Why Thor’s MCU Journey Needs To End Before Avengers 6

13 years since his debut, Thor‘s journey in the MCU is close to its end; but that needs to occur before Avengers: Secret Wars. The Multiverse Saga’s climax is reportedly set to reboot the entire MCU, similarly to its comic book namesake, as rampant incursions bring about a new Multiverse. With that in mind, many of the MCU’s most iconic characters will likely die by the movie’s conclusion in one of the most poignant MCU moments since Iron Man’s sacrifice. As one of the few founding Avengers still active, Thor is now on borrowed time in the lead-up to these cataclysmic events.

Since debuting in his self-titled 2011 movie, Thor now holds the record for the most solo cinematic outings of any MCU hero. While notably absent from such large-scale events as Captain America: Civil War and Eternals, Thor has also starred alongside his teammates in every Avengers movie. Throughout this time, he has undergone one of the most compelling character arcs in the MCU. Though, like all good things, it must come to an end – and it can only be given justice before the final Avengers team-up.

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Thor’s Arc Has Reached Its Natural Conclusion

Thor began his MCU journey as the arrogant and reckless heir to the Asgardian throne. In the space of his first movie alone, Thor underwent significant character growth as he learned the humility necessary to become an effective ruler and worthy of wielding Mjölnir, the hammer with which he became synonymous. From there, his selflessness grew into a paradigmatic example of heroism as he repeatedly wielded his godlike powers in service of the powerless – in particular, the mortal inhabitants of Midgard. He then learned to wield his incredible power independently of his hammer.

The climax of the Infinity Saga saw Thor embark on a journey of self-discovery, kicking against who he is “meant to be.” After Thor: Love and Thunder united him with Gorr’s daughter, Love, Thor’s purpose was renewed, this time as a father. It is hard to see where else Thor can progress from here now that he has proven himself time and again as one of the universe’s foremost protectors and as a paragon of virtue. Appearing in so many movies has facilitated one of the MCU’s most well-rounded arcs – and it has now drawn to its natural conclusion.

Thor Deserves A Send-Off Like Loki’s

Thor and Loki’s relationship has been an exceptionally important part of their respective arcs, with the unconditional love between the two persisting even through Loki’s most villainous moments. Loki’s long road to redemption is manifested twice in the MCU: once as he sacrificed himself for his brother in an ill-fated attempt to kill Thanos, and once as the living Temporal Loom that now makes the entire multiverse (and free will) possible. Both were exceptionally poignant send-offs for the fan-favorite antihero, but the latter felt most significant.

Thor – who has trodden a more distinctly heroic path than his brother – should be afforded similar fanfare when his tenure draws to a close. While it will be hard to measure up to Loki’s glorious purpose as a godlike entity holding entire timelines together, Thor can still make an ultimate sacrifice that lives up to his heroic legacy. For this to take place in Avengers: Secret Wars, amid the deaths of many other MCU icons, would only lessen the impact – especially when Loki’s took place in a solo series.

Thor Deserves More Than To Be Doom’s Police

The Secret Wars run of comics included many variants, but none so prolific as the Thor Corps – God Emperor Doom’s personal police force on his Battleworld. As the name suggests, this collection of enforcers comprises many Thor variants from across the Multiverse, deployed by Doom to maintain order in his new world. Whatever Avengers: Secret Wars decides to faithfully adapt from its comic book namesake, this should be something it omits for the sake of Thor’s legacy. That is, at least until Thor’s journey reaches its own conclusion.

Variants will be rife in Avengers: Secret Wars, and while an army of Thors would look epic, an Earth-616 Thor working in reluctant servitude of a power-hungry “God Emperor” does a huge disservice to his saga. Instead, this version of Thor should be omitted entirely, while variants (including the long-awaited Beta Ray Bill) could still play their part. Thor has already been established as a character capable of killing the MCU’s most recent arch-villain, and quashing that power in the name of amplifying that of a brand-new villain insultingly diminishes over a decade of character progression.

The Avengers Movies Need To Highlight The Young Avengers

There are well-founded fears that the Multiverse Saga’s climax may be overcrowded by the many characters that have recently been introduced. Among these are those that will comprise the Young Avengers, the MCU group poised to carry the torch of their veteran counterparts. The MCU is now running out of time to spotlight its Young Avengers team – and it is not a spotlight that Thor should share. As a founding member of the original Avengers, Thor should instead step aside with a fitting send-off, perhaps leaving Love to fill his shoes when he does.

The presence of the Young Avengers is also an indication that Thor’s journey will end before the next Avengers team-up. Thor has yet to wrestle with the core narrative threads of the Multiverse Saga in any meaningful capacity (in stark contrast to his brother), whereas the same cannot be said for the likes of Kamala Khan, Cassie Lang, and America Chavez. This trajectory for Thor may continue, with the God of Thunder wrapping things up ahead of Avengers: Secret Wars and leaving the younger crowd to take the multiversal reins.

Chris Hemsworth Is Ready To End His Time As Thor

While there is still no confirmation on whether Thor 5 will happen at all, Chris Hemsworth’s comments on the potential sequel suggest that he is prepared for it to be his last. He said as much in a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, in which he admitted that Thor 5 should probably “close the book” on Thor’s story. The full quote is as follows:

“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?”

While Hemsworth’s attitude appears akin to “never say never,” it is clear that he is prepared for his final solo outing to be his last. He is correct in his assertion that Thor 5 warrants the hero’s ending that Thor undoubtedly deserves. What would be worse than having his tenure end as part of the Avengers: Secret Wars cull, however, would be to not deliver on a final Thor movie whatsoever – though the post-credits scene of Thor: Love & Thunder depicting Hercules being unleashed on Thor is enough to assuage these concerns.