Chris Hemsworth Almost Done with Thor?

Movies

Is Chris Hemsworth preparing to hang up his hammer? In an interview with Vanity Fair (the entirety of which is a good read if you’re interested), Hemsworth is asked about his future as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has this to say:

“I don’t know. I think there’d be more to say if the people want to hear me say it… Look, I’m completely open to it, if there is something unique and fresh and unexpected to do with the character and the world. I’ve always loved the experience. I’ve been very thankful I’ve been able to do something different each time… I feel like we’d probably have to close the book if I ever did it again, you know what I mean? I feel like it probably warrants that. I feel like it’d probably be the finale, but that’s not based on anything anyone’s told me or any sort of plans. You have this birth of a hero, the journey of a hero, then the death of a hero, and I don’t know—am I at that stage? Who knows?”

This is being interpreted as Hemsworth signaling the end of his tenure as Thor, or at least leaning in that direction. Maybe it is, but it doesn’t seem all that definitive to me, especially in the context of the whole interview. He talks a lot about enjoying life, being grateful for what you have, and wanting to do some things he’s never done. And even in the Thor section, he says he’s open to doing more if people want more and if they can do something “unique and fresh and unexpected.” Is he ready to move beyond slapstick Thor and do something more in line with the first two films or Infinity War? That would be nice.

It also raises the question of whether more of him as Thor would be a good thing. I wrote about this at length a couple of years ago, but my answer is based on what Thor is like going forward. I’m sick and tired of the MCU turning Thor into a dopey buffoon who’s, in many ways, reverted to his persona before Odin banished him. I want to see Thor be a hero again, a stoic, resourceful, mighty warrior for good. If they give us that Thor, I’m in, and I hope Hemsworth will be too. After Love and Thunder’s disappointing run and reception, I hope Marvel is ready to reverse course on the God of Thunder, but I hesitate to give them much credit after Phase 4. The mid-credits scene of Love and Thunder hinted at a fifth solo film, and I assume Thor will be involved in The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. But after that, who knows what’s in store for the MCU, let alone Thor?

Should Chris Hemsworth play Thor for much longer? Do you think Marvel will drop the broad comedy and let him be heroic again? Does the baaaaing of the goats haunt his dreams? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Geeks + Gamers for more superhero forks in the road!