Paul Rudd, 'Avengers: Endgame' directors respond to 'Thanus,' the most insane Marvel theory ever

As far as the most bonkers fan theories go in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one clear-cut winner has emerged recently in predicting the climax (back end?) of the highly anticipated Avengers: Endgame.

That would be the premise coined “Thanus,” which posits that the Avengers will finally triumph over intergalactic, snapping super-baddie Thanos (Josh Brolin) when Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) uses his size-altering abilities to shrink down, enter the villain’s butthole and then expand, killing his target in what would essentially be the most volatile hemorrhoid ever.

It’s super gross, we know — but also extremely creative — which is why it’s gotten a lot of attention. Just ask Jeremy Renner, who gagged at the very mention of it when we asked him and Rudd about it at the Los Angeles press day for Endgame (watch above).

Co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo, tight-lipped as ever about the film at the junket, fully embraced the theory, which of course means there’s no chance of it happening (as if there was ever the question).

“Somebody ruined the movie,” Joe said over Anthony’s laughter. “We have people under NDA when they watch test cuts at the test screenings, and clearly somebody talked. It’s unfortunate. I’d stay off the internet if you don’t want the movie ruined.”

Their playful comments come with unfortunate irony in the wake of an actual leak of the film’s ending in recent days, one that had Marvel, Disney and the directors on high alert Tuesday. The Russo brothers issued a statement on Twitter pleading with fans not to ruin the film’s ending, and the hashtag #DontSpoilEndgame began trending soon after. (Seriously folks, don’t spoil it.)

As for Rudd, he only wanted to know what we thought the chances of “Thanus” actually happening were. “We’re taking an informal poll,” he said.

“One percent, maybe?”

“So you’re saying there’s a chance!” Rudd shot back in his best Dumb and Dumber impression.

Avengers: Endgame opens April 26. Get your advance tickets (or what’s left of them) at Fandango.

Watch the cast talk about surviving the snap:

Read more on Yahoo Entertainment:

Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle’s newsletter.

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next