Reality Can Be Whatever I Want — The definitive Thanos snap moment from Avengers: Infinity War with cinematic quality showing Thanos center-frame with glowing

Reality Can Be Whatever I Want

2018Image macro / reaction imagesemi-active

Published March 10, 2026 · Updated March 16, 2026

Also known as: Thanos Control · Reality Bending · Reality Can Be Whatever I Want Meme · RCBWIW

"Reality Can Be Whatever I Want" is a meme based on a quote from Thanos in the 2018 Marvel film *Avengers: Infinity War*. The still image of Thanos paired with the line took off on Reddit in December 2018 and became a popular image macro for pointing out double standards, wishful thinking, and situations where someone bends the rules to suit themselves.

thanos memes marvel image macro memes hypocrisy memes movie quote memes

Overview

The meme uses a screenshot of Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, from *Avengers: Infinity War* with the caption "Reality can be whatever I want." In the film, the line refers to Thanos wielding the Reality Stone, one of six Infinity Stones that grant him power over the fabric of existence1. As a meme, the image gets paired with setups describing situations where someone ignores logic, applies selective standards, or twists facts to fit their narrative. The format works because Thanos delivers the line with casual authority, making it a perfect reaction to anyone acting like the rules don't apply to them.

Origin & Background

Platform
Reddit
Key People
And_Morgoth, Marvel Studios
Date
2018

*Avengers: Infinity War* premiered in the United States on April 27, 20181. The film follows Thanos as he collects the six Infinity Stones to wipe out half of all life in the universe2. In one scene, Thanos demonstrates his ability to alter reality itself using the Reality Stone, delivering the line that would become the meme3.

The film was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and featured Josh Brolin as Thanos1. It broke box office records, grossing over $2 billion worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of 20182.

How It Spread

The meme format first appeared on December 2, 2018, when Reddit user And_Morgoth posted what is considered the earliest known meme using the Thanos screenshot and quote. That post picked up over 13,200 upvotes within six months3.

The format spread quickly across Reddit in the following days. On December 10, 2018, user Tujja posted a version to r/PewdiepieSubmissions that pulled in over 26,200 upvotes3. Eight days later, on December 18, user generalofbread dropped one in r/dankmemes that hit 38,300 upvotes, making it one of the most popular early examples3.

By December 2019, the format was still circulating. Redditor to_pimp_a_butter_fly posted a version to r/dankmemes on December 9, 2019, earning over 20,200 upvotes3. Beyond Reddit, the meme saw moderate pickup on Instagram and other platforms, typically following the same double-standard or rule-bending setup3.

Platforms

TwitterRedditTwitter

Timeline

2020-01-01

Meme keeps see steady use

2021-01-01

Reality Can Be Whatever I Want reached mainstream popularity and media coverage

View on Google Trends

How to Use This Meme

The standard format pairs the Thanos screenshot with a setup that describes someone selectively applying logic or ignoring inconvenient truths. Common approaches include:

- Top text: Describe a situation where rules, standards, or facts are being ignored or bent - Bottom panel: The Thanos "Reality can be whatever I want" image as the punchline

People typically use it for pointing out hypocrisy, double standards, or wishful thinking. It also works as a reaction image posted in reply to someone making a claim that conveniently ignores reality. The tone is usually humorous rather than hostile.

Create Your Own

Cultural Impact

The meme is part of a wave of Thanos-related formats that came out of *Avengers: Infinity War* and its sequel *Avengers: Endgame*. Other Thanos memes from the same era include "Perfectly Balanced, As All Things Should Be" and the Thanos Snap. The film's massive cultural footprint, with over $2 billion in worldwide box office2, meant that audiences immediately recognized the character and context, giving the meme built-in reach.

The format peaked during late 2018 and 2019, coinciding with the height of MCU cultural dominance. Reddit's meme communities, particularly r/dankmemes and r/thanosdidnothingwrong, were the primary hubs for creation and distribution3.

Fun Facts

The film *Avengers: Infinity War* was one of the most expensive films ever made, with an estimated budget of $325-400 million1.

The movie was shot back-to-back with its sequel *Avengers: Endgame* over a production period from January to July 20172.

Josh Brolin's performance as Thanos received specific critical praise, which likely helped make the character so meme-friendly1.

The meme's first known post appeared roughly seven months after the film's theatrical release, showing a typical delay between movie premiere and meme adoption3.

Derivatives & Variations

Reality Can Be Whatever I Want Variations

Different takes on the Reality Can Be Whatever I Want format with modified content

(2019)

Reality Can Be Whatever I Want Mashups

Combinations of Reality Can Be Whatever I Want with other popular memes

(2020)

Reality Can Be Whatever I Want Remixes

Updated versions with current events and references

(2020)

Frequently Asked Questions