As the Marvel Cinematic Universe tries to get back on track after COVID-19 brought the movie industry to a standstill, there’s new hype surrounding Taika Waititi‘s Thor: Love and Thunder.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Love and Thunder will begin its Australian shoot in January, and insiders have reportedly described the sequel as having “an Avengers 5 feel” due to the film’s huge ensemble cast. There’s no further information on why it feels like the next Avengers movie, other than the fact its supersized cast has something to do with it.
While Phase 4 of the MCU has presented a new slate of movies including newcomers The Eternals and returning favorites for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it’s the first time in the franchise’s history that there won’t be a traditional Avengers movie. Phase 3 had two in the form of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, but for the time being, fans are left wondering when (or if) Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will reunite.
When it comes to Thor: Love and Thunder, director Waititi has brought in new cast members as well as franchise favorites. Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role as the God of Thunder, Tessa Thompson will return as Valkyrie, and fans will see the long-awaited return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. Waititi will also reprise his own role as Korg. Recently, Christian Bale joined the cast as Love and Thunder‘s villain and Chris Pratt is once again suiting up as Star-Lord.
The idea of Love and Thunder serving as a prelude to Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was previously teased by Vin Diesel, but as it stands, it’s unclear who else will be joining the massive cast or if there will be return appearances from Mark Ruffalo or Kat Dennings. Thor: Love and Thunder is not the first Thor film to have a large ensemble. 2017’s Ragnarok included Karl Urban, Jeff Goldblum and Cate Blanchett, with notable cameos from Matt Damon, Luke Hemsworth and Sam Neill. Ragnarok served as part of Phase 3, which also included Captain America: Civil War — dubbed by some as its own mini Avengers movie.
Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and Christian Bale in an unconfirmed role. The film arrives in theaters Feb. 11, 2022.