As fans eagerly await the upcoming phase of the MCU, which is set to kickstart with Captain America: Brave New World, a multitude of other projects are forming in the background. Despite the turmoil surrounding the Jonathan Majors controversy, familiar heroes such as Spider-Man and Thor are returning with their standalone movies. While not much has been disclosed about the direction Tom Holland’s Spider-Man 4 will take, a variety of updates regarding the upcoming Thor 5 have emerged.
According to journalist Alex Perez, Thor 5 is poised to introduce several god-level characters in the form of Ares and Hercules. Recently, The Cosmic Circus’ Alex Perez participated in a Q&A session that revealed numerous details about the direction of the next standalone Chris Hemsworth movie. He stated, “All I currently know about Thor 5 was that it involved Valhalla, the Thor Corps, Hercules, and Ares.” This revelation opens up a myriad of possibilities for the storyline.
Jane Foster’s journey in the MCU has been nothing short of tragic and heroic. First introduced as an astrophysicist who discovered Thor after his banishment to Earth, she endured significant challenges. After surviving the Snap caused by Thanos, she faced the devastating reality of being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Through a profound connection with Mjölnir, she transformed into the Mighty Thor and fought alongside Thor against Gorr the God Butcher. Yet, her mortal body ultimately succumbed to the illness, and her spirit was welcomed into Valhalla by Heimdall.
With Thor 5 reportedly incorporating Valhalla into its storyline, there is ample opportunity for Jane Foster’s return. Whether as a spirit, a resurrected warrior, or even as an adviser to Thor, her reappearance can be anticipated, particularly given Valhalla’s involvement in the plot.
Debuting in Marvel Comics in 1966, Ares has long been a formidable force, frequently positioned as an enemy to both Thor and Hercules. As the Greek God of War, Ares is a more terrifying adversary than Thor: Ragnarok’s Hela. Known for creating the Warhawks and instigating chaos on Earth, Ares thrives amid destruction. However, in later comic arcs, he transitioned into an antihero, even aligning with both the Mighty Avengers and the Dark Avengers. If Ares enters the MCU in Thor 5, his character could serve as both a significant antagonist and a potential future ally, much like Loki.
On the other hand, Hercules has already been teased by the MCU in Thor: Love and Thunder. Played by Brett Goldstein, Hercules seeks vengeance against Thor for injuring his father, Zeus. In Marvel Comics, Hercules originally appeared as an opponent to Thor but later evolved into an Avenger, even substituting for the Hulk during major battles. Their dynamic, rooted in friendly competition, often escalates into full-scale battles, which makes it intriguing to consider the overall impact Hercules will have in the MCU.
All MCU projects thus far are available to stream on Disney+, leaving fans excited about the prospect of new adventures and characters gracing the screen, particularly with the introduction of the new gods in Thor 5, featuring both Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.
