Thor has been an important part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since appearing in 2011’s Thor, and the character’s future in the franchise is now in question. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, many of the original cast had departed the franchise, including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Evans. However, all three have returned since, with Johansson as an executive producer on Thunderbolts* and the others playing different roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Deadpool & Wolverine. The future of the MCU appears to be flipping the original Avengers, leading somewhere unexpected.

Chris Hemsworth has been a compelling performer as the God of Thunder, although his films have been mixed. While the ranking of Thor movies has varied, many consider Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Love and Thunder to be among the worst films in the entire MCU. Conversely, many would also argue that Thor: Ragnarok is among the best MCU films. Even so, Thor: Love & Thunder left potential for more stories to tell with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. However, Hemsworth’s recent comments regarding the films leave whether he will return up in the air.

How Thor: Love & Thunder Set Up Thor’s MCU Future

The Film Ended With Thor On The Journey Of Fatherhood

Thor: Love and Thunder made some interesting character choices, including making Thor a father by the end of the film. The film sees him experiencing a kind of retirement in search of inner peace, and concludes with him in a place where perhaps he is able to rest. While Hemsworth said in an interview with The Direct that “[Thor’s] only 1500 years old!… Thor is way too young for [retirement],” the latest film did an effective job of giving the hero a logical closure point.

With that said, the world of the gods in the MCU has expanded with the film, especially after its end introducing Hercules. In Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder, Hemsworth noted that “this is ten years for most of us now, and maybe the last time I play the character. I certainly was aware of that while shooting.”Thor’s future in the MCU may then be a quiet one, with the character at peace and likely not set to return any time soon.

Chris Hemsworth Said He Doubted He’d Return

Hemsworth May Be Done With The Role

Chris Hemsworth has often spoken about the difficulty of playing the role. In Marvel Studios Assembled, he outlined the difficulty and the physical toll: “It was just exhausting. I don’t know, maybe I’m getting old, but things just started to hurt more.” While audiences grow familiar with the heroes they love and hope to see heroes like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine never recast in the MCU, these performances take an enormous toll on the performers. Keeping in that kind of shape is a task that only grows more difficult as the actors age.

Speaking with Good Morning America, Hemsworth made his departure from the role a little clearer: “Uh, I don’t know. I’m sort of… finished my run for the time being, but never say never.” There have been some rumblings about the future of the character in the MCU since, although nothing has been made concrete. Following these comments, it makes sense to believe that Chris Hemsworth may be finished with the role for the time being, and there may be no plans for his return.

…But There’s Still Hope

Hemsworth Has Also Made Comments That Suggest Otherwise

However, Chris Hemsworth expressed some interest in returning to the role to Vanity Fair: “Look, I’m completely open to it, if there is something unique and fresh and unexpected to do with the character and the world.” This shows that, just like with actors like Robert Downey Jr. coming back to the MCU, there has to be an original take or story to do so. Returning to the MCU just to keep Thor around is not sufficient for Hemsworth, given the actor’s negative comments concerning a potential Thor 5.

Hemsworth Wants Thor To Die In Thor 5

The Actor Believes The Next Film Would Be His Last In The MCU

Chris Hemsworth did provide some comments about a potential sequel. “I feel like we’d probably have to close the book if I ever did it again, you know what I mean? I feel like it probably warrants that,” he said, suggesting that the film would require a big conclusion, such as the death of his character. Plans for a Thor 5 have been rumored for some time, although no confirmation of the film has been made by Marvel Studios.

For all that is known, an enormous future could be planned for Thor in the MCU. While Hemsworth continued saying, “I feel like it’d probably be the finale.” He also noted that “that’s not based on anything anyone’s told me or any sort of plans.” While Hemsworth may wish for his character to die, it is also possible that the MCU has other distinct plans for what they wish to do with the character shortly, that could even lead to Thor being recast.

Hemsworth Regrets His Love & Thunder Performance

The Actor Seems To Agree With Much Of The Film’s Criticisms

Speaking with Vanity Fair, Hemsworth expressed some regrets about how he appeared in Thor: Love and Thunder: “I got caught up in the improv and the wackiness, and I became a parody of myself.” Fortunately, this goes to show that there is a consistent understanding of the character shared by Hemsworth and the audience. Many felt that Love and Thunder did not take itself seriously enough, and it appears Hemsworth feels the same.

If there is a Thor 5, the sequel will have to take a very different approach to the franchise. While Taika Waititi’s reinvention of the series in Thor: Ragnarok was beloved, it seems that approach can only take the hero so far. Especially if Thor is to die in the next film, it will be important to have a more grounded tone, closer to the first film in the series. A director like George Miller would surely do an excellent job with a Thor movie.

Thor’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still up for debate, although it is likely that the character will be seen again. Whether this occurs in Thor 5 or in another Avengers film, Thor is simply too important to the universe to be ignored. While Love and Thunder‘s conclusion did give the character some closure, most audiences would agree that it was not sufficient. Another appearance by Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an end in mind feels likely and necessary.