Marvel fans have been taught to pay attention whenever actors begin to talk casually, as that is when the largest hints tend to slip. This is perhaps precisely what occurred with Mark Ruffalo, whose casual remark has brought new life to the discussion around Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While playing a lighthearted game with fellow actors, Ruffalo appeared to confirm that Chris Hemsworth’s Thor isn’t done after ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. It was a very minor moment, but the implication was loud: Thor might still be standing when ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ comes. That is a lot considering the ominous nature of Thor’s recent storyline.
Thor Might Be One Of Marvel’s Last Original Avengers Standing
At first glance, the exchange sounded harmless, a bit of friendly counting as Hemsworth tallied his Avengers appearances. “Six… well, there will be,” Ruffallo told Buzzfeed UK, to which the Thor actor replied with, “Yeah, but we have not shot that one”. However, the rapid correction by Ruffalo, and then Hemsworth admitting that they have not shot a movie yet, was perfectly in line with ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’.
Related: Marvel Might Be Hiding A Classic X-Men Surprise In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Thor has already featured in five Avengers films, including ‘Doomsday’. A sixth would virtually prove his existence in the 2027 finale. That is important as the recent ‘Doomsday’ teasers painted a bleak picture for the God of Thunder. Thor praying to Odin, battling a dreadful new foe, and worrying about getting back home to his daughter raised instant speculation that his tale might have a tragic conclusion.
That fear is diminished by Ruffalo’s comment, or at least postponed. What is even more interesting is that Ruffalo is in an uncertain position himself. Hulk is not yet a confirmed part of ‘Doomsday’ or ‘Secret Wars’, and yet Ruffalo evidently appears to know what Marvel has in store in the long term. That indicates that this was not a mere speculation, but inside information that slipped through the cracks.
Thor’s Survival Could Reshape Marvel’s Endgame
Should Thor survive ‘Doomsday’, it will alter the way fans will perceive the endgame of the Multiverse Saga. Instead of a mere farewell tour of the old heroes, ‘Secret Wars’ might make Thor a transitional figure. He could become one of the few original Avengers remaining in the crumbling worlds. That would track with Hemsworth’s renewed enthusiasm for the role.
In case you missed it: ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Could Push Thor Toward His Most Difficult Choice
Thor has already lost his parents, his brother, his world, and much of his old identity. By keeping him alive in ‘Secret Wars’, Marvel can experiment with something more uncommon than death: endurance. It maintains emotional stakes as well. Thor struggling to live for Love, instead of rushing to a heroic death, is a natural progression of the character.
You might like to read: Tatiana Maslany Plays Coy On A Possible She-Hulk Return In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
