Marvel Studios hasn’t yet confirmed the development of Thor 5, but I’ve already worked out which version of Thor Chris Hemsworth should portray in the highly-anticipated MCU sequel. Ever since his debut in 2011’s Thor, the eponymous God of Thunder has never really figured out who he’s supposed to be in the MCU. Chris Hemsworth has played Thor as a dramatic Shakespearean hero, a traumatized and troubled Avenger and a comedic genius, so I think Marvel Studios’ as-yet-unannounced Thor 5 needs to feature Thor finally finding his footing.

Luckily, I don’t think Marvel Studios needs to change too much about Thor in order to present the perfect God of Thunder in Thor 5, as I think we’ve already seen the Thor that works best in the MCU. After 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder upped Thor’s humor and was subsequently met with criticism, I’d love Marvel to bring back some of the character’s more dramatic elements. The perfect story has already been set up for Thor 5, so I just hope Marvel sticks the landing when bringing Thor back to the MCU.

Thor: The Dark World Featured My Favorite Version Of Thor

Thor: The Dark World Is Certainly Not My Favorite Thor Movie

Despite it not being my favorite Thor movie, and being widely regarded as one of the MCU’s weakest links, I actually think the best version of Thor was introduced in 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. The Phase 2 sequel pitted Thor against Christopher Eccleston’s Dark Elf, Malekith, who sought to claim the Reality Stone for himself, allowing him to thrust the cosmos back into primordial darkness. I found much of Thor: The Dark World underwhelming and lackluster, but I thought Thor’s depiction in the movie was excellent.

The Dark World retained Thor’s classical roots, keeping in line with the version of Thor that director Kenneth Branagh had depicted in the original 2011 movie. However, Alan Taylor’s sequel also began to show off more of Thor’s comedic textures. This wasn’t to the extent of Taika Waiтιтi’s humorous Thor in Ragnarok and Love and Thunder, which meant that the comedy felt far more natural, unplanned and unforced. The Dark World also gave Thor the opportunity to show off his formidable strength and abilities, so I would love to see Marvel Studios bring this iteration of Thor back.

Avengers: Infinity War Showed The Real Dramatic Potential Of Thor

The Russo Brothers Made The Dark World’s Thor Even Better

I saw major elements of The Dark World’s version of Thor come back in 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, as the Russo brothers’ epic crossover event didn’t continue the extreme comedy that Waiтιтi introduced in Ragnarok, but kept textures of this while also making Thor a more serious and grounded hero. Scenes shared between Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy were hilarious, but also carried an undercurrent of torment and darkness. This was exacerbated in that iconic “Bring me Thanos!” moment, which is still one of my favorite scenes in the MCU’s history.

Avengers: Infinity War developed all corners of the God of Thunder, showing off his classical roots on Asgard, his cosmic connections on Nidavellir and his comedic notes with the Guardians of the Galaxy. This enhanced every element of Thor that The Dark World began to piece together. Thor and Peter Quill’s squabble reminded me of Thor and Loki’s arguments in The Dark World, while Thor’s strength when forging Stormbreaker and one-on-one moment with Thanos called back to his defeat of Malekith in Greenwich in 2013. I’d love for this Thor to come back in Thor 5.

The MCU’s Future Has A Prime Chance To Balance Thor’s Tone After All These Years

Marvel Needs To Get Thor Right In His Next MCU Movie

I’m surprised Marvel Studios has had so much trouble figuring out how to adapt Thor for live-action. He’s a cosmic hero, but his solo movies have often ignored these weirder stories, while even his more grounded, human moments have regularly been awkward and forgettable. Now that Thor has been through so many changes, however, Marvel may be perfectly primed to finally zero in on his perfect incarnation, and I reckon combining his dramatic and comedic tones, just like Thor: The Dark World and Avengers: Infinity War did, is the way to go.

Arguably, Thor has shone best when teamed up with other notable heroes in the MCU. His most memorable moments occurred when being part of the Avengers team, or joining forces with Rocket and Groot, or even forming the Revengers with the Hulk, Valkyrie and Loki in Ragnarok. This makes me think that Thor 5 should be another team-up movie for the God of Thunder, and Marvel Studios has already teased the perfect comedic, dramatic, intense and game-changing team-up storyline that Chris Hemsworth’s Thor could embark on in the MCU’s future.

Marvel Has Already Set Up A Comedic & Dramatic Thor Story For Thor 5

Thor: Love & Thunder Perfectly Set Up Thor 5’s Story

While I loved the version of Thor depicted in The Dark World, I am desperate for Thor 5 to explore a stronger narrative for the God of Thunder, and pit him against a better-developed and more memorable villain. Thor: Love and Thunder already set up the perfect antagonist for Thor 5, and the development of this villain would fit into the blend of comedy and drama that has worked so well for Thor previously. Namely, Brett Goldstein debuted as Hercules, the son of Zeus, in Love and Thunder’s mid-credits scene, and Hercules sets up Thor’s best return.

English actor and comedian Brett Goldstein is best known for roles in Ted Lᴀsso, Hoff the Record and Shrinking, and was an inspired choice to take on the legendary role of Hercules in the MCU. Since Goldstein is a gifted comedian, he’ll be adept at providing moments of humor opposite Chris Hemsworth, but Goldstein is also an incredibly talented and theatrical dramatic actor, which bodes well for his battle with the God of Thunder in Thor 5. Hercules’ development in the MCU may force Thor to go back to his roots, which could reintroduce my favorite Thor to the MCU.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

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  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  Spider-Man Homecoming 4

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  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

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  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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