Thor, the god of thunder, is a beloved character in comic books and the MCU. The first two Thor films were moderately successful. The second film, Thor: The Dark World, is often on people’s least favourite Marvel films list. Nonetheless, it has good moments, like Thor losing his mother and brother. These dramatic elements laid the foundation for the character’s development in subsequent films.

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Thor: Ragnarok was a Turning Point in the MCU

Thor hit his stride with Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok. The film reimagined the character. Taika and Chris Hemsworth made him more relatable, adding a humourous angle and changing the hero’s visual style, which appealed to a much wider audience. Ragnarok had silly moments, but the story was good, and Thor was elevated to a real god of thunder. His power level increased, and he looked more visually pleasing.

It was a great time being a Thor fan, and soon after, The Russo brothers’ Avengers: Infinity War made Thor’s story arc even better. The directors and writers were masters of mixing story elements from Thor’s solo films with new material in their films. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor is a man who has lost everything. He is without a home, family or the love of his life, Jane Foster. The film expertly juggles Thor’s demons with the more expansive ensemble cast and the overarching narrative.

Infinity War shows a hero at rock bottom as he attempts to claw himself out of a dark place. The character’s fun side was remembered, too. The humour and playful banter that characterised Ragnarok are present, especially when Thor encounters Peter Quill and his Guardian of the Galaxy. Thor’s journey to Nidavellir to forge a new weapon was another magical moment. Using his might, Thor took the blast of the neutron star, enabling him to continue his quest. Scenes like these made an accurate impression on filmgoers, further endearing the character.

These and other great moments in the film, his exhilarating entry into Wakanda with Stormbreaker, are iconic. The character was at a high point. However, Avengers: Endgame did divide fan opinion around the character. Some felt Thor’s weight gain and depressed condition was a leap too far.

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Thor: Love & Thunder was not the best of Thor

More significant criticism came with the release of Thor: Love & Thunder. The film needed to balance comedy and storytelling effectively. Thor seemed silly and underwhelming compared to Infinity War and Ragnarok. Thor, portrayed as a single father, didn’t sit well with many fans.

The rumours that Marvel could reboot the MCU after Avengers: Secret Wars could be an opportunity to restore the character. If Hemsworth is still interested by then, or if the studio is looking to recast older original MCU characters, then returning Thor to his Avengers: Infinity War iteration should be at the top of their list. Hemsworth should still be the first choice. Marvel should do all they can not to lose another legacy character like they did when Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans left their Iron Man and Captain America roles.

The next MCU incarnation of Thor has to let go of the silliness and aimlessness he accrued. Thor needs new side-kicks like he did in the first two films, but he also needs a balanced mix of stoicism and humour like he had in Avengers: Infinity War. His power levels in Infinity War and Ragnarok must also be returned and explored. Fans would love to see the character back after the disappointment of Thor: Love & Thunder, but some changes need to be made.

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What do you think? Do we need a return to the Infinity War version of Thor? Share your thoughts below.   

The MCU Reboot Needs a Powerful Hero to Return Written by Neilan Adams for Fortress of Solitude