Avengers: Infinity War trailer illustrates Thanos’ different designs over the years

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building to the battle between Thanos and the Avengers since the heroes first began to assemble, and the main event is about to begin.

Thanos was revealed to us in the post-credits scene of the first Avengers film. He was a smirking, reddish-purply creature whose grin and confidence conveyed his power. Thanos’ eyes, which also appeared tinted with violet, were one of the few bright elements in the scene. He wore his purple and gold helmet, giving him a gladiatorial aesthetic, as seen in the photo below.

Marvel Studios

This was in 2012. He first spoke in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, when he confronted one of his soldiers and his daughter Nebula.

The red tinge was gone. He was still wearing his purple and gold helmet, but we could also see his full body armor. While his hands themselves were particularly huge, it was clear that this was a creature who would tower above humans in stature.

His presence in Guardians was an effective way to show his level of threat to the galaxy itself. This was a being who was feared, and respected.

Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios

Three years later, we’re able to see what Thanos looks like in his final form thanks to the first trailer for Avengers: Infinity War.

The most noticeable aspect of his character is his skin. It’s no longer reddish or even purple, but ... pink? His armor isn’t as regal as the costume he’s wearing in Guardians of the Galaxy. He doesn’t look like he’s commanding an entire army, but instead seems like a powerful royal, or maybe a version of Bruce Willis with terrible indigestion.

The lines in Thanos’ jaw are more defined and rigid, and his eyes aren’t as wide or as purple as they appeared to be in The Avengers. I seem to be one of the few people online who likes the new look, and we’ve provided a comment section below this post for you to disagree.

Marvel Studios

It’s fascinating to look back at how Thanos’ design has changed over the course of six years (with Avengers: Infinity War set to be released in 2018). He’s already been confirmed to show up in 2019’s Avengers 4, so we’ll see if his initial meeting with our heroes changes his look even further.

Avengers: Infinity War will be released on May 4, 2018.