Remember the "Thanus" theory? If you are a Marvel fan you probably do. It's the slightly ridiculous slightly hilarious idea that Ant-Man could have defeated Thanos in Avengers: Endgame by shrinking down entering Thanos through a certain... orifice... and then growing giant-sized. Yeah you know the one. Well guess what? Paul Rudd himself Ant-Man himself is still thinking about it!
'Could It Really Have Worked?' Paul Rudd Jokes About 'Thanus' Theory With Jenna Ortega (Who Is Justifiably Confused)
Paul Rudd was doing some press for his new movie Death of a Unicorn with his co-star Jenna Ortega and of course the "Thanus" theory came up again. It's like this thing just follows Rudd around everywhere. He was chatting with ComicBook.com and brought up the age-old question: "I often wonder though could he really have stopped Thanos in that way? Because didn’t he at that point have the Space Stone or whatever?"
Poor Jenna Ortega looked completely lost. Rudd had to explain the whole bizarre scenario to her. "Do you know what we’re talking about? There was a theory — going against Thanos why didn’t Ant-Man just … instead of Thanos it was ‘Thanus’ go up Thanos and then expand." You can almost see Jenna's brain trying to process all that sausage-related innuendo and superhero physics.
Ortega understandably asked "I thought he was already big … the purple one?" Rudd clarified "I get really small" to which Ortega finally got it "Oh that’s right you’re called Ant-Man!" It's a pretty out-there theory even for MCU standards. But hey it got people talking and apparently even Paul Rudd can't fully dismiss it from his mind.
'Didn't He Have the Space Stone or Whatever?' Rudd Ponders Thanos's Defenses Against the Shrinking Superhero
Rudd's question about the Space Stone actually brings up a good point. Even if Ant-Man could pull off this uh... unconventional attack would Thanos with all the Infinity Stones have been able to stop him? Thanos at that point was basically a cosmic god. Maybe a little ant-sized hero even inside him wouldn't be enough to take him down. It is all hypothetical of course since Thanos is well you know... dusted.
This isn't the first time Rudd has addressed the "Thanus" theory. Back in 2022 he even joked about it in a video for a Disney Cruise Line experience. In that video Rudd questioned why everyone was so fixated on that particular body part . He was like "But why not the ear or the nose? Why does it have to be [that]?" Good point Paul! Maybe "Thear" or "Thanosse" just don't have the same ring to them.
Avengers: Endgame Writer Says 'Thanus' is a No-Go: Thanos' Rectum Too Strong! (Apparently)
For anyone still holding out hope for the "Thanus" strategy Avengers: Endgame co-writer Stephen Markus officially shut it down a while back. And he did not hold back in his explanation. Markus pointed out that Thanos is incredibly durable. "Thanos could take a punch from the Hulk we've seen that. And it stands to reason his whole body is at least as strong as that" Markus stated.
So according to Markus if Ant-Man tried to expand inside Thanos he would not explode the Mad Titan. Instead Ant-Man would be the one getting squished. "If Ant-Man expanded he would be simply crushed against the immovable walls of Thanos’ mighty rectum." Well there you have it straight from the writer's mouth. "Thanus" is officially debunked maybe for the best for Ant-Man's sake.
From 'Thanus' to Unicorns: Paul Rudd's New Movie 'Death of a Unicorn' Hits Theaters Soon
While we might not see "Thanus" become MCU canon you can see Paul Rudd in a totally different kind of movie soon. He and Jenna Ortega are starring in a new A24 film called Death of a Unicorn. It sounds pretty quirky and dark. The movie is about a dad (Rudd) and daughter (Ortega) who accidentally kill a unicorn. But this is not just any unicorn it has magical healing powers and a billionaire wants to exploit it. Things probably get weird from there. Death of a Unicorn is set to release in theaters on March 28th.
Will Adam Warlock Join Avengers: Doomsday? Co-star Will Poulter Says 'Dude I'd Love It!'
Speaking of MCU and Avengers movies there is always buzz about who might show up next. Paul Rudd's Death of a Unicorn co-star Will Poulter who MCU fans know as Adam Warlock from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was also asked about his Marvel future. Specifically if Adam Warlock might be in Avengers: Doomsday. Poulter's answer? "Oh dude I’d love it! I had so much fun playing my character and so yeah if they come calling I’m definitely picking up." So maybe we will see Adam Warlock join the Avengers for the big showdown after all. Never say never in the MCU.
The 'Thanus' Theory: A Listing of Hilariousness
- Origin: Fan theory emerged before Avengers: Infinity War suggesting Ant-Man could defeat Thanos by entering his rectum and expanding.
- Paul Rudd's Reaction: Rudd finds the theory amusing and still wonders if it could have worked but questions Thanos' defenses.
- Jenna Ortega's Reaction: Visibly confused and needed the theory explained to her during an interview with Rudd.
- Rudd's Previous Joke: In a Disney Cruise video Rudd questioned why the theory focused on that specific orifice asking "Why not the ear or the nose?"
- Avengers: Endgame Writer Debunks: Stephen Markus stated Thanos' body is too strong and Ant-Man would be crushed not Thanos exploded.
- Enduring Popularity: Despite being debunked the "Thanus" theory remains a widely known and humorous part of MCU fan culture.
'Thanus' Lives On: Paul Rudd's Humor and the Never-Ending Fandom of the MCU
Even though the "Thanus" theory is officially ridiculous and probably impossible it is become this legendary part of MCU fan culture. And Paul Rudd's willingness to joke about it years later just adds to his charm. He knows it is silly he knows it is gross but he also knows it is funny and that fans love it. It is all part of the fun of being in the MCU the wild theories the passionate debates and the endless what-ifs. So while "Thanus" may never be canon it will definitely live on in MCU meme history thanks in part to Paul Rudd's good-natured humor.