Marvel today (May 25th, 2022) has revealed another trailer for its next film, Thor: Love and Thunder, which shows more of Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) journey, and the movie’s villain, played by former Batman actor, Christian Bale

Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began with Black Widow last year (2021), and the most recent project was Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which released on May 5th, 2022, just one day after the final episode of Marvel and Disney+ series Moon Knight

Now, after leaving it until what feels like the last minute, Marvel has revealed not one but two trailers for Thor 4, with today’s trailer giving fans a lot more context, as well as a first look at Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher, the feature’s villain. 

Thor 4 sees the God of Thunder face something he’s never done before - himself. Thor must re-discover who he is if he wants to move forward with his life after the events of previous films. 

Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Love and Thunder / Picture Credit: Marvel Studios
Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Love and Thunder / Picture Credit: Marvel Studios

However, his plans of serenity are ruined by Gorr, a galactic murderer who wants nothing more than to execute the gods. In order to defeat Gorr, Thor needs help. Thor 4 sees the return of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). 

In the new trailer, Jane is seen as Mighty Thor, wielding Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, which was destroyed by Hela (Cate Blanchette) in Thor: Ragnarök; this presents fans with two mysteries, one being how Mjolnir was fixed, and how Jane has become Mighty Thor. 

We also see a bit more of Russell Crowe’s Zeus, as he removes Thor’s disguise to reveal a tattoo on the god’s back in the shape of Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) helmet. 

Many Marvel fans argue that Phase 4 of the MCU isn’t going too well, but seeing as though Waititi is directing Thor 4, there may be very little chance for failure. Waititi directed the third Thor film, which was met with high praises from critics and audiences alike. 

Despite Jane becoming Mighty Thor, there is also another character that fans are looking forward to seeing: Gorr. Bale made his DC debut with Batman Begins in 2005 as the Caped Crusader, now he’s tackling the MCU; it seems he lived long enough to see himself become the villain after all... 

Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher / Picture Credit: Marvel Studios
Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher / Picture Credit: Marvel Studios

The trailer shows us Bale’s Gorr as a grey being with anger behind his eyes; his mission is clear, and it seems as though Bale will make a decent villain. However, will Marvel repeat their theme of killing off their best bad guys? 

He states that “All gods will die”, but can Thor, Korg, and the rest of his team put an end to Gorr’s murderous plan? 

Thor: Love and Thunder will be in cinemas on July 8th, 2022. 

Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal

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