Welcome to the Road To Infinity War Series! This is the fourth installment, as we go character by character. We will take a look at where we last left each key hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where they might show up next and what they could be up to.
So far we have taken a look at several of the Avengers. That list includes Iron Man, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. You can check out those pieces here, here and here. Today we will be taking a closer look at The Incredible Hulk himself, Bruce Banner.
Marvel has three films this year, then one more in early 2018 before Avengers: Infinity War. There is a lot that can go down before we get the full wrath of Thanos. But where does Thor fall in the grand scheme of things right now, especially after headed back to Asgard to research the Infinity Stones at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron? Did he learn anything, or was his mission rerouted thanks to Loki’s mischief?
To this point, we have gotten two solo Thor films, plus appearances in both the Avengers flicks. The God of Thunder has had his fair share of the spotlight, but his more important moments may still be to come. With all eyes looking towards Infinity War, only time will tell. So let’s see what Thor’s road to Infinity War will look like.
[Kenny]
Where we left him
Unlike most of the Avengers, Chris Hemsworth’s character was not a part of Captain America: Civil War. That means the last time we saw him was at the end of the last Avengers film. You know the one where James Spader was playing an evil robot who was dropping cities out of the sky? Or as you may know it, Age of Ultron.
So following their final battle with Mr. Ultron, some team members were talking back at Avengers Headquarters. In particular, there was a conversation between Cap, Tony and one blonde haired Asgardian. One of the topics was about the Mind Stone, which is in Vision’s forehead.
Thor did some digging throughout the film, meaning he learned that this stone was an Infinity Stone. There was still much to these stones that he still did not know, however. This prompted him to bid his teammates adieu and fly off into the sky.
So essentially, he was headed back to his home of Asgard. His plan was to do some research on the Stones. But something tells me that plan did not fully pan out. At the conclusion of the second Thor film, The Dark World, Loki had gained control of the throne. However, he was posing as Odin, meaning the wielder of Mjolnir had no idea that’s what he is walking into.
What will Thor be up to before Avengers: Infinity War? Where does he fit into the big picture?
As things stand right now, we know we will be seeing the Asgardian hero come November. There are two MCU films being released before that. He does not figure to factor into either of those films (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Spider-Man: Homecoming).
If he does appear, it will be in the form of a credit scene. But my money would say the tease for his film, Thor: Ragnarok, will involve the Hulk. There is likely only going to be one scene to tease this film, so my guess is the title hero is left to show back up come November.
Now within the film itself, we know Hela is going to be a pain in his side. There will be some time spent in New York looking for Odin. Doctor Strange will be there to help. Loki will be there, but we do not know in what capacity. There will be a gladiator battle on Sakaar against Hulk. All of this is likely going to be without his trusted hammer Mjolnir, which is going to be blown to pieces by Hela.
Now, these are just some of the highlights that we are aware of. So the question remains what effect will the film have on Thor’s outlook moving forward. One major point I think will have an impact moving forward is in regards to Mjolnir. While I was of the belief the mighty hammer would make a return about a week ago, my tune has changed.
We have now seen how it is blown up. Then I came across the piece of concept art for Infinity War that shows Thor and Rocket. Notice how there is no hammer? But instead a different weapon. So my final answer is the God of Thunder will be going to Plan B moving forward.
In addition, I do not see Hela falling in one film. She could very well be the MCU’s take on Death. This means she would have a pretty big role come Infinity War. Which means she will not fall at the hands of Chris Hemsworth in this movie.
Instead, I think we end the film with her actually beating the hero. I think she will banish him to Hel or to some form of prison. Ultimately it will be Hulk and the Guardians who need to rescue him come the next Avengers movie. But with a name like Ragnarok, which has a very dark meaning in the comics, I do not see this having a happy ending. In other words, everyone’s favorite blonde haired hero will be facing an uphill battle going into Infinity War.
So there you have it. With four films left before we reach Infinity War, there is plenty of things that could change. We know for sure we will be seeing the God of Thunder later this year. Given Ragnarok is a good bet to have an impact on Infinity War, it will certainly be crucial in the grand scheme of things for not only Thor, but several Marvel characters.
Where do you see Thor’s journey going over the course of the next handful of MCU films? Tell us in the comments!