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In news that was first reported by Latino Review and subsequently confirmed by Variety, Josh Brolin has been cast as the nefarious big bad Thanos in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy.

Josh Brolin cast as Thanos in Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel and director James Gunn have been coy for the past few months about Thanos, teasing that the villain would indeed make an appearance but stopping short of revealing casting details.

Brolin will first voice Thanos in Guardians, followed by more significant roles in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Avengers 3. Originally played by Damon Porter, Thanos made his first onscreen appearance during a brief mid-credits cut scene of The Avengers, during which it was revealed that he had orchestrated the alien invasion of Earth.

Thanos is the key antagonist in the Infinity Gauntlet storyline, which—as alluded to in the post-credits scene of Thor: The Dark World—seems to be the route the Marvel Cinematic Universe is taking. Composed of the Infinity Gems, the Infinity Gauntlet grants its wearer the power to control time and space, alter reality, and become omnipotent. It is the ultimate weapon in Thanos's arsenal against the Avengers.

Thanos brandishes the Infinity Gautlet

Guardians will not be the first superhero movie to feature Brolin. The actor headlined DC Comics' 2010 flop Jonah Hex, and was even considered for the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Zack Snyder's horribly titled Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which was awarded to Ben Affleck, much to the dismay of hardcore fans. Had Brolin already signed on with Marvel Studios prior to his talks with DC? We may never know.

Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters on August 1.

Are you satisfied with Josh Brolin's casting? How will the appearance of Thanos affect the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!