Why Thanos' MCU Return Makes Him So Weak

Warning: SPOILERS for What If…? episode 2.

Thanos' returns in cast for What If...?'s episode 2 was Josh Brolin, but this time his version of Thanos was re-introduced as a member of Yondu's (Michael Rooker) Ravager clan.

After three consecutive live-action series, Marvel Studios returns to the small screen with its first animated show on Disney+. Based on the '70s comic books of the same name, What If...? reimagines the events of the Infinity Saga and visualizes how things would've panned out if one tiny detail from it was changed. The premiere featured Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) becoming a super soldier as Captain Carter instead of Steve Rogers. Episode 2 titled "What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?," on the other hand, tinkered on the idea of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) becoming Star-Lord instead of Peter Quill.

In this alternate scenario, the Wakandan Thor, who'll lead Love and Thunder (Chris Hemsworth). But, the Mad Titan being seemingly weaker in What If...? could be chalked up to the fact that he's no longer the proud conqueror that he was.

Dissimilar from his live-action version, this iteration of Thanos is no longer burdened with his self-imposed calling to balance the universe. He has opened himself up to others and is evidently willing to participate in a group. The Mad Titan doesn't need to project an image of a strong and determined being who would stop at nothing for his goal. Instead, he's content being a member of a Ravagers clan. The fact that he's comfortable not calling the shots and being merely a follower illustrates just how different his mindset is in What If...? compared to his main MCU counterpart. With no persona to maintain, Thanos is able to freely express his emotions. When he shrieked for pain, it tipped off Thanos' formerly vengeful daughter Nebula (Karen Gillan), with whom he has a healthier relationship in the animated series, and together they fought off the Black Order.

Seeing Thanos in a light different from the mighty warrior that he was in Infinity War and Endgame was refreshing. While he was a central figure in the Infinity Saga's ending narrative, there are still so many things that are unknown about the character. Perhaps Marvel Studios can also find a way to bring him back in the prime MCU at some point in the future. If anything, the positive response to Brolin voicing the Mad Titan in the Disney+ series is a good indication that the fans would like to see more of him in the franchise.

More: T’Challa’s New Endgame Solution Proved A Thanos Fan Theory

What If…? releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.