Chris Hemsworth‘s journey as Thor in the MCU has reached a turning point as Marvel Studios concluded Phase 5 without releasing a solo Thor film, an unprecedented move for the widely recognized franchise. Since debuting as the Asgardian hero in 2011, Hemsworth has led four standalone Thor movies and starred in multiple Avengers installments, but the close of Phase 5 brought a significant shift in the pattern fans have come to expect.
Four Thor Movies and an Unexpected Gap in Phase 5
Over the years, Chris Hemsworth as Thor has become a key element in Marvel’s blockbuster strategy. Thor ranks alongside Avengers, Captain America, and Spider-Man as one of the few Marvel sub-franchises with four solo outings. The fourth film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” debuted in 2022 as part of Phase 4, drawing strong box office numbers but receiving negative reactions from critics. As Phase 5 comes to a close—marked by the big screen release of “Thunderbolts*” in May and “Ironheart” wrapping up on Disney+ in June—Thor’s solo presence was noticeably missing for the first time.
Looking back, Thor featured in each phase until now:
- Phase 1 – Thor
- Phase 2 – Thor: The Dark World
- Phase 3 – Thor: Ragnarok
- Phase 4 – Thor: Love and Thunder
Despite not headlining his own adventure in Phase 5, Hemsworth did make a cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” surprising audiences and leaving viewers wondering about future plotlines. His appearance, especially an emotional scene involving Deadpool, has stirred speculation about unresolved storylines that might be addressed in upcoming Avengers films.
Marvel Studios Hints at Thor’s Possible Return
After the lukewarm response to “Thor: Love and Thunder,” rumors have circulated regarding Marvel Studios’ plans for a possible fifth Thor installment. The commercial performance of the last film, which grossed $760.9 million globally, strengthens the possibility of a sequel, though no concrete confirmations have emerged.
Insiders have suggested that any future “Thor 5” movie would involve a new director at the helm, departing from Taika Waititi’s creative vision. There is talk that Chris Hemsworth himself is advocating for Sam Hargrave, the director of “Extraction,” to take over for any potential new installment.
Rumors and speculation are complicated by theories that Thor could meet his end in upcoming crossovers such as “Avengers: Doomsday” or “Secret Wars.” Although Marvel Studios has scheduled an untitled film for July 23, 2027, there is currently no definitive link suggesting this will be “Thor 5” or a solo sendoff for the God of Thunder before a potential on-screen death in a future Avengers movie.
Even with the uncertainty, the approach taken with Black Widow’s standalone film after her death in “Endgame” leaves the door open. A new Thor story could be set in the past or focus on an afterlife journey, particularly considering that “Love and Thunder” ended with a scene featuring Jane Foster, portrayed by Natalie Portman, greeted at the gates of Valhalla by Heimdall, played by Idris Elba.
A posthumous fifth film, set in Valhalla, offers Marvel an opportunity to explore Thor’s millennia-spanning life and revisit relationships with important figures like Jane Foster, Frigga, Odin, Loki, and the Warriors Three. Such an approach could pay tribute to both Hemsworth’s legacy and the rich character history developed since 2011.
Context Within Other Marvel Sub-Franchises
While Thor’s solo run paused in Phase 5, his brother Loki remained in the spotlight via Season 2 of his own Disney+ series, laying the foundation for an anticipated reunion in Phase 6. Notably, no Marvel hero has appeared in every phase with a dedicated film, though Captain America has come close:
- Phase 1 – Captain America: The First Avenger
- Phase 2 – Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Phase 3 – Captain America: Civil War
- Phase 4 – The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- Phase 5 – Captain America: Brave New World
“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”
effectively served as a Phase 4 continuation of the Captain America legacy, stepping in where a full movie was absent.
Possible Directions for Thor and the MCU
With shifting dynamics and evolving plots across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the future of Chris Hemsworth’s journey as Thor in the MCU remains clouded in uncertainty. The groundwork laid in recent projects, combined with persistent fan demand, keeps hope alive for a new solo film. However, major developments such as potential character deaths, changes in creative leadership, and unannounced projects mean that audiences will need to watch Marvel Studios’ announcements closely in the years ahead.
