Based upon Thor: Love and Thunder's place on the Marvel timeline, the upcoming film starring Chris Hemsworth will secretly be the perfect set-up for the next Guardians of the Galaxy story. While the post-Avengers: Endgame timeline is currently a bit confusing, trailers for Thor: Love and Thunder have provided some exact numbers to help frame when it takes place (and how it might lead into future projects). Not only will the Guardians be featured alongside Thor (after he joined them in the aftermath of Endgame), but it looks like the events of Thor: Love and Thunder in the MCU timeline will directly lead to what's ahead for Chris Pratt's Star-Lord and his crew of cosmic heroes.
Currently, the exact order of events for the MCU's post-Endgame projects is murky at best. For example, even though Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is Marvel's most recent film release to date, Disney+ has it listed as one of the earliest Phase 4 films chronologically. However, the Doctor Strange sequel is a fairly isolated adventure through the multiverse with little information provided about when it takes place (other than occurring after Spider-Man: No Way Home). That being said, Love and Thunder's trailers have revealed a conversation between Thor and his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster that offers specific details about its position on the timeline.
According to Thor himself, it's been "8 years, 7 months, and 6 days" since his break-up with Jane Foster (who's since become the Mighty Thor). Keeping in mind that Thor and Jane likely split following the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron (which takes place in mid-May of 2015), that means Thor: Love and Thunder will be taking place in December of 2023, putting it only a few months after Endgame as one of the earliest Phase 4 films chronologically. This also means that Love and Thunder will be perfectly positioned to set up the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special coming to Disney+ this Christmas.
While the Guardians of the Galaxy will be involved in the next Thor film, the trailers suggest that their role will be in the first act before parting ways with the God of Thunder. Seen flying off and leaving Thor behind with Korg, the odds are strong that the Guardians will be headed straight for the events of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (whatever those festive events might be). As such, the timing of Love and Thunder justifies the Guardians' involvement just as much as their team-up with Thor following the events of Endgame.
While there are still some questions about Phase 4's chronological order of projects, Thor's line to Jane establishes the events of Thor: Love and Thunder taking place only a few months after the end of the Infinity Saga. It also proves that the Son of Odin might not be over his ex. At any rate, the timing is perfectly primed for Thor: Love and Thunder to kick off the next chapter of the MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
Want more Thor: Love & Thunder articles? Check out our essential content below...
- Thor: Love & Thunder Trailer Breakdown: 18 Story Reveals & Secrets
- Thor 4: Every Character Confirmed For Love & Thunder
