Chris Hemsworth is not done with playing Thor yet. The actor has just affirmed that he will play the God of Thunder a few more times after ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, and should the Marvel Cinematic Universe be listening, the roadmap to his next evolution is already right in front of them.
Although speculation is rife on the topic of ‘Secret Wars’ or even a fifth solo outing, the groundwork was laid way back in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. And, strangely enough, Norse mythology may not be the future.
Thor May Have Created His Own Worst Enemy
In ‘Love and Thunder’, Thor made a momentary stop in Omnipotence City, where Russell Crowe played a flamboyant Zeus who was unwilling to assist in stopping Gorr the God Butcher. Thor replied by hitting Zeus with his own thunderbolt, a daring step, even for an Avenger. Of course, Zeus survived.
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And in the post-credits scene of the film, he called his son, Hercules, who was portrayed by Brett Goldstein, and ordered him to avenge the gods by killing Thor. It was a little scene, yet it set up a strong foundation. The initial three Thor movies were very heavy-handed on Asgard and Norse mythology. However, in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, Asgard was destroyed, and Thor himself had been wandering since that time, both emotionally and physically.
A fight with Hercules would provide him with a new mythic stage to play on, based on Greek deities, pride, and divine politics. More to the point, it provides consequences. Thor challenged a pantheon leader and walked away. That kind of act demands fallout.
Marvel’s Best Path Forward For Thor Is A Clash Of Gods
In addition to spectacle, there is something very interesting in the Greek mythology angle, and that is transition. In the Marvel Comics, Hercules is not only an opponent, but he is also an Avenger. Bringing him to the MCU opens the possibility of a generational change.
Should Hemsworth finally choose to retire, Hercules might take over Thor as the mighty god among the Mightiest Heroes of the Earth.
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And Greek mythology is full of potential. Hades, Ares, Athena, Poseidon, whole worlds, and competitions are ready to be turned into films. Following years of galactic dangers and inter-universal anarchy, returning to gods with bruised egos and personal vendettas could feel refreshingly grounded, even if it’s still epic.
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