During a 2019 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, “Avengers: Infinity War” writer Christopher Markus said that the only reason that Captain America managed to match Thanos’ might is that the Mad Titan was shocked by the hero’s confidence. According to him, Cap’s will is an important factor, but not a magical one. “I think in that moment, Thanos is impressed by Steve’s will,” said Markus. “He’s like, ‘I can’t believe this guy who apparently has no powers is trying this.’ He’s almost like, ‘Really? Really?'” Since Markus never addresses the comic book version of the Infinity Gauntlet, it’s safe to assume that he does not consider it to be a weapon that can read minds.
Is Markus’ behind-the-scenes opinion the end-all-be-all of MCU truth? No, but a writer’s intent is invaluable when concocting theories regarding lore. Besides, even if the MCU version of the Infinity Gauntlet doesn’t clock willpower, Cap’s clash with Thanos is still a powerful moment. Arguably, it’s even more powerful without the additional help from a magical inanimate object because it better represents who he is. Steve Rogers may have the super soldier serum when he faces the Mad Titan, but he’s still the same little guy who jumped on a grenade. This grenade just happens to be ten feet tall, sociopathic, and packing enough MacGuffins to rewrite the fabric of existence. Seriously, the Infinity Gems are scary business.
