the MCU continues to expand its storytelling, it is crucial to avoid unintentionally diminishing the significance of past events and characters, including the monumental conflict with Thanos.
