The post-credits scene in Chris Hemsworth’s Thor: Love and Thunder features Natalie Portman’s Jane being welcomed into Valhalla by Idris Elba’s Heimdall. Since the post-credits scenes in the MCU usually set the stage for future storylines, it is expected that Valhalla will be further explored in the upcoming film, Thor 5. If Hemsworth’s character were to venture into the afterlife realm, he could reunite with all his loved ones, offering a fitting conclusion to his story.
While Thor 5 has not been officially confirmed, rumors suggest that discussions for the project began in October 2023. The mid-credits scene featuring Brett Goldstein’s Hercules will also come into play in the potential next film.
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor Will Reunite With His Loved Ones In Thor 5 (Theory)
While Thor: Love and Thunder didn’t win everyone’s hearts, die-hard Thor fans are eager to witness more of the God of Thunder in the Marvel universe. Chris Hemsworth’s character endured several losses throughout the four standalone Thor movies and Avengers: Infinity War. However, a wild speculative theory could provide a potential resolution for all of Thor’s life challenges.
Natalie Portman’s character enters the divine realm of the Gods, Valhalla, in the last film. This marks the third instance in the MCU where an afterlife realm is explored, with the Duat and the Field of Reeds in Moon Knight and the Ancestral Plane in Black Panther preceding it. Considering the protagonists in both these Marvel projects entered the afterlife realm, it seems fitting for Thor to make his journey to Valhalla in Thor 5.
Another Thor character with ties to Valhalla is King Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, who previously had the role of guiding the dead to the afterlife. It is entirely plausible that Thor 5 will explore an adventurous journey of these two characters into Valhalla. In this potential narrative, Thor may reunite not only with Jane but also with Odin, Frigga, and perhaps even Loki.
Bringing back these characters would serve as a perfect tribute to Thor in the MCU, especially since the fifth film could potentially be his final appearance in the franchise. Chris Hemsworth hinted at his intentions to retire from the role in an interview with EW in June 2023, stating, “I don’t want to continue to do it until people are so exhausted that they roll their eyes when they see me come on the screen as that character.”
The theory also provides an interesting possibility of much darker villains. As the afterlife realm is explored through Valhalla, the flip side could unveil an underworld filled with notorious Thor villains like Hela and Malekith. These villains together might pose the greatest threat to the good guys in Thor 5.
Also Read: One Weapon in MCU Can Cause More Damage to Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Iron Man Than Thanos Ever Did
Thor 5 Will Happen Without Taika Waititi
Daniel Richtman reported in October 2023 that Marvel had initiated discussions for a fifth Thor film. He also reported that Taika Waititi will not be returning for the project, and Marvel is actively searching for a new Thor director. During his interview with Inverse, Waititi also explained that he will not be resuming directing duties for Thor 5, citing that he “needed a break from that.” He further made it clear that he still loved working on the Thor franchise.
While Marvel’s schedule is booked until 2027, there is potential for a Thor movie to find its place in the lineup. A fifth movie would likely include Tessa Thompson, Brett Goldstein, and India Rose Hemsworth, among others. Russell Crowe may also reprise his role as Zeus in the film. The looming question remains whether Natalie Portman will return to reprise her role.
Thor: Love and Thunder and other Marvel films are now available for streaming on Disney+.
