When the MCU introduced Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok, it was love at first sight for many fans. Brave, strong, competent, and inarguably badass, the warrior-turned-gladiator-gatherer made a lasting impression on fans who missed the other ladies of Asgard (namely Sif and Frigga). Valkyrie's likability, coupled with Thompson's personal portrayal of the character, made Avengers: Infinity War (ya know, the movie she was notably absent from right after her introduction) super terrifying for fans of the character. But after being crowned New Asgard's king in Avengers: Endgame, the character pretty much guaranteed herself a role in future MCU movies (most obviously in the Natalie Portman-led Thor: Love and Thunder).
Tessa Thompson attended the Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, speaking to fans about her character and what she needs to do next. CinemaBlend was on-site to hear this first-hand, and it was a blast watching her talk so passionately about such an inspiring character.
Here's what the actress had to say about Valkyrie's future:
First of all, as king, as new king [of Asgard], she needs to find her queen. So that will be the first order of business. She has some ideas. I'll keep you posted. And then, I don't know, what's cool about Asgard -- as it has already been mentioned -- Asgard is not a place but a people. So I think just reinvesting in her people, and a cool thing is to create a refuge for any person who might need it. That to me is the idea of a perfect Asgard.
Sounds like she gets it. And it sounds like Taika Waititi will deliver another killer Thor and Valkyrie story during his second adventure with the characters. Ragnarok was a ton of fun, and it's likely that Waititi will perfect the formula he introduced in that film. The guy has a solid track record; I don't think he can make a terrible movie. Added, unrelated aside: If you haven't seen What We Do In The Shadows or the Flight of the Conchords television series, you haven't truly lived. Both are phenomenal and can give you an even better idea of what Waititi aims for comedically.
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige recently talked about having more openly gay characters in the MCU. He confirmed Valkyrie's LGBTQ representation in Thor: Love and Thunder, and told Collider it's also the case for other MCU Phase 4 movies discussed during Comic-Con, including The Eternals.
Thor: Love and Thunder will hit theaters on November 5, 2021. If you're itching to watch Tessa Thompson in any of her previous Valkyrie appearances, start now! She's a joy to watch and adds so much to each performance. We're lucky to have her.
Keep your eye on CinemaBlend's newsfeed for any and all updates on this film and on Marvel's other films slated for release (including Black Widow and Blade)!
