Will ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Kill Off Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder?

Thor: Love and Thunder will reintroduce Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster and turn the character from an extraordinary human into a butt-kicking superhero (who may be battling cancer). However, though introducing the next character to wield Mjolnir, Director Taika Waititi has confirmed that the MCU installment will still focus on Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder, with Valkyrie and Jane Foster serving in supportive capacities. 

Given that all the original Avengers will presumably exit the franchise, following in the footsteps of Captain America and Tony Stark, what’s the final plan for Hemsworth’s Thor? How will the movie bid the superhero farewell? Will Thor: Love and Thunder kill of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, placing finality on the character’s journey in the most conclusive way possible? Or, is there another way to say goodbye to the Norse god?

Should Marvel Studios Kill Thor in his MCU Phase 4 installment? 

What are the benefits of killing Thor? One: it’s a narratively plausible way to force the hammer onto a worthy successor: Jane Foster. Not to mention, it is likely the most dramatic and tearjerking approach imaginable; has Thor not earned such an honor — a death marked by valor and sacrifice? 

Killing off Thor (nearly) guarantees that the character cannot return, leaving only one Thor in the franchise to follow suit — Jane Foster. And, considering Chris Hemsworth has played Thor for quite some time, it’s likely that he is ready to exit the franchise to explore other opportunities. 

Death sends a clear message: don’t expect a return. If the character does return, it will be a grand surprise – likely in the form of some multiverse mania or magical trickery. But, is there another way to send Thor off? And, is there a way that better aligns with Taika Waititi’s comedic flair? Considering Thor: Ragnarok leaned in the bombastic and ridiculous direction, finality marked by a somber and sober death doesn’t seem exactly in line with his shtick. 

What if Hemsworth’s God of Thunder becomes unworthy in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder?’

What if the narrative in Thor: Love and Thunder leave Thor unworthy to wield the hammer, and Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster finds herself taking over the responsibility, as Thor confronts internal and external threats simultaneously? 

Thor could become unworthy, setting up Jane Foster’s role, yet remain in existence. And, he could come to understand his life goals, missions, and identity, possibly leaving the hammer in someone else’s hands for the time being (in a manner similar to Cap). Further, there are numerous jokes Valkyrie could easily conjure up upon discovering Thor’s unworthiness, which could lend way to the humor fans grew accustomed to during Ragnarok.

The end of Avengers: Endgame also suggests that Thor will travel with the Guardians of the Galaxy, so the God of Thunder may not be done in the MCU. He may have one more filmic appearance left, unless the Endgame tease turns out to be just that…no more than a tease.