Thor's appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder will be the character's fourth solo movie in the MCU, officially making him the first Avenger to accomplish that. The god of thunder began his journey in the MCU in 2011's Thor and would continue his adventures in 2013's Thor: The Dark World. And while Hemsworth's portrayal of the titular hero received praise from critics and fans, the Australian actor became exhausted and underwhelmed playing the role prior to Taika Waititi hopping on board to direct 2017's Thor: Ragnarok.
Ragnarok's revitalization of Thor would turn out to be a much-needed turn for the character that established him as one of the MCU's funniest and most likable heroes. Following the success of Waitit's first go at a Thor film, the upcoming phase 4 film looks to carry over the same exciting energy from its processor and become a worthy addition in this ongoing universe. As more and more MCU content seems to be pouring in, there's no better time to discuss Thor: Love and Thunder. Here's what we know so far.
Release Date and Production
At San Diego Comic-con in July 2019, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige officially announced the title of the film, with a planned release date slated for November 5, 2021. But little did they know the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on the film industry. After being delayed twice, first being pushed back to February 2022, Thor: Love and Thunder finally settled on a May 6, 2022 release date for theatres, less than two months after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' March 22 release. While this is currently the official release date, nothing is set in stone due to this pandemic, so there is always the possibility of another delay. But with recent success at the box office from other MCU films like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, fans can expect Marvel to hold their ground with this one.
Waititi, who did not write Thor: Ragnarok, co-wrote Thor: Love and Thunder's script with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Filming began in January 2021 and wrapped in early June 2021, as Hemsworth posted a picture on Instagram with him in his Thor outfit and Waititi dressed as Korg, commemorating the entire shoot. Other details like recent merch have hinted at a new logo for the film.
Cast
The MCU is known for gathering these large ensembles to create a memorable experience. That will be no different in Thor: Love and Thunder. Other than Hemsworth starring in the lead role as Thor and Waititi joining him as the friendly Kronan gladiator, Korg, other cast members include Tessa Thompson returning as Valkyrie, Asgard's new leader, and Natalie Portman making her first appearance as Jane Foster since Thor: The Dark World as well as the return of Jaime Alexander as Sif. The Guardians of the Galaxy will help add to the comedic elements, with Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, and Sean Gunn all reprising their fan-favorite roles.
But that's not all. Along with Jeff Goldblum's return as the Grandmaster, Christian Bale will be the film's main antagonist as Gorr the God Butcher, while other names such as Matt Damon, Sam Neill, Luke Hemsworth, Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone, and Jenny Morris will be playing Asgardian actors. Russell Crowe will also have a cameo appearance as Zeus.
Plot
Like most upcoming MCU projects, many of the story details have been kept under wraps, but there are some that fans can expect in Thor: Love and Thunder. When first developing the film, Waititi expressed interest in exploring more of Jane Foster's character from a pivotal comic storyline in which she overcomes breast cancer while gaining similar powers to Thor. It then became official that astrophysicist and ex-lover of Thor will become the Mighty Thor. Valkyrie's character will be another prominent aspect of the film, as Thor appointed her as the new king of Asgard at end of 2019's Avengers: Endgame. The film will also delve deeper into Korg's culture and introduce the Space Sharks alien race. Waititi has confirmed that the stakes have been raised in Thor: Love and Thunder and that the film will be even more over-the-top and crazier than Thor: Ragnarok.
Perhaps the biggest excitement to look forward to is the Guardians of the Galaxy being involved in this galactic adventure, as the film will be set before James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Fans can expect Quill and his team, Thor, and Mighty Thor to unite against Gorr the God Butcher, the villain on a quest to kill all gods after losing his loved ones.
Footage
As of yet, no footage has been released for the highly anticipated 4th Thor entry. Fans can expect a first teaser trailer to be shown ahead of one of the big upcoming MCU releases such as Eternals or Spider-Man: No Way Home. There may not be any footage, but set images have revealed Bale's Gorr the God Butcher in full costume. In the meantime, fans can catch up on the critically acclaimed Disney+ series that explore many side MCU characters and tie into the main films while also catching the big upcoming theatrical releases that will surely push this cinematic universe in bold directions.
Thor: Love and Thunder is set to release in theatres on May 6th, 2022.