Chris Hemsworth as Thor

Chris Hemsworth in Marvel's 'Thor: Love and Thunder.'

Taika Waititi brought a lot of heart and humor to his first Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, sending Chris Hemsworth’s title hero in a whole new direction – and giving him a new haircut, to boot. Oh, and he also destroyed Asgard, plucked out one of Thor’s eyes and killed off Anthony Hopkins’ Odin.

Since then, Thor Odinson has been through the wringer even more, thanks to ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, and we don’t just mean in terms of letting himself go, physically.

It makes some sense, then, that the first teaser for ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’, Waititi’s second stab at MCU mayhem, might find the God of Thunder on a journey of self-discovery, figuring out who he is in a universe where he doesn’t seem keen to stay a superhero. He’s getting back in shape to some degree, but the long locks are back.

He’s still hanging around with Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and the Guardians of the Galaxy (cue much humor between the two), though from the looks of the teaser, he’s soon off on an even bigger adventure.

The much-anticipated teaser is light on story points (as is usual for a shorter trailer like this), but packed with moments, including a flying ship, a glimpse of what we can assume is Russell Crowe as Zeus (in Olympus, we figure) and Thor on board the ship, snogging a blue-haired woman.

And there’s even a visit to New Asgard on Earth, where Queen Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) is dealing with her own challenges – specifically, a boring council meeting, even though she’s rocking a sharp suit.

But above them all, of course, is that final moment, one to rank alongside Cap catching Mjolnir in ‘Endgame’ – the introduction of the Mighty Thor, AKA Jane Foster, AKA Natalie Portman, who makes her big return to the world of Marvel, looking great in her own godly get-up.

Yet to be properly glimpsed? Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher, who as his name suggests, is going to an issue for our heroes. He’s seeking the extinction of the Gods, and he’s a mightily powerful type, so expect that to be a major part of the plot.

‘Love and Thunder’s first look ditches the Led Zeppelin for Guns ‘n’ Roses, while the tone remains the playful Waititi blend of funny and portentous – he’s proved that he can bring the stakes without losing the laughs and all our fingers are crossed that his new movie lives up to ‘Ragnarok’s blast of entertainment.

Written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson alongside Waititi and featuring the likes of Jaimie Alexander (back as Lady Sif), Sam Neill, Melissa McCarthy, and Matt Damon (McCarthy joins a returning Neill and Damon as actors playing Asgardian heroes), ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ will in theaters July 8th.

'Thor: Love and Thunder' Poster

Marvel's 'Thor: Love and Thunder' opens in theaters on July 8th.

Thor: Love and Thunder

"The one is not the only."
65
PG-131 hr 59 minJun 23rd, 2022
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