Thor’s New Love & Thunder Costume Has One Major Problem

Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) new suit for Thor: Love and Thunder has one big problem. Director Taika Waititi returns to the MCU after the success of Thor: Ragnarok, which effectively saved the Thor franchise. This time, however, he’s pulling all the stops to deliver another satisfying blockbuster starring the God of Thunder. That includes giving the Avenger a bright blue with gold detailing armor. 

It’s no secret that Marvel Studios initially struggled with the right approach when it came to Thor. It wasn’t until Waititi was hired to direct Thor: Ragnarok that they finally figured things out. Unlike the God of Thunder’s first two solo films, gone was the dark visuals, and in its place were the trippy backgrounds that perfectly complemented the hero’s newfound humor. To match his overhauled personality, Thor also got a fresh look with short hair. Avengers: Endgame once again changed the hero’s appearance with the introduction of Fat Thor. By Thor: Love and Thunder, however, he will no longer be carrying the extra weight he gained during his depressive state, as Waititi himself said. 

Based on recently released promotional art for the upcoming film, Thor’s fitter physique also comes with a new suit. While he sports his signature red cape and carries Stormbreaker, he gets a more vibrant armor. It’s reminiscent of Eric Masterson’s version of Thor from the comic books, although it’s uncertain if there are any narrative implications for this change in appearance. But while the costume looks really cool, it has one problem — it looks too much like Ikaris’ (Richard Madden) get-up in Eternals. Chloé Zhao’s 2021 Marvel Studios ensemble film introduced a whole new group of superheroes in the MCU, Eternals, including Ikaris, who also sports a bright blue with gold detailing ensemble. Even the circular patches on the bodice of the armor are the same for Thor’s new suit and his fellow cosmic hero’s. This shouldn’t be that big of an issue if there’s a longer separation between Eternals and Thor: Love and Thunder. But even if the latter isn’t due to hit theaters until July 2022, marketing is inevitably starting soon. If promotional art is showing the God of Thunder in his new battle armor, chances are that this look will be prominently used during its advertising period. 

Typically, MCU heroes get a different suit every single time they appear in a new film. It’s partly due to driving toys and other merchandise sales, but, in some cases, it could be part of the filmmakers’ storytelling plan. For example, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) getting a new suit in every film made sense since Tony Stark consistently tinkered on his tech in an effort to upgrade them. For Hemsworth’s character in Thor: Love and Thunder, it could be Waititi’s way of double downing on the figure’s more fun personality, which is effectively conveyed through his new suit’s color. But Marvel Studios could’ve been more thoughtful in deciding what his new costume would look like, especially since the change in its appearance is fairly noticeable. Unless, of course, the choice to put the God of Thunder in the bright blue armor is somehow an indication that the film is mining inspiration from Masterson’s arc. 

Overall, Thor’s new Thor: Love and Thunder‘s costume looks fantastic. It’s difficult not to be excited about seeing it in action once the film’s trailer finally arrives. That said, some could find it distracting given how much it resembles Ikaris’ Eternals‘ suit, which ultimately takes away from some of the new suit’s allure.