The future of a certain Greek god is being teased once again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After actor Brett Goldstein popped up as Hercules in a mid-credits scene in Thor: Love and Thunder, rumors began to swirl on when and where fans would see him next.
Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi recently said during a Q&A, shared on Reddit, that the character is opening up a "whole new thing" for Marvel, although Waititi won't be a part of it himself. While the character appeared at the end of his film, Waititi hadn't even known his comics history. "I didn’t even know that was a character in Marvel, but, apparently it is," he said. "It was good. I know it’s opening up a whole new thing, which I won’t be invited to come and be a part of, but I’m happy for everyone who loves Greek Gods."
Goldstein shows up as Hercules after Zeus, played by Russell Crowe, shows disdain for how little gods are revered compared to that of superheroes, saying, "Now people just want superheroes. When did we become the joke?" He then insists they will be feared again when Thor falls from the sky, before summoning Hercules. The scene appears to set up the character as an antagonist for the heroes of a future film.
So far, there's been no official word on a next step for Hercules. The character in the comics is rivals with Thor, but also has teamed up with him on different occasions. Hercules: Fall of an Avenger established Marvel Comics' Hercules as bisexual, with Northstar as one of his love interests. Alternate universe versions of the character have been in relationships with men, with some storylines placing him with Wolverine, and alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy with Nor-Varr, aka Marvel Boy.
Goldstein himself isn’t quite sure how the character will be placed in the MCU. He said at the film’s premiere, "I truly, honestly — this isn't me lying or being coy — I know nothing. All I know is what I did that day and that's it. That could be it. It was a fun three seconds." Waititi said that the casting of Goldstein wasn’t his idea, but that of Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige himself. A potential announcement could come at D23 in September, an event Marvel has used in the past to unveil future projects, as well as to release footage of upcoming titles.
Thor: Love and Thunder is now playing in theaters.
Source: Reddit