The Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole came to be thanks to the bravery of six unexpected heroes. History was made the moment Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk, Hawkeye, Captain America, and Thor united to defeat Loki and the Chitauri forces during the events of The Avengers. Ever since that day, audiences have been on an unforgettable journey in which they've watched these characters grow, go on standalone adventures, get new costumes, and eventually assemble yet again to save half of the life in the universe. Unfortunately, we've also had to bid our farewells to some of them.
Out of the six starting Avengers, only three stand. Hulk has been aiding his cousin Jennifer Walters in controlling her newfound powers in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, while Clint Barton acted as Kate Bishop's mentor during the events of Hawkeye. So what about the God of Thunder? Well, he's the only original MCU hero officially confirmed to appear in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. Naturally, fans have been wondering if we're about to witness the end of his story in the big crossover, or if a fifth entry in his own franchise is on the cards. Well, we finally have an answer, and it appears... both options could be correct.
Thor will reportedly die in Avengers, but his story will continue regardless
Industry insider Alex Perez does a monthly Q&A regarding all things Marvel, which is then published in The Cosmic Circus. As part of the recent scoops, it was revealed that Thor will die in an upcoming Avengers movie, though it wasn't specified in which of the two. The same source also reported back in April that the God of Thunder will cross paths with his brother Loki one more time before his farewell. Furthermore, New Avengers (2013) No. 32 is being used as inspiration for the hero's climactic death.
Thor has been at the center of the spotlight ever since the release of his own standalone movie back in 2011. While it might be heartbreaking to learn he'll finally meet his match in the upcoming MCU crossovers, it was also to be expected. However, does this mean his story is coming to a definitive end? Well, not exactly. After all, Valhalla awaits all of those who die in battle.
During the events of Thor: Love and Thunder, Jane Foster finally became the Mighty Thor. Unfortunately, her time as a superhero abruptly ended when she lost her battle against cancer... or so it initially seemed. The post-credits scene revealed that Jane arrived at Valhalla, where Heimdall was awaiting her. With that in mind, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to assume Thor could have a similar fate after meeting his match during the upcoming Avengers movies. Perhaps the God of Thunder could even reunite with the love of his life in "the afterlife".
Even if Thor sacrifices himself for a greater good, the door could still be open for him to have a fifth standalone movie, as it was previously reported. Word on the street is that Taika Waititi wouldn't be behind the director's chair this time around, and that Chris Hemsworth is pushing for Extraction director Sam Hargrave to helm the upcoming movie. Of course, there could also be the possibility that the God of Thunder will meet his end in Avengers: Doomsday, only to return one last time in Avengers: Secret Wars (though it seems unlikely that Marvel will "kill" him twice in a row).
There are many aspects of Thor's mythology that fans are eagerly awaiting to see adapted on the big screen. Now that Doctor Doom could create Battleworld, it would be the perfect moment for the Thor Corps to make their live-action debut. This could also allow for the iconic hero to cross paths with Beta Ray Bill, who has been teased many times before in the MCU. Besides, we're all waiting to see if Love's story will be followed up, and just how Thor would act as a parent outside of the battlefield.
There's a saying that no one is truly ever gone in comic book pages aside from Uncle Ben, and it seems that logic will translate onto the big screen. All signs seem to indicate that the MCU is gearing up to stage a big farewell to the God of Thunder, so fingers crossed that he returns afterward only if it is for the right project.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on December 18, 2026.