Fans of Tessa Thompson are thrilled to see the talented star returning to the Creed franchise where she will once again be playing Adonis Creed's loving partner, Bianca in Creed III. However, Thompson already reprised another iconic role earlier this year as she returned as Valkyrie in Thor: Love and Thunder.
While it feels like Valkyrie's time in the MCU is just getting started, fans have already got a sense for the character and what makes her so much fun. From her badass qualities as a warrior to her tragic past to her loyalty as a friend, several MCU quotes highlight the best aspects of Valkyrie as a character.
"No, I Got Paid For This."
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Valkyrie has quickly established herself as one of Thor's greatest allies but they certainly didn't start out that way. Upon meeting on Sakaar, Valkyrie quickly captures Thor to take to the Grandmaster as a new prisoner.
The God of Thunder doesn't take this well and threatens her by promising she'll pay for this. but she corrects him that she's actually getting "paid" for this. It shows the selfish path Valkyrie was on initially but also her extreme confidence and fearlessness in the face of a threat.
"That's What’s Wrong With Asgard. The Throne, The Secrets, The Whole Golden Sham."
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Though he was initially seen as a benevolent and caring leader of Asgard, Odin is not an MCU character that fans should idolize. Valkyrie seems to have realized this long before anyone else and sees the flaws in Asgard that no one else does.
Feeling betrayed at fighting for a corrupt cause and losing so many of her Valkyrie sisters, she isn't afraid to call out the hypocrisy and lies behind the throne of Asgard. It is this perspective that makes her an ideal leader later on.
"I Miss Fighting. I Miss My Sisters."
Valkyrie - Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)
When Valkyrie returns in Thor: Love and Thunder, she has settled into the new role of King of Asgard quite comfortably. But when danger emerges, she is all too eager to pick her sword back up and charge into battle.
While she admits to Jane Foster that she loves being king, she also admits that she misses fighting. Valkyrie has the heart of a warrior and a lot of that is tied to her time with her Valkyrie sisters who were taken from her.
"So... If I'm Gonna Die, Well... It Might As Well Be Driving My Sword Through The Heart Of That Murderous Hag."
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
As one of the most powerful villains, many fans would love to see Hela return to the MCU. But Valkyrie has a special hatred for the Goddess of Death as she is the one responsible for killing all the other Valkyries.
It is a pain that stays with Valkyrie but also one that motivates her. Having largely given up on life, she finally decides to take action and go into certain death if only for the opportunity to get revenge on Hela. It highlights the pain and bravery within this warrior.
"I Never Thought I'd Be Back Here."
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
With Thor as a hero so tied to protecting Asgard, it is interesting to see Valkyrie as someone who was so willing to leave that place. However, with Hela returning, she finally has a reason to go back to the place she left behind.
While her return is a mixed feeling for Valkyrie, reminding her of all the pain, it also helps her to become a better person. Though she thought she was done with Asgard, returning helped remind her that Asgard is about the people more than the place and they are worth protecting.
"I've Spent Years, In A Haze, Trying To Forget My Past."
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
There are a number of MCU heroes haunted by dark pasts and Valkyrie certainly fits into that category. Though she has a tough exterior, losing her sisters is one memory that she cannot escape from. That is part of the reason she chose to live her life in a haze ever since.
The moment that Valkyrie finally acknowledged that she has been running from a past that she cannot escape and wasting her life trying to forget it is a moment of great change for her. It allows her to be the hero she was always capable of being.
"I Don't Plan To Stop Drinking."
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
While Valkyrie makes a considerable change in embracing her heroism once again, she is not going to change too much. After admitting she is done living in a haze, Thor agrees that quitting drinking is a good idea. However, she quickly corrects him that she has no plans of abandoning that habit.
Taking care of herself has never been a top priority for Valkyrie and she does have a bit of a destructive personality. This also shows off her roguish personality, becoming more of a swashbuckling hero than Thor himself.
"You’re A Viking Now Which Means You Pretty Much Have To Die In Battle."
Valkyrie - Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)
With Jane Foster taking over the role of the Mighty Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder, Valkyrie quickly becomes a loyal and supportive friend to her. Instead of feeling sorry for her illness like everyone else, Valkyrie encourages Jane to make the most of her time left.
She welcomes her as a sister and fellow Viking, encouraging her to seek out a death in battle like the one Valkyrie herself strives for. It shows her strength as a friend and also her fearless attitude.
"You Know I’d Make A Lot Of Changes Around Here."
Valkyrie - Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Through the formative events in Thor's life, he eventually realizes that he is not meant to be the one ruling Asgard. However, this decision comes a lot easier to him since he already knows someone who would be perfect for the job.
Valkyrie is initially taken aback by his suggestion as she doesn't see herself as a leader. But her confidence helps her to get used to the idea very quickly. She also proves she is not afraid to change the traditional way of doing things and make much-needed changes.
"And We Need One With Cup Holders 'Cause We're Going To Die So... Drinks!"
Valkyrie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
While there are many MCU heroes who will charge into battle without hesitation, none of them do it with as much glee as Valkyrie. Even in the direst of situations where she is sure she will die, she faces it with a drink and a smile.
When choosing a ship to take into battle against Hela, Valkyrie's suggestion is cup holders so they can enjoy their final moments with some drinks. It is not so much that she has a death wish but that she simply doesn't see why death in battle can't be a little fun.