Goodbyes always hurt, even if they take place in a fictional world where gods live among us and the Mayor of New York just declared war on a blind man wearing a red suit. Fortunately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes things a bit easier on us as it "kills" characters only to bring them back again in a future project. Phil Coulson, Groot, Loki, Gamora, Vision, and countless more perished only to make a shocking comeback further down the line (even if it was thanks to the complicated nature of the multiverse). Unfortunately, there are a few who have permanently bitten the dust despite being incredibly beloved.
Iron Man and Black Widow's stories came to a definite end during the events of Avengers: Endgame. Granted, the actor who brought the former to life will soon return as Doctor Doom, while the latter had a stand-alone movie released after her death. That being said, Tony and Natasha are gone for the time being, along with Steve Rogers, who traveled to the past to spend the rest of his days next to Peggy Carter. As simple as that, three out of the six original Avengers are out of the picture, and it seems a member of the other half could be soon to follow.
Marvel is reportedly planning Thor's send-off in upcoming Avengers movies
"[We'll die] on our on terms. One more time. Our very best"
- Thor, New Avengers (2013) No. 32
According to renowned industry insider Alex Perez, via an article published by Lizzie Hill in The Cosmic Circus, Marvel is planning "a proper send off" for Thor in the upcoming Avengers movies. But before that tragedy happens, the iconic hero will cross paths with his brother, Loki, in a reunion that's bound to make audiences shed a tear or two. It seems the hero's arc might come full circle in the upcoming crossovers, so the only question remaining is: How does such a powerful character meet his demise?
It was also reported that Marvel is using New Avengers (2013) No. 32 as an inspiration for Thor's death. In that issue, the God of Thunder loses his arm while battling a Beyonder, and barely manages to come out victorious thanks to the help of Hyperion. Unfortunately for the two warriors, an army of Beyonders is quick to make their way to the scene, and it becomes clear that our heroes won't make it out alive. Thor attempts to lift his hammer into battle, but finds that he's not deemed "worthy" to do so. Realizing this is his chance to prove his worth yet again, he launches into the fight along with Hyperion. Just as that, the two met their end in this heroic and selfless act.
Interestingly enough, it's thanks to the power of The Beyonder that Doctor Doom was able to create Battleworld during the events of the Secret Wars (2015) comic book storyline. While it remains to be seen if the extra-dimensional beings appear on the big screen, it's been heavily reported that audiences will witness the creation of Battleworld in Avengers: Doomosday next year. With that in mind, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to assume that The Beyonder will make its live-action debut, and that Thor could give his life away while battling it.
The God of Thunder is a really interesting character. He's been at the center of one of the best MCU movies thanks to Thor: Ragnarok, while also starring in some of the worst projects in the form of The Dark World and Love and Thunder. While it seems sometimes Marvel isn't sure of how to use his character, he can be capable of reaching amazing heights (such as the moment he entered the Wakandan battlefield in Avengers: Infinity War). As such, he's become a beloved character that has resonated and entertained countless fans worldwide. While his impending death will be heartbreaking, it's also necessary. So hopefully he'll have an iconic farewell.
On the bright side, the report also mentioned that the hero's legacy will live on on the big screen thanks to the Thor Corps and "other parts of Thor’s mythology". So even if Chris Hemsworth has his number of appearances counted, his character will allow many other stories to come.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on May 1, 2026.