Posted Thu Apr 19, 2018 at 04:14 PM PDT by Bryan Kluger
This is a big time, perhaps the biggest time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- as Thanos sets out to destroy not only the Avengers, but also life throughout the universe including Earth. That being said, there are many different superheroes that will be featured in Avengers: Infinity War, along with their complex storylines all coming to a head in this film. It all seems overwhelming, doesn't it? How can one movie contain all of our beloved superheroes?
Welcome one and all to High-Def Digest's Ultimate Avengers: Infinity War Character Guide, a fun new article series where we take look back at all the great characters we're going to see in part one of Marvel's most epic cinematic universe crossover adventure to date.
Hopefully, this character guide will help you going into Avengers: Infinity War. You'll be able to learn about each character's comic book origin, their MCU origin, the best scene thus far with each character, and what to expect from each superhero in Infinity War -- as well as future MCU movies, and more.
Name: Thor Odinson (Thor)
Created by: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
1st Appearance: Journey Into Mystery #83 (August 1962)
Comic Book Origins: Thor's comic book origin is far different from what we've seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We meet Thor in Journey Into Mystery #83, or shall I say, we meet Dr. Donald Blake, a doctor from the United States who travels to Norway on vacation. While the good Doctor is in Norway, some locals talk about a ship landing with aliens nearby. While most disregard this, Blake checks it out, but is spotted by these aliens. Blake runs into a cave, only to find the back way out is blocked by a giant boulder. He then discovers a secret door with a walking stick and tries to move the boulder with the stick.
After it doesn't budge, he hits the boulder with the walking stick and "BAM" the walking stick turns into the Hammer and Blake is turned into The Mighty Thor. Now you see how different his comic book origin really was from the movies. It is said that Thor's father Odin, made Thor give up his hammer and surrender his mind and memories on Asgard. Odin also chose Blake as the body for his son Thor's mind. I know, this is getting weird and would probably not have made for a good adaptation into film. So, that's the case and with Blake now Thor, he fights the aliens after a big battle on Earth and saves the day.
Marvel Cinematic Universe 1st Appearance: Thor (May 6th, 2011 - Directed by Kenneth Branagh) - In the post-credit sequence of Iron Man 2, Agent Coulson informs us that a giant hammer has been found in New Mexico. Next thing you know, we have our first Thor movie. Taking some small cues from the comic book, we first see Thor about to inherit the throne on Asgard, but he defies his father Odin to attack the Frost Giants, which he unsuccessfully does while almost getting Asgard destroyed.
His father Odin steps in and strips him of his hammer and sends him to Earth as a mortal man, rather than the god he is. While there, Thor learns to not be selfish, arrogant, the meaning of true friendship, and the value of life. Of course, he meets Natalie Portman on Earth and saves the world, which leads him to become an integral part of the Avengers.
Best Scene Thus Far: In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor is usually void of humor and plays things with very little dry wit. This is unfortunate because Chris Hemsworth has amazing comedic timing and is quite funny. Thankfully, we got a movie like Thor: Ragnarok where director Taika Waititi gave us a whole new look and personality for Thor. The best scene with Thor so far comes from Ragnarok and is a heartfelt, yet very funny scene. Of course, I'm talking about the "Get Help" scene where Thor and his brother Loki are traveling up an elevator, trying to escape from Jeff Goldblum on the planet Sakaar.
The two brothers have a heart-to-heart talk about their relationship growing up and how their future relationship may be affected. Even though they both don't show it, they truly love each other. It's very endearing. However, in a plan to escape, Thor suggests they do "Get Help", which is a scenario that Loki hates. The reason being is that Thor carries Loki as if he were injured, yelling "Get Help, my brother is dying". This throws the enemies off while Thor launches Loki at the enemies. It's super funny as Thor laughs and Loki gets up embarrassed. It's perfect sibling rivalry and fun. Side note: that scene was completely improv'd by Chris Hemsworth who had the whole idea.
What To Expect from Infinity War: At the end of Thor: Ragnarok, Thor and Loki encounter a giant ship, which is perhaps a ship from Thanos. We just don't know yet. However, in the Avengers: Infinity War trailer, we see Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy cross paths, so I'm thinking Star Lord and Thor team up somehow in the fight against Thanos.
Also, it has been said in interviews that Thor has the most screen-time of any other hero in Infinity War, which more or less makes sense. From the early MCU films, we saw Loki give the cosmic cube to Thanos, which will most likely come into play in Infinity War. Thor might sacrifice himself for his brother or the other way around. Either way, Thor is going to be a major part in this film as he tries to help his friends fight the war on Thanos.
Future MCU Appearances: Like with most of the other actors in the Avengers, Chris Hemsworth's contract is up. We haven't heard of anything about resigning on for more films. However, due to the success of Ragnarok, it would be difficult not to right now. There is a lot more to tell with the Thor story and I think rebuilding Asgard somewhere as well as teaming up with either the Guardians or Dr. Strange would make for an amazing film. Plus, we need the Planet Hulk storyline. I imagine we will get more standalone Thor films in the coming years with Hemsworth at the helm.
In Conclusion: Chris Hemsworth has perfectly owned the character Thor since the first film. He was born to play this character and plays him with such grace and strength all at the same time. He also brings the added humor to the role. I think Thor is one of those Shakespearean characters that has been modernized for these films in the best ways possible. after Ragnarok, Thor can do anything and I think his powers and relationship with Loki will all come to a head in Avengers: Infinity War.
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If you'd like to read about more Avengers: Infinity Wars characters, check out our other guides in this series (organized by MCU order of appearance):
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