WARNING: This post contains Thor: Love and Thunder spoilers

Marvel's confirmation that Thor will return after Thor: Love and Thunder surprised Taika Waititi and Chris Hemsworth. As one of the Original Six Avengers, the God of Thunder has been an integral character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since 2011, Hemsworth has starred in four solo Thor movies and all four Avengers films, most recently appearing in Thor: Love and Thunder. While the movie was a big box office hit, Thor: Love and Thunder received mixed reviews (especially compared to Thor: Ragnarok's widespread acclaim), with some criticizing the film's tonal inconsistencies and visuals.

In the build-up to Thor: Love and Thunder, it was speculated the movie could act as a sendoff for Hemsworth's character. With Natalie Portman returning to the MCU as Mighty Thor, a popular theory was she would be the one to carry the mantle moving forward. As evidenced by Avengers: Endgame, Marvel isn't beyond moving away from some of their established heroes, but they apparently aren't ready to let go of Thor just yet. The Thor: Love and Thunder credits ends with a title card confirming Thor will return in the MCU, which was news to the film's director.

Related: Which Thor Will Return After Love & Thunder?

In an interview with Insider, Waititi was asked about what's next for Thor as Phase 4 continues. The filmmaker confessed Marvel's revelation in the credits came as a surprise to both him and Hemsworth. Check out his quote in the space below:

"Well, guess what? That was a surprise to me, too. I'm not joking. I saw it in the theater and I was like, 'Oh, s***. Really?' Even Chris was like, 'What?' But, of course he'll be back. He's the best character. I mean, I may be a little biased, but he's the most fun to watch."

chris hemsworth as thor and taika waititi as korg in thor love and thunder 2022

Thor: Love and Thunder sets up Hercules as a Thor 5 villain in a post-credits scene, so these comments are a bit puzzling. It's shocking Marvel would keep the title card a secret from principal members of the Thor: Love and Thunder creative team (Hemsworth is also credited as an executive producer). The studio is renowned for their long-form storytelling, where they plan out entire release slates of movies and shows well in advance. Waititi's mentioned Love and Thunder went through numerous iterations, as certain elements had to be changed in order to fit with the overall Phase 4 story. Evidently, Marvel's future plans for Thor never came up in those discussions, or else Waititi wouldn't have had this kind of reaction to the title card. It's curious Marvel wouldn't at least make Hemsworth privy to their intentions, as they're banking on his continued involvement with the role.

Thor's next MCU appearance could be in an unspecified team-up film, or as a supporting character in someone else's solo movie. It's difficult to gauge at this juncture because so much of Marvel's upcoming slate remains up in the air. There is a big Marvel Studios panel planned for San Diego Comic-Con 2022, where it's anticipated the MCU's future will come into clearer focus. Perhaps any reveals there will provide insight as to where Thor will show up next following his exploits in Love and Thunder. Whether or not a Thor 5 is made in the next couple of years, there could be plenty of opportunities to bring the God of Thunder back.

Next: Love & Thunder Sets Up A Thor 5 Villain Who Makes Thanos Look Weak

Source: Insider

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