In 2022, following the premiere of Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love and Thunder, Chris Hemsworth thought about a possible comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). When the actor was doing promotional work for his Nat Geo/Disney+ documentary series Limitless, questions regarding this possibility were raised. Hemsworth stated in one interview that he had a single condition for his comeback.
Hemsworth’s 2022 interview with Josh Horowitz has resurfaced, coinciding with Marvel’s announcement of their plans to film a fifth Thor film. Hemsworth specifically requested and expressed his displeasure with the way his character was portrayed in Waititi’s sequels during this interview. Recalling this, supporters of Hemsworth have expressed their support.
What Is The Condition For Chris Hemsworth To Make A Thor Return?
Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Chris Hemsworth first stepped into the role of the Norse God Thor in Kenneth Branagh’s 2011 film, Thor. Over twelve years, Hemsworth’s portrayal has spanned nine MCU films and included voicing Thor in two episodes of Marvel Studios’ What If…? His latest portrayal of Thor in Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love and Thunder has led Hemsworth to hint that it might be his final appearance as the character.
The actor has shared his thoughts on the conditions necessary for him to reprise the role of the God of Thunder in future cinematic outings. Hemsworth expressed his deep affection for playing Thor, describing how the journey of the character has paralleled his own life’s journey over the past decade. He emphasized the significant overlap between his personal experiences and his portrayal of Thor.
Hemsworth stated, “I just love playing [Thor.] I love the journey I have been on with him. Not only as Thor, but just my life. The two have been side by side for 10, 11 years now and have both crossed over into each other’s world from time to time.”
He further revealed that his return to the role was contingent upon the involvement of Taika Waititi, the director of Thor: Ragnarok and the voice behind the character Korg. Hemsworth admitted, “I don’t know that I would’ve done another if Taika hadn’t said yes, he was going to do it. And he had written this beautiful script which was a wacky, crazy, romantic comedy set in space and that I hadn’t seen before.”
During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast with Josh Horowitz, Hemsworth was asked about Thor’s future in the MCU after so many iterations of the character. He acknowledged that a significant shift in tone would be necessary for any future Thor projects, moving away from the familiar styles seen in his previous movies.
Hemsworth explained, “You look at Thor 1 and 2, they were quite similar. Ragnarok and Love and Thunder are similar. I think it’s about reinventing it. I’ve had such a unique opportunity with Infinity War and Endgame to do very drastic things with the character. I enjoy that, I like keeping people on their toes. It keeps me on my toes. It keeps me invested. I’ve said this before but when it becomes too familiar, I think there’s a risk in getting lazy then because I know what I’m doing. I don’t know if I’m even invited back, but if I was, I think it would have to be a drastically different version in tone, everything, just for my own sanity… Thor lost his mind that last one. He’s got to figure it out now.“
In a discussion with Spanish magazine AccionCine, Hemsworth was asked about the possibility of returning to the MCU and reprising his iconic role. Although he has no definitive plans for a return, he mentioned that his decision would heavily depend on the story being offered. Hemsworth emphasized the importance of unique and fresh material, expressing his reluctance to repeat the same themes to the point of audience fatigue.
He remarked, “I have no idea. I’ve said it before, it all depends on the type of story. It has to be something unique. What I don’t want is to do the same with the character until the end, until there is a feeling of exhaustion in the audience. But if there is excitement for it, I am always willing to return. If there is a new story, it has to be something very special. I’m sure there’s something exciting to tell, so we’ll have to wait and see. You have to wait to find it.“
Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor has been a defining aspect of his career, and any future return to the role would demand a fresh and innovative approach. As fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the God of Thunder, it is clear that Hemsworth’s commitment to the character’s evolution remains unwavering.
Fans Support Chris Hemsworth’s Condition
Chris Hemsworth in Thor (2011). Image Credit: Mark Fellman/Marvel
Fans have overwhelmingly voiced their support for Hemsworth’s stance. Many believe that the current direction, spearheaded by director Taika Waititi in Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, strays too far from the core essence of the character. They argue that staying true to Hemsworth’s interpretation of Thor should be a priority.
Ragnarok is one of the MCU's absolute best. They just took it to almost parody proportions in Love and Thunder. Dialling it back down a touch is all they need to do.
— Steve Birch (@Birchy_Steve) June 28, 2024
That why I love Thor 1 and Dark World
The comedic thor was trash
— Neo Maggz (@neomaggzluthuli) June 28, 2024
They need to make Thor 5 like it was Extraction 3, brutal Bloody and epic. Leave that comedy stick in the past.
— BigVFrmHarlemWorld (@BigV4rmHarlem) June 28, 2024
We need Avengers Thor back.
— Gene – 🥃🍸🖖🇨🇦📷🥊🎮🛩🚀💻🖕 (@anothergene) June 28, 2024
Needs the same tone as Infinity War
Where the comedy is just natural and didn’t feel forced
And he was still crazy serious
— WhiteEyes (@WhiteEyes08) June 28, 2024
We need a dark Thor movie – would be epic
— Grant (@GRich91) June 28, 2024
In a discussion with Insider, Taika Waititi was questioned about his potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a fifth Thor movie. The director made it clear that his focus would be on other projects he has already committed to. “I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate. I know that I won’t be involved. I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for,” was shared by him.
Taika Waititi revitalized the Thor franchise when he directed Thor: Ragnarok in 2017. The film’s unique humor and engaging storyline led to its immense success, making it the highest-grossing movie in the Thor series with a global revenue exceeding $855 million.
His next directorial venture, Thor: Love and Thunder, released in 2022, did not achieve the same level of acclaim. Despite the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and the introduction of Christian Bale as the villain Gorr, the movie did not resonate with audiences and critics as Ragnarok did. While it still earned a significant worldwide box office total of over $760 million, it fell short of matching its predecessor’s success.
You can watch Thor movies on Disney+
