During a recent Instagram live watch of Thor: Ragnarok, director Taika Waititi discussed the upcoming sequel, Thor: Love and Thunder, and brought up the status of Thor’s physique. In Avengers: Endgame the Norse god went through a rough patch. Depressed after failing to stop Thanos, Chris Hemsworth's character turned to overeating and binge drinking, and lagged behind on his responsibilities to New Asgard. He was thus depicted as overweight, with Hemsworth donning a fat suit.
Asked by a fan whether “Bro Thor” will return for Love and Thunder, Waititi replied, "We haven’t figured that out, but I feel like that’s done.”
On one hand, it makes sense that this representation wouldn't be reprised, as some people found Bro Thor problematic. How the film handled his added weight came off like fat-shaming, especially because his weight gain and depression were often played for laughs.
Others found it clever and funny, believing that Hemsworth did a great job with the comedic aspects. It's polarizing, and while it makes sense that Marvel Studios sees fit that the God of Thunder get back in shape for his next solo adventure, there is some disappointment to it as well, especially because, if any filmmaker could mine gold out of Bro Thor, it's Waititi.
The New Zealand director has shown he’s a very diverse filmmaker, tackling indie films and mega blockbusters. Time and again he’s shown his brilliance as both a humorist and visionary, as even his most modestly budgeted films have featured hilarious scenes that were augmented by the spectacle. Waititi could do something with Bro Thor that would guarantee genuine laughs as well as an exploration of his character.
There’s considerable untapped potential for Bro Thor in Love and Thunder, as maybe a subplot in the film could involve Thor struggling with who he has become. In past films like Boy and Jojo Rabbit, Watiti has explored coming-of-age narratives where the characters learn more about who they really are. While Love and Thunder may not be a traditional coming-of -age film, Waititi's experience with sculpting arcs that show characters going through a maturation process could tie into a story about Thor trying to once again be his classic, mighty self but realizing he's worthy regardless.
While some see Bro Thor's portrayal as offensive, he also serves an objective purpose for Endgame. The character’s state wasn’t meant to put down people who are overweight, but it is used to highlight how far Thor has fallen. To see one of the MCU's strongest heroes physically transformed as a result of his failure is not only a shock, but it is also one of the layers that adds character to the film.
It also adds great levity, as the movie is off to a gloomy start after the events of Avengers: Infinity War. Bro Thor alleviates the mood while still commenting on the hero’s dire straits. However, in that regard, perhaps one film is enough for Bro Thor.
Granted, Waititi hasn’t said that Bro Thor won’t be in the movie at all, but if he were to appear, it seems it would be in a limited capacity, and a little bit of Bro Thor can go a long way. An opening, 80s like montage showing Thor getting back into shape would be a great way to get Love and Thunder rolling. It could even feature Thor doing laps around New Asgard, giving audiences a more in depth view of the colony. Such a cheerful scene would be ideal right before the story gets into the main conflict.
Bro Thor is a concept that has the potential to be expanded on, but it’s sensical that Thor would return to his original physique after the defeat of Thanos. While it would have been fun to see Waititi develop Bro Thor, fans also shouldn’t worry about Love and Thunder not delivering in terms of humor, action and sheer craziness. Bro Thor served his purpose for Endgame, and fans of his can be satisfied with that while they await Waititi's next iteration of the God of Thunder.
Written and directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. The film arrives in theaters Feb. 18, 2022.
KEEP READING: Thor: Love and Thunder Makes Ragnarok Look 'Very Safe,' Says Waititi