Could Vision Phased to Prevent Thanos from Stealing the Mind Stone?

The question of whether Vision could phase and prevent Thanos from stealing the Mind Stone in Avengers: Infinity War is one that has intrigued many fans. While phasing is one of Vision's most impressive powers, there are several factors that could have prevented him from using this ability effectively in the face of Thanos and the Infinity Stones.

Concentration and Control

Concentration and control are critical components of vision phasing. Phasing requires a significant amount of mental and physical effort, which can be challenging to maintain, especially during a high-stress and high-risk battle. During a fight with Thanos, Vision would likely be under extreme duress, facing direct attacks and trying to defend himself. The intense pressure and urgency of the situation may have made it difficult for him to channel the necessary concentration to phase and prevent Thanos from getting close enough to take the Mind Stone.

Surprise and Speed

Surprise and speed are two of Thanos' greatest strengths. His immense power and quick reflexes, combined with the amplification from the Infinity Stones, could have easily caught Vision off guard. Even if Vision managed to phase, Thanos' ability to move with the speed of a Thought might have given him the advantage in the confrontation. Additionally, Thanos' use of brute force could have provided a physical barrier that Vision was unable to phase through in time to prevent the theft of the Mind Stone.

The Power of the Infinity Stones

Thanos was the powerhouse of the Infinity Stones, which could have significantly affected any attempts at phasing. The combined might of multiple Infinity Stones might have impacted Vision's phasing ability, either by countering it or enhancing Thanos' powers to the point where Vision could not phase effectively. This could explain why Vision never attempted to use phasing during his final moments against Thanos.

Narrative Choices and Injuries

Narrative choices also played a role in the story's progression. In Avengers: Infinity War, Vision's phasing ability was integral to his character arc. His sacrifice and the loss of the Mind Stone were crucial plot points, highlighting the weight of responsibility and the emotions he felt when faced with the possibility of failure. Furthermore, it was noted that Vision's body was damaged internally. As Wanda healed Vision from his initial wound, it became clear that he could not phase effectively anymore. Throughout the remainder of the movie, Vision remained injured, unable to phase, which was a consequence of his substantial damage and the need to remove the Mind Stone from his head.

The primary focus of Wakanda and the Avengers was to remove the Mind Stone from Vision's head, and unfortunately, the injury was not addressed in time. If more attention had been given to fixing Vision's injury, it is possible that he might have been in a better condition to use his phasing ability or at least to defend himself more effectively.

In conclusion, while Vision's phasing ability is a powerful asset, the circumstances of the battle, the narrative requirements, and his internal damage all contributed to his inability to thwart Thanos from stealing the Mind Stone. This complex interplay of factors makes the question of whether he could have phased a fascinating one, hallmarked by the intricate balance between physical capability and the constraints of storytelling.