The first Thor: Love and Thunder trailer has finally been released, and it reveals new details about the highly-anticipated Phase 4 Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. The success of Thor: Ragnarok reinvigorated interest in Chris Hemsworth's god of thunder, giving Marvel Studios confidence to make a fourth solo film for Thor, with writer/director Taika Waititi returning to helm the sequel. Thor: Love and Thunder is one of the most anticipated MCU projects of Phase 4 because of this collaboration, as well as several other exciting developments that the teaser trailer includes.
Picking up after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder is all about the growth of Hemsworth's Thor Odinson. The movie features him working with the Guardians of the Galaxy after leaving Earth with them at the conclusion of the Infinity Saga. While Thor is exploring the cosmos and trying to figure out who he really is, New Asgard is left under the rule of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson). It is also known that Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) returns for the first time since Thor: The Dark World, as the new MCU movie will transform Thor's former girlfriend into a superhero, known as Mighty Thor. This collection of heroes will be challenged by Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), a powerful god-killing being who will go toe-to-toe with Thor and Mighty Thor.
Ahead of Thor: Love and Thunder's July 2022 release date, Marvel Studios finally answered the growing calls for a trailer by releasing the teaser trailer on April 18, 2022. With a runtime of under a minute and a half, Marvel is still protecting plenty of secrets about the Phase 4 production. However, there are still a lot of story details, character reveals, and Easter eggs included. Here's a full breakdown of the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer.
The God of Thunder Through The Years
To kick off Thor's Phase 4 story, the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer highlights the god of thunder throughout the years. The first Thor featured one short scene with Thor as a young boy, but he's shown even younger at the start here. The trailer features what is likely the equivalent of child Thor, teenage Thor, and full-grown Thor (wearing the character's original comic book costume) as they run through an undisclosed forest. It's an interesting visual to start off the marketing campaign, but it could also support one of the biggest Thor: Love and Thunder theories. In the comics, Thor's battle with Gorr the God Butcher spanned most of his life, leading to a final fight where young Thor, full-grown Thor, and old man Thor fought together against Gorr. These different Thors could be Marvel's way of teasing the idea that his entire life is about this upcoming battle, which could mean fighting alongside himself to take on Gorr in the end.
Thor Isn't a Superhero Anymore
The very beginning of the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer highlights Thor's decision to seemingly retire from his superhero days. Thor is shown packing Stormbreaker into the ground at the top of a mountain, and subsequent shots tease a long meditation process for him. Hemsworth's dialogue says, "These hands were once used for battle, now they're but humble tools for peace." This is the major theme throughout the trailer and presumably Thor's arc in Taika Waititi's second MCU movie. Thor is heard later on saying his "superhero-ing days are over," signaling the new path he is on after Avengers: Endgame.
Fat Thor Returns After Avengers: Endgame
Although Thor is in his usually great god-like physique in Thor: Love and Thunder, the trailer does confirm that Fat Thor will make a return after Avengers: Endgame. Thor's heavier look came after he blamed himself for Thanos' snap and not aiming for the head in Wakanda. Avengers: Endgame proved to Thor that he is still worthy despite this mistake and his appearance, but the god of thunder is ready to get back in shape now. It appears that Thor: Love and Thunder will feature a training montage for Thor, as he sheds the weight he recently put on to get to his usual look. Part of this is even done while wearing a hat for the Strongest Avenger.
Thor & The Guardians of the Galaxy Team Up
The Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor team up for various adventures throughout the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer. It is through the fleeting glimpses of these adventures that the fun dynamic between Thor and the Guardians is teased. Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) rolls his eyes at one point, while Thor doesn't listen to his commands to run into battle at another moment. The interaction between Thor and the Guardians was a highlight of Avengers: Infinity War, and although it is not confirmed how large of a role they'll have in this movie, it seems that audiences will be able to watch the Asgardians of the Galaxy on multiple adventures.
Thor & Korg Return To Sakaar?
It also appears that Thor and Korg (Taika Waititi) will return to Sakarr in Thor: Love and Thunder. They are shown being left on a planet that is filled with junk, clutter, and some destruction. This could be a match for Sakaar, the battle world run by Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) that was on the verge of revolution when Thor: Ragnarok ended. Thor and Korg could return to where they first met to help bring peace to the planet or get some information from Grandmaster.
Thor's Magical Goats Come To The MCU
The first look at Thor's magical goats Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder comes during the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer. Thor's goats were introduced in the comics in 1976 as they pulled the god of thunder's chariot. They are seen in the MCU pulling an Asgardian ship through the air as it leaves New Asgard. Valkyrie and Korg can briefly be seen aboard the ship, while it is also expected that Thor and Mighty Thor are along for this ride. Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder are also powerful enough to do plenty of damage in battle if Thor: Love and Thunder utilizes them in that way too.
Welcome to Olympus: The Home of Greek Gods
There is a mysterious golden location featured in Thor: Love and Thunder's trailer that appears to be the MCU's version of Olympus. This is the home of Greek gods in Greek mythology and Marvel comics. Based on the source material, Olympus is one of the God Realms that exists in a pocket dimension of Earth. It is accessible through Mount Olympus, but the MCU is likely to change up its location and base it in the cosmos. With floating buildings and double-sided structures, the Greek gods' home has a unique look compared to other fantastical MCU locations like Asgard.
Thor Gets A New Love & Thunder Costume
Thor's brand new MCU costume is also on display in Thor: Love and Thunder's trailer. The red, blue, and gold suit was previously revealed in toys and other marketing materials. However, the trailer offers the first look at the new Thor costume in action. Chris Hemsworth wears it at multiple points in the footage, as he flips between this look and the Ravager Thor costume. This new red, blue, and gold costume also includes an option for a furry cape accessory if needed.
Russell Crowe's Zeus Brings Greek Gods To The MCU
A quick moment in the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer teases the debut of Greek gods in the MCU thanks to Russell Crowe's Zeus. The actor previously revealed his involvement with the MCU production and his role as Zeus, the god of the sky in Greek mythology. The trailer doesn't feature a proper look at his face, but the back of Zeus is shown as he stretches his arms out wide, presumably before those who live in Olympia. Zeus' powers are also teased in this sequence, as several lightning bolts fly through the sky before coming together to create a single giant bolt that Zeus holds in his hand.
Thor Finds Falligar: One of Gorr the God Butcher's Victims
Christian Bale's Gorr the God Butcher isn't featured in Thor: Love and Thunder's trailer, but there is a tease of his devastating wrath. Thor and Korg are shown at one point overlooking a giant dead creature in a snow-filled location. Falligar is a powerful Patron god who won the Tournament of Immortals. Falligar was a friend of Thor's before Gorr killed the god as part of his cosmic rampage. This is a panel pulled directly from Jason Aaron's Thor: God of Thunder #3 comic where Thor finds Falligar the Behemoth dead. While Korg is added to this discovery for the MCU, Thor's reaction to seeing the god's dead body indicates he knew of his might and understands the threat someone strong enough to defeat Falligar poses.
New Asgard Is Earth's Newest Tourist Attraction
When the MCU introduced New Asgard in Avengers: Endgame, the home of the Asgardians was relatively quiet and lowkey. Fast forward to the events of Thor: Love and Thunder and it has become one of the premier tourist attractions on Earth. There are multiple cruise ships docked near the city to bring many visitors to New Asgard, while some attraction has been built near the entrance to the town. This dramatic transformation comes after Valkyrie became king, but it isn't yet clear if she is behind the tourist push.
King Valkyrie Meets With Earth's World Leaders
After becoming King of Asgard in Avengers: Endgame, Valkyrie is shown in the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer as she adjusts to this new life. This comes as she appears to be meeting with Earth's world leaders. Political leaders or associates from various counties are huddled around a table in a New Asgard conference room. King Valkyrie is shown sitting off to the side of this meeting, as she doesn't seem to be too thrilled with her ruling responsibilities. This could make her eager to jump into action again if Thor's conflict with Gorr the God Butcher calls for reinforcements. Miek seems to be working for Valkyrie, though, as the alien sidekick sports a new look in this scene too.
Valkyrie, Korg, & Two Thors Walk Into Olympus
The main mission of Thor: Love and Thunder isn't fully shown in the teaser trailer, but Marvel Studios' marketing team did offer a glimpse at the main quartet of heroes visiting Olympus. Valkyrie, Korg, and two Thors - presumably Thor Odinson and Mighty Thor - are shown walking through Olympus and towards a giant statue of Zeus. They are only shown from the back, which does leave some room for the second Thor to be a younger or older version of Odinson. If it is Jane Foster, it seems she's grown quite a bit thanks to the power of Thor, as she appears to be equally as tall as Odinson.
The Guardians of the Galaxy's New Looks Tease Mantis Upgrade
An intriguing detail in the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer pertains to the Guardians of the Galaxy's looks. Many of the members have new costumes and weapons, but Mantis' look, in particular, is intriguing. She now has what appears to be a piece of technology embedded into her forehead. The placement between her antennas could be telling, as it is possible the Guardians have found a way to amplify her powers through technology. It's unclear how this could come into play in Thor: Love and Thunder, but perhaps it is a piece of setup for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Thor & Star-Lord's Bromance Continues
One of the funniest bits in Thor: Love and Thunder's trailer comes as Star-Lord reminds Thor about some advice he shared whenever he feels lost: look into the eyes of the people you love. While Peter Quill begins looking into the eyes of his Guardians of the Galaxy teammates during this speech, Thor begins to lean his head to obscure this view and look directly into Star-Lord's eyes. It's a funny moment that could be read as Thor messing with Star-Lord once again, but it could also speak to Odinson finally feeling like he's found a sense of belonging with the Guardians and a genuine friendship with Quill.
Mjolnir Is Reforged After Thor: Ragnarok
Near the end of Thor: Love and Thunder's trailer, viewers see a reforged Mjolnir flying through the air. Thor's magical hammer was destroyed by his sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) in Thor: Ragnarok, as she shattered it to pieces. While Thor moved on to use Stormbreaker in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, it seems that Mjolnir is reforged at some point during the events of his next solo movie. However, he isn't the one responsible for Mjolnir's return or the one who will wield it.
Natalie Portman Returns As Jane Foster/Mighty Thor
Natalie Portman promptly exited the MCU after a difficult experience making Thor: The Dark World, leading to Jane Foster's storyline being dropped. However, Portman's interest in the superhero franchise changed in recent years thanks to Taika Waititi's involvement and the promise of turning Jane into a focal point once again. The Thor: Love and Thunder trailer marks Natalie Portman's return as Jane Foster, who is shown in her full superhero form of Mighty Thor.
Jane Foster & Thor Reunite To Protect Earth
With two Thors involved in Thor: Love and Thunder's story, the end of the trailer teases their team up to protect Earth. Thor and Mighty Thor's surroundings indicate a setting on Earth, as cars are shown in the background of the battle that is taking place. Although the footage doesn't show the two thunderous heroes fighting side-by-side, the reunion of Thor Odinson and Jane Foster is a major moment. 2015 was presumably the last time they saw each other, and while the romance didn't work out before, Thor: Love and Thunder's title indicates that love could still be in their future.
Key Release Dates
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Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Release Date:2022-05-06 -
Thor: Love and Thunder
Release Date:2022-07-08 -
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Release Date:2022-11-11 -
captain marvel 2
Release Date:2023-07-28 -
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release Date:2023-05-05 -
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Release Date:2023-02-17
