Spoilers ahead for Avengers: Endgame. If you haven't seen the latest Marvel blockbuster, look away!
Avengers: Endgame arrived in theaters ahead of last weekend, and the internet is current buzz with the massive blockbuster's many surprising moments. The Russo Brothers crafted an emotional movie that kept the fandom on its toes, providing endless plot twists and a movie that should be void of bathroom breaks.
Chris Hemsworth's Thor was the subject of a fair amount of twists, including a drastic physical transformation. Following Endgame's five year time jump, it was revealed that the God of Thunder was wallowing in the time since decapitating Thanos, becoming an overweight alcoholic in the process. It's an unexpected change to the character that stuck throughout the course of Endgame's runtime, and the film's writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely recently explained his twist, saying:
MARCUS: Thor’s on a mission of vengeance. And then we were like, he was on a mission of vengeance in the last movie. This is all this guy ever does! And fails, all the time. Let’s drive him into a wall and see what happens.McFEELY: He just got drunk and fat.
Well, this does make sense. Thor might have been progressing as a character throughout his long tenure in the MCU, but the guy hasn't had the easiest run. He's lost everything, so it make sense that he would hit rock bottom after his encounters with Thanos.
Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely's comments to The New York Times help to explain how one of the strongest Avengers ended up letting himself go so hard. When the plan to use time travel first comes to fruition, they need to assemble the surviving heroes. Rocket and Bruce Banner travel to New Asgard, and find a Thor that has more interest in Fortnite than saving the galaxy or ruling his people.
His physical transformation is a shocking moment in the movie, as is the fact that The Russo Brothers maintain his new body until his final moments onscreen. Its a constant reminder of how far Thor's character has changed since his first appearance, and how he's truly lost everyone. Besides Korg that is.
In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor spoke with Rocket about all that the God of Thunder had already lost at that point. Odin passed on, while Frigga, Loki, and Heimdell were all brutally murdered. What's more, Thor: Ragnarok saw the destruction of Asgard itself, so his mystical home is gone forever. All he had left was the thirst for vengeance, and wanting to kill Thanos.
And he very nearly did it. He ultimately plunged Stormbreaker into Thanos' chest, gloating over his moment of vengeance in the process. But he didn't aim for the head, and Thanos snapped his fingers and wiped out half the galaxy. That guilt weighed on Thor (literally), and it took some convincing for him to return to The Avengers and join the wild time heist.
Related: Tessa Thompson Says Taika Waititi Might Return For Thor 4
It should be interesting to see what comes next for Thor, as the future of the MCU is largely a mystery. Chris Hemsworth's contract with Marvel Studios is up, but Thor made it out of Endgame with his life. He seemingly joined the Guardians of the Galaxy, although that might have just been his way back into space before a possible fourth Thor movie. We'll just have to wait and see whenever the studio finally unveils its plans for the future post-Endgame.
Thor has already changed quite a bit throughout his long tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While his father Odin originally exiled him from Asgard due to his immaturity, he proved time and time again to be one of the bravest members of The Avengers. Sure, he's retained his ego and can sometimes be a bit head strong, but Thor has demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
But ultimately Thor wasn't one of the OG Avengers who lost their life during the course of Avengers: Endgame. Instead, he'll presumably be given some chance to return in the post-Endgame world. And that's probably the right call for Marvel Studios, considering the character was given new life and fan excitement following Thor: Ragnarok and Infinity War.
Taika Waititi broke all the rule with his Thor threequel, destroying Asgard, the Warrior's Three, Odin, and Mjolnir in the process. He also took the character into new locations in space, pairing him with Hulk and Loki in the process. What's more, a series of colorful characters were introduced including Valkyrie and Korg.
The newcomers briefly popped back up in Avengers: Endgame, revealing that the surviving Asgardians are living peacefully on Earth. When the film ended, Thor seems to have given over the reigns of leadership to Tessa Thompson Valkyrie, but what does that mean? Could she ended up wielding the character's power as a female Thor? Or should we expect Val and Korg to pop up in Thor 4?
There's no guarantee that Thor 4 will come to fruition, although fans would love to see Chris Hemsworth have another collaboration with Taika Waititi. Tessa Thompson previously teased that talks are happening at Marvel Studios, although nothing is set in stone and she's not sure what comes next for Valkyrie after Endgame.
The final moments of Avengers: Endgame also seemingly tease that Thor will join the Guardians of the Galaxy, following their chemistry in Infinity War. It's a crossover fans will go bonkers over, so hopefully Marvel Studios will reveal its plans sooner rather than later. The God of Thunder has a particular bond with Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon, so hopefully that's a character pairing we'll see more of in Phase Four.
But since Avengers: Endgame is in theaters, hopefully that means Marvel will reveal its plans soon. Of course, Spider-Man: Far From Home is only a few months away, so the studio may want to wait until after that release before unveiling the next phase of films.
Avengers: Endgame is in theaters now, and making tons of money at the box office. Be sure to check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
