Marvel Studios is preparing for quite the extended run in theaters and on Disney+, which includes more than a handful of highly-anticipated sequels for this year and next. Included in that group is Taika Waititi's Thor: Love and Thunder, which will be the first time any MCU solo hero has starred in four solo movies with Chris Hemsworth leading the way.
Featuring a star-studded cast of the MCU's most prominent galactic heroes, this movie will look to continue the story from both 2017's Thor: Ragnarok and the last two Avengers outings that closed the Infinity Saga.
The God of Thunder is set to team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy, Korg, Valkyrie, and more after losing half his people to Thanos during the opening moments of Avengers: Infinity War. One of the last of Thanos' casualties was Idris Elba's Heimdall, who saved Bruce Banner/the Hulk before meeting his untimely demise in front of his longtime friend.
However, the latest report surrounding the project may signal that this wasn't the official end for the Asgardian gatekeeper.
IDRIS ELBA TEASING A COMEBACK?
Idris Elba spoke with Brandon Davis of ComicBook about his experience with Warner Bros.' The Suicide Squad. During this discussion, he hinted at a potential comeback as Heimdall in Marvel Studios' Thor: Love and Thunder.
After Davis made that Heimdall "seemingly" perished during Avengers: Infinity War while discussing Elba's future with comic book movies, the actor made sure to point out that the word "seemingly" should be taken note of in conversation about the Asgardian gatekeeper's fate:
"I think that I'm excited about the possibilities in the DC world. And I think the word of choice to make note of is the word 'seemingly.'"
A GLORIOUS RETURN IN STORE?
Heimdall's return in Thor: Love and Thunder would certainly make for a shocking reveal, especially considering that he met his demise directly in front of Thor. However, there could be a way to work it into everything that's been told through the God of Thunder's last few movies.
While Thor: Ragnarok largely dealt with the destruction of Asgard and many of its people, another part of this concept dealt with the idea of rebirth after the disaster. While Valkyrie began rebuilding Asgard on Earth during Avengers: Endgame, there's still the chance that those like Heimdall who were killed could make a return as well.
A rumor also came out over a year ago that the movie was casting for a young Black character named Zappa, who many believed to be coming into play as a young version of Heimdall. Whether this is true is still unknown, but it could open the door for Idris Elba's gatekeeper if the rebirth concept comes fully to fruition.
With filming having just finished a few weeks ago, it will likely still be some time until Elba's return is confirmed, especially with so many other stars in play for Love and Thunder. Nevertheless, the possibility of Elba coming back for his sixth MCU movie would add another exciting dynamic to this wild story.
Thor: Love and Thunder will debut in theaters on May 6, 2022.
