SPOILERS FOR THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER ———— Marvel Studios‘ Thor: Love and Thunder touched down in theaters this past weekend and has already made $302 million in global ticket sales. While the film is off to a decent start, analysts are wondering if Marvel’s latest Asgardian adventure will go the distance. The movie earned a B+ CinemaScore, making it the fourth MCU film not to get an A rating. Combine that with a 67% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and you start to wonder if the Marvel formula is no longer a guarantee. However, the end credits for Thor: Love and Thunder confirm “Thor will be back,” which indicates that a fifth film could be a part of Marvel’s grand plan. If this is the case, who will direct the movie? Will Taika Waititi book a return trip to New Asgard for Thor 5? That’s what we’re about to find out.
Speaking with Insider, Waititi said, “That was a surprise to me, too. I’m not joking,” regarding Thor Odinson appearing in another MCU project. “I saw it in the theater and I was like, ‘Oh, shit. Really?’ Even Chris was like, ‘What?’ But, of course he’ll be back. He’s the best character. I mean, I may be a little biased, but he’s the most fun to watch.”
“Now, I don’t know what would be next. I would definitely do one, but only if Chris did it,” Waititi added. “But it would need to be something surprising and unexpected for me to want to do it. Like what would be the new take? The battles and all the fighting is fine, but I would want something that feels unexpected when it comes to the story. Like making just a $5 million movie with no fighting at all, just Thor on a road trip. Like ‘Nebraska.'”
The ending and post-credits sequences for Thor: Love and Thunder introduce three exciting ways to continue the hero’s journey. To begin, Thor 5 could be a surrogate father-daughter adventure featuring Thor and his newly-adopted daughter, Love (played by Hemsworth’s real-life daughter, India Rose Hemsworth). A sequel could also focus on Zeus getting his revenge on Thor by ordering his son, Hercules (Brett Goldstein), to take the God of Thunder out for good. Lastly, now that Jane (Natalie Portman) has joined Heimdal (Idris Elba) in Valhalla, her story can continue with the good doctor acting as a ferryman for the newly dead. In the comics, Jane becomes a Valkyrie and can see the fates of mortals simply by looking at them. Using her unique gift, she protects the order of death and those destined for the Great Beyond. Any (or all) of these story elements would be great for Thor 5 if that’s the way Marvel chooses to go.
I saw Thor: Love and Thunder yesterday (Sunday) and have yet to make up my mind about the film. As much as I like Waititi as a filmmaker, I wonder if it’s time to give someone else a crack at Thor 5. Then again, Waititi directing a “classic Thor adventure” in the guise of a zany road trip does sound like a lot of fun. Thankfully, I’m not the one who makes the decisions, and the fate of Thor 5 is in much more capable hands than mine.
Do you think Taika Waititi should direct Thor 5? How much longer will Hemsworth play the character? Will India Rose Hemsworth reprise the role of Love, or will she be replaced with a more experienced actor? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.