The Infinity War has come and gone, and fans everywhere wait to see Avengers 4 take back the terrible death count - but where will that leave Thor, King of Asgard? Even if that infamous Thanos Snap is undone, half of Asgardians will still have been slaughtered, raising serious obstacles for whatever Marvel have in mind for Thor 4.
The only solution that makes sense? Well, it's the exact story happening in the pages of Marvel Comics right now. For Thor 4, the god of thunder should descend into the land of the dead himself, and personally see this cosmic injustice undone. Hey, if the Avengers can set out to reverse the death of untold trillions across the universe, the King of Asgard is entitled to undo the deaths of half his people. Right?
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As luck would have it, it's the perfect story to bring in Thor's lost brothers now occupying the land of the dead. And just to make sure fans can see the potential, we've also done a bit of thinking as to the Hollywood stars who could make these parts sing in Marvel's movie universe.
- This Page: Thor 4 Introduces His Brother To the MCU... in Hel
- Page 2: Thor's Other Brother, the MCU's Next Big Villain
To Save Asgard, Thor Must Go To The Land of The Dead
If the Avengers succeed in undoing the events of Infinity War and returning to the previous status quo - which, judging by the scheduled sequels, seems to be the plan - that may still leave Thor without a people to lead. A fitting send-off for him out of Avengers 4 and into his next Thor adventure: the universe has been resurrected, but only Thor can pull his people from the depths of Hel.
And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly where Thor has traveled at the start of his latest adventure in Marvel Comics. Existing in pretty much the same place as the MCU - Asgard destroyed, its people scattered, and lacking his signature hammer - Thor discovers that a new threat has decided to strike amidst the larger cosmic chaos.
Taking the first step in addressing this threat means descending to Niffelheim-- otherwise known as Hel. But when Thor arrives, he's met by more than the dead. It's Thor's long lost brother Balder who greets him, as the rarely-spoken-of King of Hel.
Meet Thor's Brother: Balder, King of Hel
Considering how little luck Thor has had with his adopted brother in the MCU thus far, fans may suspect that this brother is also a villain in disguise. But fear not, since Balder was actually sent to Hel by Loki as well, many, many years before (perhaps why he hasn't been mentioned in previous movies). In the original Norse mythology Balder is often depicted as a God of Light, or a God of Day: a bright, brave, bold hero who ended up in Hel due to Loki's trickery. (A perfect role for Russell Crowe, the next A-list Australian who should obviously join in on Hemsworth and Waititi's fun.)
And with the appointed ruler of the dead, Hela now defeated and missing after Ragnarok, it would make sense for Balder to ascend to the post in the MCU, as well. So, why doesn't Balder immediately agree to return the Asgardian dead to life, and send Thor on his way? Because he has his own problems to worry about. Problems that Thor could actually help him solve.
Problems that involve Týr... their other brother.
Page 2 of 2: Thor's Other Brother, The MCU's Next Villain
Enter Thor's Other Brother Týr, God of War
For those who know the Norse mythology behind these characters, the real reason for bringing Thor face to face with Balder is the drama it makes possible. Because as noble and beloved as Balder used to be, he was also know for his love of glory and war... in other words, he was a lot closer to the man Thor used to be, before he was also humbled by a descent from Asgard.
One son of Odin now humbled, reigning as king to a dead people... the other son equally humbled, now reigning as king of ALL dead people. Thor would finally have met the brother, the partner, and the equal cut from his same cloth that he has lacked thus far.
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In case this story is sounding a bit too heavy or mythic to follow on the heels of Thor: Ragnarok, we should point out that in Aaron and Del Mundo's version of the comic story, Balder pilots a monster truck through Hel with Skurge the Executioner (Karl Urban) firing machine guns from the passenger seat whenever needed. The kind of Heavy Metal aesthetic only topped by their brother Týr, the one-handed god of war who arrives on the back of a saddled T-Rex. So yes, this is all perfectly in keeping with the humor, energy, and attitude Taika Waititi injected into the Thor franchise.
Now, it's up to the Marvel screenwriters to decide how best to use Týr, since he's every bit as untrustworthy as he is warned to be - loving war and glory, but lacking the humility of either Thor or Balder... while still being an indisputably entertaining character (all skills Daniel Craig showed in Logan Lucky, hence our endorsement). And with both now crowned as sons of Odin, seeing them reunited may be all it takes to drive his "throne envy" to traitorous levels. And once the Norse God of War sees two crowns within his grasp, Thor is going to need some serious back-up.
Thor Needs The Valkyrie To Face His New Enemy
You didn't think we forgot about Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie, did you? Yes, this story also works in the greatest warriors in all of Asgard, guardian angels who escort the souls of the greatest warriors from the lands of the living to the mystical Valhalla. In the comics, Thor decides only their skills will help him and Balder defend Hel from the invading armies of Sindr, the daughter of Surtur. But even if Thor "killed" Surtur in Ragnarok, the simplest version of this story is likely to make Týr the villain behind the invaders fighting Balder.
After all, brotherly disputes are kind of what the Thor movies are based on, so why ruin a good thing? Especially when Thor realizes he has an edge on both his brothers. While they're dead, he yet lives, meaning Thor could travel to Valhalla to seek aid from the missing Valkyrie... he just has to die. Or trick them into thinking he has, anyway. It's hard to imagine an easier way to explain Valkyrie's absence from Infinity War than Thor finding her returned to her old post, but all too ready to get back into a fight beside him. Perhaps bringing another dead brother of Thor along with her...
From there, it's a battle in Hel for all the marbles. Three brothers (at least). Two thrones. One people. Life vs Death. And if that isn't enough to get fans on board, then the moment Thor dons the crown as King of Hel in the comic version should tip the scales.
Marvel Comics has done the legwork. Now let's just hope Marvel Studios is paying attention for Thor 4.