Thor’s MCU Phase 5 Absence: A First for the Franchise
After four solo films and appearances in every Avengers blockbuster, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor franchise has hit a significant milestone—an absence. Remarkably, Thor’s MCU Phase 5 represents the first time the God of Thunder is missing from a phase without a Thor-led film. This shift not only breaks a longstanding tradition but also raises questions about the future of one of Marvel’s most enduring characters.
While Phase 5 wraps up with Thunderbolts and Ironheart, Thor’s absence has sparked conversations about his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, fans did get a glimpse of the God of Thunder in Deadpool & Wolverine, a cameo that raised more questions than answers.
Revisiting Thor’s MCU Phase History
Thor’s journey has always been a cornerstone of the MCU, consistently featuring a solo outing in every phase. However, this streak has come to an end with Phase 5. To better understand this evolution, here’s a quick timeline for reference:
Thor debuted in Phase 1 with his first solo outing, Thor (2011). The sequel, Thor: The Dark World (2013), followed in Phase 2. By Phase 3, Thor: Ragnarok (2017) reinvented the character with a fresh tone and style. Continuing his journey, Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) marked his Phase 4 appearance. However, Phase 5 breaks the streak—Thor features only in a brief cameo during Deadpool & Wolverine.
The brief cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine showed Thor crying over an injured Deadpool, hinting at a potential multiversal connection leading into Avengers: Doomsday.
A Surprise Cameo
While Thor skipped a solo film in Phase 5, he did make a brief and puzzling appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine. The unexpected cameo showed the God of Thunder crying over an injured Deadpool, sparking plenty of speculation.
Fans were left questioning the timeline and emotional context of this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. Many believe it hints at a deeper multiversal connection, possibly setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday.
What About Loki?
Thor’s Phase 5 story wasn’t entirely absent, thanks to his brother Loki’s journey in Loki Season 2. Now elevated to the role of the “God of Stories,” Loki’s character has evolved significantly.
This transformation has fueled expectations for a reunion between the Thor–Loki duo in Phase 6. Fans are speculating that this much-anticipated moment could occur in a major Avengers film, bringing their intertwined stories full circle.
Only Captain America Came Close
No MCU sub-franchise has been consistently present in every phase, but Captain America came close. Starting with The First Avenger in Phase 1, followed by The Winter Soldier in Phase 2 and Civil War in Phase 3, the journey extended to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in Phase 4 and now Brave New World in Phase 5. Thor’s Phase 5 absence highlights the difficulty of maintaining such continuity within the MCU.
Thor’s MCU Phase 5: Will Thor 5 Finally Happen?
After Thor: Love and Thunder received mixed reviews yet managed to earn an impressive $760.9M worldwide, the future of Thor 5 remains uncertain. Consequently, the franchise appears to be at a crossroads, delicately balancing fan expectations with the need for a fresh creative direction.
Rumors, however, suggest that Thor 5 is currently in active development—this time with a fresh direction and without Taika Waititi at the helm.
Chris Hemsworth, meanwhile, is reportedly advocating for Sam Hargrave (Extraction) to direct the project, emphasizing Hargrave’s distinctive action-driven storytelling approach.
A July 23, 2027 MCU release slot remains unclaimed, sparking speculation that it could belong to Thor 5.
According to industry insiders,
“Marvel Studios is looking to make it happen with a brand-new director.”
Fans, therefore, eagerly await official announcements, hoping for a renewed energy and a bold, exciting direction for the God of Thunder’s next chapter.
Will Thor Die Before Thor 5?
Speculation is mounting that Thor could meet his end in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. With Chris Hemsworth’s long tenure in the MCU possibly nearing its conclusion, fans are bracing for a bittersweet farewell to the God of Thunder.
However, even if Thor’s story concludes in the multiverse saga, Thor 5 might still become a reality. Much like Black Widow—which was released posthumously for Natasha Romanoff—Thor 5 could explore Thor’s legacy in an entirely new setting.
A Valhalla-centered narrative, taking place after Thor’s death, could offer a deeply emotional tribute. By exploring Thor’s past and reuniting him with beloved characters like Jane Foster, Heimdall, and Loki, Thor 5 could serve as a poignant celebration of his journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Exploring Valhalla in Thor’s MCU Phase 5 Absence
The post-credit scene in Thor: Love and Thunder, notably, introduced a Valhalla arc, where Jane Foster reunited with Heimdall. This revelation, therefore, sets the stage for a deeply emotional sequel. With this foundation, possible plot points for Thor 5 could include:
- Exploring Thor’s 1500-year life
- Emotional reunions with Jane Foster, Heimdall, Loki, Odin, and Frigga
- Reflective storytelling celebrating Thor’s MCU legacy
A Valhalla-centered film, therefore, could beautifully honor Thor’s journey by seamlessly blending nostalgia with an emotional and heartfelt farewell.
Thor’s MCU Phase 5 Absence: What’s Next?
Thor’s absence from Phase 5, however, does not diminish his monumental contribution to the MCU. As Phase 6 approaches, fans are eagerly looking forward to the next chapter for the God of Thunder. Whether it’s through an intriguing multiverse tale, an engaging prequel, or an emotional Valhalla saga, the possibilities for Thor’s MCU legacy continue to remain limitless and exciting.
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