Thanos's Journey Through Time in Avengers: Endgame - Experience and Beliefs
The character of Thanos has captivated audiences with his complex persona, which includes a deep sense of purpose and a tragic romanticism. In the blockbuster film Avengers: Endgame, Thanos is seen time-travelling back from the year 2014 to 1970, leading to a myriad of questions about his experience and perspective. This article delves into these details, providing insights into why the Thanos from 2014 may be less experienced yet equally formidable in his battle with the Avengers.
Thanos's First Appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The initial appearance of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, taking place in the year 2012. As the narrative progressed, it became clear that his plan to collect the Infinity Stones and wipe out half the universe was well underway, but not fully executed. The events of Endgame change this dramatic arc, as we see a more agile and prepared Thanos from 2014, who travels back in time to 1970 to get to the present day.
Experience and Background
In Endgame, the Thanos from 2014 is significantly different in many ways, including his lack of familiarity with recent MCU characters such as Falcon, the Wakandans, Scarlet Witch, and Captain Marvel. However, his battle prowess remains intact, as evidenced by his fought with heroes in Endgame. This 2014 version of Thanos has a fairly modest 4-year gap from the 2018 version, but given his extensive history, this difference in experience is less significant than one might expect.
Motivations and Beliefs
During his journey through time, the 2014 version of Thanos does not have the same personal stake as the 2018 version. The latter version, who travels from 2018 to the earlier time periods, carries a crushing sense of responsibility for his past mistakes. This is a point illustrated by the fact that he understands the consequences of his actions more acutely. Facing the heroes in Infinity War, the 2018 Thanos took the situation personally, as he had lived through the immense losses he had inflicted on the universe. Conversely, the 2014 Thanos seems to see the Avengers' efforts as mere knee-jerk reactions, further highlighting his detachment from the immediate consequences of his actions.
Understanding the Impact of Time Travel
The act of time-travelling brings with it new challenges and lesser familiarity with the current state of the universe. However, it does not diminish Thanos's combat skills. In Endgame, he still possesses the same level of tactical and physical prowess as he did in Infinity War. The primary reason for the initial difficulty in defeating the assembled heroes is the overwhelming force arrayed against him, composed of multiple strong players like the Guardians of the Galaxy and the now-organized Avengers.
The arrival of Nebula, played by Pom Klementieff, also adds a layer of complexity. She serves as an update tool, providing essential information about the heroes to a Thanos who has been largely disconnected from the present events. This once again underscores the significance of time travel and its impact on a character of Thanos's influence and stature.
In conclusion, the Thanos from 2014, while differing in experience and familiarity with recent events, remains a formidable and formidable antagonist with a clear understanding of his goal and capabilities. The contrast between the two versions of Thanos offers a fascinating exploration of how the passage of time and personal experience shape the character's decisions and outcomes.