With each impending Marvel Studios movie release, there’s always heightened anticipation. We’re used to getting little snippets of information or teasers on social media, but as we’re still waiting for a full look, the impending release of some action figures has brought us a tasty morsel instead!
We do, of course, know that Chris Hemsworth will again return to the role which he’s made his own since first appearing as Thor over a decade ago. The fourth film headlined by everyone’s favourite strongman is entitled Thor: Love and Thunder and is set to be released in July. However, with limited titbits so far, it’s left fans and journalists at well-known magazines like GQ restless at the lack of a full trailer.
The world is so eager for this latest instalment, which is driven by the character’s widespread popularity. That doesn’t just come from the Marvel series of films either; Thor has been a critical figure in the world of comics, television and video gaming for many years now. Indeed, since the success of Viking shows, more and more video game developers have adopted the character; he’s appeared in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla on consoles to great acclaim. There is even a Gala Casino Megaways game called Power of Thor, which uses the character’s imagery extensively, although not the actual likeness of Hemsworth. Indeed, mobile gamers can even pick up Thor: Lord of Storms to play as the Norse God on the move. All of this means Hemsworth’s Thor, while far from being the most popular Marvel character, receives exposure by proxy and is popular in the Marvel context partly thanks to the Vikings and the long history he has across digital media.
But now, courtesy of the plastic playthings, we have a good grasp of what’s been happening since we saw him in action in Avengers: Endgame. It seems like there will be plenty of action as not only are there Star-Lord and Groot figures, but there’s also Ravager Thor figure. Something else which was teased at the conclusion of Endgame was Valkyrie becoming the King of Asgard and the fact that Tessa Thompson‘s character now has a King Valkyrie figurine, who is forced to take up her sword and fend off a ‘dangerous new visitor.’
That new visitor seems to come in the shape of Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale, who is seeking revenge on all of the Gods for allowing for the death of his mother, pregnant partner, and daughter despite begging them for help. But if Gorr is after revenge on the gods, why is he attacking Asgard? Is it because Thor is there? If that’s the case, then Gorr is definitely a problem for Thor.
But on his side is Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, who we’ve not seen since Thor: The Dark World. There’s an expectation that Thor’s former Belle is to take over the mantle of the God of Thunder, we don’t know if that is the case in this new movie, but will she be the key to fend off the threat from Gorr too if Asgard and Thor are to survive?
critical popcorn 