Is Akshay Kumar Set to Return as the 'Thanos' Horror-Comedy Universe in Stree 3? Details inside

Akshay Kumar is set to make a powerful comeback in the third installment of the Stree franchise, joining forces once again with Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. Maddock Films has confirmed the theatrical release of Stree 3 on August 13, 2027, with producer Dinesh Vijan dubbing Akshay the 'Thanos' of their horror-comedy universe.

During the trailer launch of Sky Force, where Akshay joked about his “dedh” collaboration with Dinesh Vijan, speculation about his involvement in Stree 3 surged. When asked about joining the horror-comedy saga, Akshay remarked, "What can I say? Dinesh and Jyoti (Deshpande; producer) will have to decide that. They’re the ones to pump in the money."

Dropping a playful hint about his return, Akshay added, “Aur Amar Kaushik ko direct karna hai (And Amar Kaushik has to direct it).” Amar Kaushik, who helmed Stree 2, is expected to bring his directorial prowess to the third installment, following the previous film's box office success in 2024.

Confirming Akshay's role, Dinesh Vijan stated, “Of course, he’s a part of the universe! He’s our Thanos (laughs).”

Stree 2 was a massive hit, thanks in part to its unexpected cameo appearances, with Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of the descendent of Chandra Bhan stealing the spotlight. His character, a delusional patriarch found in a mental asylum, added a unique twist to the storyline. Akshay, donning a blonde wig, portrayed a man who believes himself to be Shahjahan, adding humor and intrigue with his eccentric behavior and cryptic riddles.

The film concluded with a tantalizing hint that Akshay’s character would evolve into a central supervillain in Stree 3, promising a gripping continuation of the Maddock horror-comedy saga.