A fan-made concept trailer for Marvel Studios’ as-yet-unannounced Thor 5 pits Chris Hemwsorth’s God of Thunder against a powerful new enemy in the MCU, Brett Goldstein’s Hercules. Thor Odinson is currently the only MCU hero to receive four solo feature films, though not all of his adventures have been well-received. 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder received a great deal of criticism regarding its overuse of comedy, prompting hopes that a possible Thor 5 in the MCU would take on a very different tone.

There is speculation that Thor 5, which hasn’t yet been confirmed to be in development by Marvel Studios, will take on a much darker tone than its predecessors. This darker tone has been imagined in a concept trailer shared by Screen Culture, which depicts an epic and intense battle between Thor and the other gods of the MCU, specifically Hercules, who debuted in Thor: Love and Thunder’s post-credits scene. While news has been scarce concerning a possible Thor 5, Hercules has been set up as a clear threat for Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder.

Why Thor 5 Needs To Include Hercules

The idea that Thor 5 will dramatically change the tone of the Thor franchise suggests that not many of Taika Waititi’s comedic elements will be continued from previous installments. One aspect of Thor: Love and Thunder that should be retained, however, is the inclusion of Hercules. While best known for his comedy roles in projects such as Ted Lasso, SuperBob and Adult Life Skills, Brett Goldstein has also shown his dramatic acting chops, so his return as Hercules in Thor 5 would fit the movie’s darker tone change perfectly.

Hercules has become one of the most legendary Marvel Comics characters since his debut in 1965’s Journey into Mystery Annual #1. Originally depicted as an enemy to Thor, Hercules soon became a steadfast hero and a long-running member of the Avengers. He is one of the most consistent and connected heroes in the Marvel Universe, and one of the most powerful, even strong enough to take over from the Hulk in The Incredible Hercules run following the conclusion of 2007’s World War Hulk.

As such a formidable and beloved hero in Marvel Comics, Brett Goldstein’s debut as Hercules in Thor: Love and Thunder was very exciting. This introduction clearly sets him up for more appearances in the MCU’s future, and a possible Thor 5 would be the perfect place to bring Hercules back. This could see him initially battle the God of Thunder, but perhaps become his ally by the end of the movie, allowing Hercules to integrate into the world of the MCU’s superheroes in the future.