In a recent interview at ACE Comic Con, Jim Starlin, the creator of the Mad Titan Thanos revealed the two actors he previously envisioned to play the most powerful villain of the Marvel Cinematic Universe before Josh Brolin brought him to life. As it turns out, Starlin had his eyes on two larger-than-life actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Idris Elba.
The idea of Brolin playing Thanos never crossed Starlin’s mind, mainly because he thought that the role would strictly be a voiceover instead of the motion capture technology that was eventually used. Because the technology wasn’t there yet years before the first Avengers film where Thanos made his debut, Starlin had actors with distinct, deep voices in mind:
“I was thinking somebody like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Idris Elba, anybody with a deep voice. That was the only thing I had on the agenda as far as I was thinking who to have.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger would’ve been an interesting, but perhaps polarizing choice to play Thanos if his likeness and voice were used. For one, Schwarzenegger is a pop culture icon beyond his film contributions and is also recognized for his time as the Governor of California. As for Idris Elba, he already has (or now, had) a role in the MCU as Heimdall.
Either way, it is hard not to be absolutely in love with how Brolin portrays Thanos. The primary antagonist of Avengers: Infinity War is also arguably the protagonist of the story. The nuance and incredible direction and writing helped Brolin bring one of the most exciting villains of the genre’s history in full form.
What do you think of Starlin’s thoughts in envisioning Arnold Schwarzenegger or Idris Elba as Thanos? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to continue following Heroic Hollywood for all the latest news in the MCU.
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Source: Chuck Load of Comics
