Thor is the tritagonist of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. More comminly known as his real name Thor Odinson, also to his own superhero nickname Thor, and sometimes by his title as the God of Thunder, is a fictional character portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and the Norse mythological god of the same name. In the MCU, he is depicted as one of the most powerful Asgardians, an ancient alien civilization with long ties to Earth, who humans consider to be gods. Thor wields a powerful hammer called Mjolnir, and is initially depicted as the arrogant heir to the throne of Asgard whose brash behaviors causes turmoil among the Nine Realms under Asgard's protection. This brings him into conflict with his villainous adopted brother, Loki. Thor commits himself to the protection of Earth, and becomes a founding member of the Avengers. Thor eventually becomes the King of Asgard after Odin's death, but the entire realm is destroyed during Ragnarök. Following the Blip, he passes the crown of New Asgard to Valkyrie and joins the Guardians of the Galaxy.
As of 2022, Thor is a central figure of the MCU, having appeared in eight films and will appear in the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder (2022).[1]
Alternate versions of the character appear in the animated series What If...? (2021), with Hemsworth reprising the role. One version in particular, which depicts an alternate Thor who was raised without Loki, is recruited into the Guardians of the Multiverse by the Watcher in the battle against an alternate version of Ultron.
The character received a mixed reception in his first two titular films, however Thor: Ragnarok (2017) is often credited as positively rebooting Thor and his storyline, and he has since become a fan favorite.[2][3][4][5]
Role in the films (Main series)
Early life
Thor was born approximately 1500 years ago to Odin, the King of Asgard, and Frigga.[6] He was raised on Asgard as the crown prince, alongside his brother, Loki.
Banishment to Earth
- Main article: Thor (film)
In 2011, Thor prepares to ascend to the throne, but Frost Giants attempt to retrieve the Casket of Ancient Winters, an artifact seized by Odin in a war centuries before. Against Odin's order, Thor travels to Jotunheim to confront Frost Giant leader Laufey, accompanied by Loki, childhood friend Sif, and the Warriors Three: Voltstagg, Fandral, and Hogun. A battle ensues until Odin intervenes, destroying the fragile truce between the two races. For Thor's arrogance, Odin strips his son of his godly power and exiles him to Earth. Odin casts an enchantment on Mjolnir, ensuring that only those who are worthy may wield the hammer. Thor lands in New Mexico, meeting scientist Dr. Erik Selvig, astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster, and Foster's intern Darcy Lewis. Thor resigns himself to exile on Earth, where he develops a relationship with Foster. Odin enters the "Odinsleep", a period of rest needed to maintain his power, and Loki, having learned he is actually an adopted Frost Giant, seizes the Asgardian throne and prepares to conquer the Nine Realms. The Warriors Three and Sif find Thor, but the Destroyer attacks and defeats them, prompting Thor to offer himself instead. Struck by the Destroyer and near death, Thor's selflessness proves him worthy to wield Mjolnir. The hammer returns to him, restoring his powers and enabling him to defeat the Destroyer. Thor returns to Asgard and fights Loki before destroying the Bifröst Bridge to stop Loki's plans, stranding himself in Asgard. Odin prevents the brothers from falling into the abyss, but Loki appears to fall when Odin rejects his pleas for approval. Thor makes amends with Odin, admitting he is not ready to rule.
The Avengers (Crossover)
- Main article: The Avengers
In 2012, Thor returns to Earth after learning Loki is alive and attempting to conquer Earth. He finds Loki on a Quinjet, held captive by Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, and Natasha Romanoff. Thor takes Loki away, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan. However, Stark and Rogers pursue Thor and after a brief confrontation, Thor agrees to take Loki to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s flying aircraft carrier, the Helicarrier. Agents including Clint Barton, who were mind controlled by Loki, attack the Helicarrier, disabling one of its engines in flight and causing Bruce Banner to transform into the Hulk. Thor attempts to stop the Hulk's rampage and both are ejected from the Helicarrier as Loki escapes. Thor then becomes a founding member of the Avengers upon returning to help Rogers, Stark, Banner, Romanoff, and Barton when Loki uses the Tesseract to open a wormhole over New York City to allow a Chitauri army to invade. Thor and the Avengers fight off the Chitauri and save the city. After Loki is defeated at Stark Tower, Thor returns to Asgard with Loki and the Tesseract.
References
- ↑ "Chris Hemsworth Is Fittest & Strongest He's Ever Been For A Thor Movie In Love & Thunder". screenrant.com. Screen Rant (April 6, 2021).
- ↑ "Thor: Ragnarok finally makes Thor a hero worth rooting for". vox.com. Vox (November 2, 2017).
- ↑ "How the MCU Was Made: 'Thor: Ragnarok' and How Marvel Rebooted Its Own Franchise". collider.com. Collider (August 21, 2019).
- ↑ "Ragnarok's Waititi Tried To Break Thor To Save The Franchise". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources (October 30, 2017).
- ↑ "Thor: Ragnarok". rogerebert.com. RogerEbert.com (November 3, 2017).
- ↑ "Thor's True Age Is Revealed In Avengers: Infinity War". movieweb.com (2 May 2018).