New Avengers: Infinity War concept art reveals a proposed one-on-one face-off between Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) and Thanos (Josh Brolin). Though Drax did square off against Thanos in a group battle on Titan alongside other Avengers like Iron Man and Doctor Strange, earlier drafts of the story gave Drax the opportunity to finally hold Thanos accountable for the death of his family on his own.

On their visit to Knowhere in Avengers: Infinity War, Drax, Star-Lord, Gamora, and Mantis attempt to stop the Mad Titan themselves by retrieving the Reality Stone from The Collector. Unfortunately, Thanos uses that very stone to fool the Guardians of the Galaxy and thwarts their mission. It sets up an opportunity for Drax to confront Thanos as a result of him murdering his wife and daughter, but Drax is ultimately cast aside with little effort. However, a one-on-one fight between the two was being considered for the movie at one point, though it ultimately fell through.

Related: Thor Meets Multiple Dwarves In Infinity War Concept Art

Concept illustrator Rodney Fuentebella shared two pieces of concept art from Avengers: Infinity War on his official Instagram account featuring a one-on-one fight between Thanos and Drax. In the images, Drax stands up to the Mad Titan (who is still wearing his full armor), but doesn't appear to stand a chance. Though he courageously stands his ground, Drax is ultimately attacked by Thanos, who doesn't appear to be fazed by the interaction at all.

So far, fans know that Drax will appear in next year's Avengers 4, though given his fate following Thanos' finger snap in Avengers: Infinity War, it's unclear how he'll factor into the film's narrative. That same lack of  clarity for Drax's future extends to the firing of James Gunn this past year from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, with the fate of the entire Guardians of the Galaxy crew up in the air. For now, audiences have no choice but to wait for Avengers 4 to explain how exactly some formerly deceased characters will make a return (or, at the very least, they may only have to wait until the trailer drops, which is rumored to happen in the next couple of weeks).

As for the concept art, Fuentebella said that they were created early on in the development process of Avengers: Infinity War, so screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, as well as directors Joe and Anthony Russo, likely contemplated over countless versions of the film - from the story itself to various character arcs. And, while the reception of the film was generally positive, it would've been satisfying to see Drax have the opportunity to finally confront Thanos one-on-one, considering it's been the crux of his personal arc since his introduction in 2014.

More: Every Dead Hero Confirmed To Return In Avengers 4 (So Far)

Source: Rodney Fuentebella