Despite being pushed back to May 6, 2022, Thor: Love and Thunder remains one of the most anticipated upcoming MCU projects. With the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster/Mighty Thor and Christian Bale joining the cast at Gorr The God Butcher, some may have forgotten the King of Asgard herself, Tessa Thompson, will reprise her role as Valkyrie.
Audiences saw Thompson's Valkyrie go from a drunk bounty hunter on Sakaar to the new King of what remains of Asgard in Avengers: Endgame. Her role as King will develop even more in Love and Thunder as Thompson previously teased that “as new king, she needs to find her queen. That will be her first order of business. She has some ideas. Keep you posted.”
NEWS
Tessa Thompson was recently interviewed by Entertainment Tonight about her role in Sylvie's Love. She also was asked about her upcoming role as Valkyrie in 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder. Here's what she said about the reported early 2021 production start to Thor's fourth film:
"We're going to begin soon. I think that's about all I can say.
Director Taika Waititi has already hinted at a lot of romance in the Love and Thunder script, now Thompson adds on that we can expect more blend of Waititi's heart and humor:
"I'm very excited I just actually read the newest draft the other day and it is very funny. It's very, very funny and actually very touching."
WHAT THAT MEANS
As The Direct writer Matt Roembke recently wrote, "Thor: Ragnarok on steroids" is what we can expect from Thor: Love and Thunder. All indications point to this film being an even crazier, wackier ride than Waititi's first Thor installment. The most fascinating part of these hints at the script is how touching the story is going to be. While Ragnarok was a hilarious thrill ride, it is not much of a tear-jerker.
If you are questioning whether Waititi is capable of pulling off a film that is equally humorous as it is serious and heartfelt, look no further than 2019's Oscar-winning Jojo Rabbit. A satirical film based in Germany during World War 2, Waititi was able to keep the audience laughing while also being reminded of the incredibly horrific realities of the Nazi regime.
While Love and Thunder may not have the darkness of Jojo Rabbit, there are a few ways we could see some emotionally impactful moments.
The reconnection of Thor and his "old flame" Jane Foster is sure to come with some touching and somber moments, especially if Foster is going through cancer treatments. Another area that could bring seriousness to this film is the introduction of Gorr, The God Butcher. This villain is absolutely brutal in the comics, slicing off limbs and killing whoever dares to cross his path. It is no secret that Gorr will bring the gore.
