MCU: Predicting How Thanos Will Gain The Infinity Stones (And How They Were Gained In The Comics)

2. Reality Stone

After taking The Space Gem from the weakened Runner, Thanos reversed the aging process, transforming the Elder into a defenceless infant, transporting the two of them across space to visit the one in possession of The Reality Gem - The Collector.

The Mad Titan knew that The Collector was unaware of the power contained within the gem, and used this knowledge to his advantage. In a move demonstrating Thanos' intellect rather than his physical strength, he offered The Collector the chance to add The Runner to his beloved collection, in exchange for the gem. The wonder of having an Elder displayed within his halls was too much for The Collector to resist, and so The Reality Gem was Thanos'.

As with The Reality Gem of the comics, The Aether is currently in the possession of The Collector, however it does not seem likely that Thanos will refrain from using brute strength to retrieve it. In a leaked Infinity War clip, Star-Lord, Gamora, and Drax hear The Mad Titan confront Taneleer Tivan regarding the whereabouts of the stone, with the latter on the floor in more than a little discomfort.

Since The Collector is the only one protecting The Aether, this scene will not only see the Stone fall into Thanos' hands, but could also see the demise of Benicio del Toro's character in the MCU, in a real show of the power Thanos has at his fingertips.