The Marvel Cinematic Universe has the ideal way to fix Anthony Hopkins’ complaints about the Thor movies. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Odin, the All-Father of Asgard, was a pivotal part of the first three Thor films in the MCU timeline. As the father of Thor and Loki, Odin’s wisdom and power loomed over their stories, shaping the franchise’s early cosmic mythos. However, despite the significance of his role, Hopkins has openly expressed dissatisfaction with his Marvel experience, particularly criticizing the filmmaking process. Now, with the Multiverse Saga, the MCU has the perfect opportunity to rectify these complaints.
Hopkins first appeared as Odin in 2011’s Thor, reprising the role in Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017). While he brought gravitas to the character, his final appearance saw Odin fade away in Norway, signaling the end of his reign. Odin’s fate was particularly unceremonious, especially considering he was one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. With the MCU’s future diving deep into the multiverse, it has the perfect chance to undo its mistakes by giving Odin a more substantial role.
Anthony Hopkins’s MCU Comments Highlight One Flaw With Odin’s Movie Story
In a 2023 interview with The New Yorker, Anthony Hopkins candidly shared his disillusionment with his Marvel experience. He bemoaned the use of green screen and suggested that it hampered his ability to act. He stated:
“They put me in armor; they shoved a beard on me. Sit on the throne, shout a bit. If you’re sitting in front of a green screen, it’s pointless acting it.”
Hopkins’ criticism reveals a fundamental flaw in Odin’s character arc within the MCU – he was a static figure, reduced to delivering grand proclamations without any substantial development or action. Instead of engaging in the epic battles and intrigues that defined his comic book counterpart, Odin was largely relegated to an exposition device. His interactions with Thor and Loki were often limited to warnings and reprimands rather than active participation in the story’s events.
Given the scope of the Thor mythos, Odin’s lack of dynamic engagement felt like a missed opportunity. His early scenes in Thor were strong, setting the stage for Thor’s exile and redemption. However, as the films progressed, Odin became more of an afterthought, culminating in his abrupt and anticlimactic demise in Thor: Ragnarok. Hopkins’ complaints suggest that even he felt the role was creatively unfulfilling, which stands in contrast to the potential Odin had as one of the most powerful beings in the MCU.
Odin Has Returned From Valhalla In Marvel Comics To Protect The Realm
The MCU may have sidelined Odin, but the comics have repeatedly brought him back from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ to fight for Asgard. In Marvel Comics, Odin has returned from Valhalla on multiple occasions, proving that even death is not the end for the All-Father. One of the most notable instances was in Thor #185 (1971), where Odin broke free from the realm of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ to aid Thor in a battle against the demonic Mangog. More recently, Odin’s spirit returned to empower Thor during the War of the Realms storyline, reinforcing his continued importance to Asgard’s survival.
Given that Thor: Love and Thunder confirmed the existence of Valhalla in the MCU (with a post-credits scene showing Jane Foster arriving there and being greeted by Heimdall), the door is already open for Odin’s return. The precedent exists, both in the comics and in the films, for fallen warriors to reemerge when needed. If the MCU were to follow comic book tradition, Odin could easily return from Valhalla, this time in a role that would be far more meaningful and engaging than his previous appearances.
The MCU’s Multiverse Saga Offers A Movie Excuse To Redeem The Franchise From Hopkins’ Odin Complaint
With the Multiverse Saga introducing countless possibilities for resurrecting characters, Odin’s return could serve as both a creative redemption for the franchise and a satisfying re-engagement for Anthony Hopkins. The MCU’s current direction is already playing with alternate realities, cosmic enтιтies, and higher-dimensional storytelling. If the MCU truly wants to capitalize on its established lore, bringing Odin back from Valhalla – especially if the multiverse is at stake – would be an easy and effective way to fix the issues Hopkins highlighted.
Furthermore, Odin’s presence could bring weight to a future Thor or Avengers film. Instead of being a pᴀssive figure sitting on a throne, Odin could return as an active warrior, lending his wisdom and power in a battle that threatens all of existence. This would allow Hopkins to portray the character with more depth, engaging in tangible, high-stakes storytelling rather than merely serving as a mouthpiece for exposition. Given the emotional weight of Odin’s relationship with Thor, his return could also offer a compelling father-son moment that surpᴀsses what the previous MCU films provided.
Source: The New Yorker
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