Marvel fans are back to having more than enough to look forward to from the MCU, which kicks off a new string of releases in just over a week. The Disney+ premiere for Loki on June 9 will begin a run that includes eight new projects releasing before the end of 2021, and that trend is set to continue in a big way for 2022 as well.
While many release dates are still up in the air, next year the MCU is set to bring four theatrical sequels to the big screen, following up four popular Phase 3 entries. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Marvels have yet to begin production with their releases coming in July and November, while Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is currently in post-production and preparing for its March release.
Exciting news is here on the production front for 2022's summer release as well, courtesy of a long-standing MCU veteran
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
MCU star Chris Hemsworth took to Instagram to share an image of himself with director Taika Waititi from the set of Thor: Love and Thunder. The actor included the following caption, indicating that shooting has wrapped on his fourth MCU solo movie:
"That’s a wrap on Thor Love and Thunder, it’s also national don’t flex day so I thought this super relaxed photo was appropriate. The film is gonna be batshit crazy off the wall funny and might also pull a heart string or two. Lots of love, lots of thunder! Thank you to all the cast and crew who made this another incredible Marvel journey. Buckle in, get ready and see ya in cinemas!!"
ELEVEN MONTHS LEFT TO GO
Although it is still nearly a year until Chris Hemsworth's next MCU adventure comes to theaters, this is a momentous occasion for the cast, crew, and fans. After cameras started rolling for Love and Thunder in October 2020, anticipation is slowly building to see the final results of the team's eight-month-long shoot.
As for the picture itself, there is plenty of information to gather, including the fact that Chris Hemsworth looks to be more of a hulking figure than ever before. The galactic tank top only accentuates the biggest build he's sported in his decade of time in the MCU, and all eyes will certainly be on the Australian as he puts those massive muscles to good use.
Waititi also looks to have an updated motion-capture suit for his work as Korg, complete with the character's rocky arms and a mold of the Kronan's head for his costars to speak to. His belt buckle also appears to be adorned with a goat's head, which could be referencing Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder from the comics; the goats have also been teased in previous set pictures.
The two also appear to be on some sort of intergalactic spaceship, which makes sense considering the travels through the galaxy set to come, although it's unclear whether it's the Benatar or another vessel.
The team will now dive headfirst into editing and post-production to trim down the story and add the necessary special effects work so that the expected thunder and lightning on the way looks as impressive as expected.
With anywhere from 11 to 12 MCU projects coming to Disney+ and theaters before then, it will still likely be a few months before the first teases of this film make their way to the public. Nevertheless, with Hemsworth looking bigger than ever and Taika Waititi continually sharing his excitement, the film is sure to bring the house down when it finally debuts.
Thor: Love and Thunder will premiere in theaters on May 6, 2022.
