It’s been nearly three years, six Disney+ shows, and five theatrical films since Marvel fans last saw Thor Odinson in Marvel Studios’ Thor: The Dark World. A lot has been revealed about Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Natalie Portman as Mighty Thor so far in Thor 4’s promotional campaign, even though it is still early in the film’s development.
In the first trailer, for example, the audience learns that Thor is contemplating retirement and doing some soul-searching. In the end, the teaser featured a glimpse of Jane as a newly reforged Mjolnir wielding Thor.
Despite Hemsworth’s Thor being the focus of the new Thor 4 second trailer, the same can be said for Jane and her newfound powers.
Love and Thunder will be Chris Hemsworth’s fourth solo film in the MCU, which has sparked speculation about whether Natalie Portman will replace him as Thor. Moreover, following the release of the film’s second trailer, director Taika Waititi weighed in on the theory.
Marvel Director On The New Thor
Asked about rumors that Natalie Portman is replacing Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder in Love and Thunder, director Taika Waititi said: “I don’t believe that:”
“And also, it’s really fun, the idea that Thor [has] got Stormbreaker, that big axe, and now his hammer’s back and it’s in the hands of someone else. It’s no longer his hammer. It’s the idea that someone’s taking his place. I think a lot of fans are gonna potentially assume, ‘Oh, OK, this is the passing on of the torch’… I’m not privy to any plans Marvel has for the future, but I don’t think that’s the case.”
Additionally, the second trailer for the film showed a moment where Thor reaches for Mjolnir, only to have it rocket back into Jane’s grasp. This was shown in the film’s second trailer.
Thor Odinson’s future as Thor Odinson is understandable because of this particular choice of imagery, coupled with Disney+ passing the mantle onto new heroes like Sam Wilson and Hawkeye’s Kate Bishop.
Waititi’s comments, on the other hand, back-up claims by Hemsworth that Thor is too young to retire.
When asked about Thor 4’s comic book inspirations, Waititi confirmed that the film adheres “pretty closely” to the storyline of Jane Foster from Jason Aaron’s The Mighty Thor, and that “we’re trying to take the best parts of that.”
“We stick pretty closely to Jane’s storyline, and what happened to Jane… because that was such an influence on the film. We’re trying to take the best parts of that.”
It’s worth noting that Jane is diagnosed with cancer in Jason Aaron’s storyline, despite the MCU’s preference for comic book adaptations. In spite of the fact that Mjolnir is keeping her alive, it also accelerates her deterioration; this is why she chose to acquire it in the first place.
Are There Any More Original Avengers?
Thor 4 director Taika Waititi has confirmed that the film follows “pretty closely to Jane’s storylines.” This reveals a great deal about what the film has to offer.
In the absence of Thor and to her own impediment, Jane in Love and Thunder may have taken up the hammer as well, indicating that the detour taken by the God of Thunder to ponder his own mortality had consequences.
Hemsworth as Thor is not going anywhere, according to Waititi, but it does sound like Jane has taken his place on Midgard in some way. The film’s visit to New Asgard, which has appeared in both trailers so far, should be interesting.
There are only a handful of the original Avengers left who are still actively involved in Marvel’s Phase 4. In the wake of Hawkeye’s apparent retirement, Bruce Banner’s Hulk is the only other member of that original 2012 team still active.
Hemsworth’s Thor Odinson could be the last member of the Avengers if Banner hands the baton to She-Hulk on Disney+ later this year. When it comes to how his latest film will affect his development and who he is in Marvel’s Phase 4 story, fans won’t have to wait too long.
