Marvel Answers 1 Weird Infinity War Death Mystery For Good

Marvel has finally solved a lingering Avengers: Infinity War death mystery, and done so in a surprising place – The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. When Thanos killed in Infinity War – both before the Snap and those he destroyed with it – there was little in the way of ambiguity. Most fates were clear, but one that wasn’t is what happened to Taneleer Tivan, aka the Collector, after Thanos was able to take the Reality Stone from him.

The Collector only appeared briefly, but it seemed likely he was among those Thanos killed in Avengers: Infinity War. By the time the Guardians of the Galaxy arrived on Knowhere, though Tivan appeared to be alive, Thanos already possessed the Reality Stone, and only an illusion of the Collector was seen. In a surprising turn of events, though, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special reveals the Guardians now own Knowhere, and in the process it confirms the Collector survived Infinity War.

GOTG Holiday Special Reveals The Collector Survived Avengers: Infinity War

Early on in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Kraglin reflects on the fact it is now Christmastime, and Nebula then mentions that not only do the Guardians own Knowhere, but specifically says: “Ever since buying Knowhere from The Collector…” Since the Guardians didn’t own Knowhere during Avengers: Infinity War, then this can only be possible with the Collector having survived, and continuing to live through to The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special timeline. This fits with Benicio del Toro’s belief the Collector survived Infinity War, as he said back in 2018: “I think he’s alive. Yeah… I think that, you know, I think he’s alive. You’re talking to him!”

How The Collector Is Still Alive After Infinity War

With it confirmed the Collector is alive after Avengers: Infinity War, the big questions are how and why. Though Thanos always claimed he was looking to balance the universe, he also showed ruthlessness in acquiring the Infinity Stones, such as destroying Xandar and sacrificing his daughter, Gamora. It seems unlikely he would have decided to entirely spare the Collector for no reason, especially as even in the illusion he displays contempt for him, but Tivan was a bargainer and great negotiator. That means it’s certainly possible he was able to guarantee his survival in exchange for giving Thanos the Reality Stone.

There’s also the fact the Collector is incredibly powerful. Though not explored much in the MCU, he is an Elder of the universe and has lived an incredibly long life, able to withstand far more damage than a human. This goes further in the comics, where it’s confirmed the Collector cannot die (he can technically be killed, but it requires destroying him on a molecular level). That could also explain how he survived Infinity War; said immortality came from Lady Death, who was seen as a statue at Eternity in Thor: Love & Thunder and so exists in the MCU in some form. It’s unconfirmed if the Collector is immortal in the MCU, but either way he is among the characters who survived Avengers: Infinity War.