Thanos is making a grand comeback to the world of Marvel in 2028, but he is going to look a little bit different, as he will be wearing a massive crown, wielding an upgraded double-bladed sword, and will be dubbed "King Thanos," making the Mad Titan even more imposing. Thanos has been an extremely popular comic book character since he was first introduced. However, with the MCU becoming the most popular franchise in the world in the 2010s, and Thanos being the major antagonist of the overarching Infinity Saga, he became one of the most recognized and beloved villains in history.
Disney and Marvel are officially bringing Thanos back for a 2028 theme park attraction called Avengers: Infinity Defense, and at D23 2026, fans got a brand-new look at the dangerous villain in all his glory, as he was wearing an extremely large crown (that seemingly took inspiration from Sauron's crown from the Lord of the Rings franchise) and wielding a powered-up version of his double-bladed sword that was featured in Avengers: Endgame.
Specifically, during the Disney Experiences showcase at D23 (as shared by @ProblyatDisney via X), Disney and Marvel unveiled a piece of art featuring King Thanos, showcasing exactly what his character design will look like in the upcoming attraction.
Specifically, it appears as though Thanos is walking away from a destroyed version of Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. Most notably, King Thanos is wearing a crown and has his double-bladed sword from Avengers: Endgame in his hand.
It is worth mentioning that this version of the double-bladed sword appears to be upgraded. For instance, it is clear in the piece of art that the sword is electrified, as there are strands of lightning/electricity coming off the blade. It also has a glowing orb in the middle of the sword, which could be the source of the electricity.
When Thanos wielded the double-bladed sword in Avengers: Endgame, there were no electrical components to it. Instead, it was simply a standard sword with two blades.
This design is consistent with another look at King Thanos from 2024's D23 event (which was shared by IGN via X), where the character was wearing the crown and holding the upgraded weapon. Notably, though, the weapon's power in the new piece of art appears to be more prominent than it was in the older look at King Thanos' design.
It seems as though Disney and Marvel decided to change Thanos' design for his appearance in Avengers: Infinity Defense. Notably, when the theme park attraction (which will be at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California) ws first announced, a piece of art was revealed as a teaser, and if featured King Thanos holding a medieval-style mace.
The character was still wearing the crown, but he did not have the electrified double-bladed sword. The decision to give him the sword instead of the mace could be so that the character design will more closely resemble Thanos' appearance in Avengers: Endgame.
What Is Avengers: Infinity Defense?
The Avengers: Infinity Defense theme park attraction is going to be a groundbreaking new experience for Disney California Adventure guests when it opens in 2028. As if it wasn't exciting enough to get a brand-new ride in the park's Avengers' Campus section, it is just one part of a major expansion in that area of California Adventure that will feature multiple new attractions.
The story of Avengers: Infinity Defense is that guests are being tasked with reassembling the Avengers so that they can stop King Thanos from taking over the universe. There will be massive physical sets all around the attraction, media scenes, and fan-favorite MCU characters popping up everywhere.
Notably, quite a few MCU actors will be reprising their on-screen roles for the 2028 ride. For example, Iman Vellani will once again portray Ms. Marvel, who will anchor the pre-show. On the actual attraction, fans will be able to see Jeremy Renner return as Hawkeye, Anthony Mackie make an appearance as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth come back as Thor, and Robert Downey Jr. play Iron Man.
While battling King Thanos, Avengers: Infinity Defense will showcase iconic MCU locations such as Asgard, New York City, and Wakanda.
