As God of War: Ragnarok's iteration of the God of Thunder, Thor, has continued to divide the internet, the game's director has commented on why they chose to deviate from other versions of the character, such as Marvel's take.

Director Eric Williams and creative director Cory Barlog spoke to Game Informer about their choice to depict Thor as a more rotund figure. Williams said, "Well, I don't know, we just want him to be a big boy, you know. There's Marvel’s interpretation of him is one thing. It's interesting. We wanted to, you know, go a little deeper into the mythology itself."

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Thor's stout appearance was first revealed via some official character art shared to Instagram. The Asgardian was depicted with red-hair and a barrel-like frame that was made all the more prominent due to his armor exposing his torso. While not as cut as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Chris Hemsworth, Williams says that he saw this design as more imposing. "They have a presence immediately," he explained. "And it's not always because of muscles. They're just like that is a wall of a human being, you know. So this is a wall of a God, you know, and that's why it was very important."

Barlog also justified the design, regarding it as refreshing change from the stereotypical Hollywoodized versions of Gods. "I think there's something so fantastic in that that not everything needs to be this glistening muscle hulk kind of concept to still be fantastic and powerful and intimidating," Barlog said. Many have also pointed out that God of War: Ragnarok's version of Thor bares a closer to resemblance to the god as described in Norse mythology. The Norse Edda portrays him as quite the glutton, enjoying a drink so much that he once drank half the ocean during a challenge.

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As for the characterization of Kratos' latest antagonist, Williams shared a few of Thor's traits. He revealed, "I wanted him to almost feel like a man child, you know, like if you had that much power and you can do those things, you're not going to grow. You don't need to. You just do what you want." Again, its a far cry from the more heroic depictions found in the likes of the MCU, although it fits the theme of flawed gods that the God of War series is known for. Given that Kratos and Atreus are responsible for the deaths of Thor's sons in the previous game, it stands to reason that they will be on the receiving end of Thor's temper.

Launching exclusively for PlayStation 5, Sony Interactive Entertainment has yet to confirm a release window for God of War: Ragnarok. Breaking the fourth wall, a mysterious character at the end of the trailer teases fans that they'll get their answers "soon enough."

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Source: Game Informer