13 Best Character Introductions In MCU Movies

13. Thanos (The Avengers)

The Avengers Thanos
Marvel Studios

Though Thanos (Josh Brolin) wasn't formally introduced to audiences until Guardians of the Galaxy, his first ever appearance in the MCU was way back in 2012, when he showed up in The Avengers' post-credits scene.

The scene itself is actually pretty unremarkable - like most of the movie it's shot like a TV episode and Thanos doesn't even say a word - but it's an undeniably pivotal scene in the history of the MCU and therefore earns a spot here.

It assured audiences that the main event was still to come, and left casual fans frantically Googling to figure out who the hell that giant purple guy was.

It's a shame Josh Brolin hadn't yet been cast, so the Thanos design is both different and less-detailed than his later model, but there's no arguing with the game-changing, show-stopping appeal of the Mad Titan's debut.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.