Tag: Thor

Marvel Studios 6 Worst Post-Credit Scenes

The case has been made. Marvel Studios long-standing tradition of post-credit scenes has become a distraction and should come to an end. By taking on a life of their own, they’ve become parasitic in nature, taking the focus off of the film and dominating online discussion. Here’s a look at 7 post-credit scenes that help support the claim that it’s time for them to take a dirt nap.

Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 (2013)

While humorous, the post-credit scene to Iron Man 3 essentially only served to make sure audiences didn’t forget about the Science Bros. from The Avengers.

Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

It’s not surprising that one of Marvel Studios’ worst cinematic efforts has one of its worst post-credit scenes. Following the film’s conclusion, fans are treated to getting to see one more shared kiss between Thor and Jane Foster. It’s great because Jane then disappeared for nearly a decade’s worth of content, only being mentioned as a joke in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The little joke about the Frost Beast left behind on Midgard is actually more impactful.

Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The film introduced the MCU version of Peter Parker to much fanfare. We’re now a whole trilogy away from his intro, and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has proven wildly popular and his most recent film is one of Marvel Studios’ best yet. However, the post-credit scene following his introduction lacked any kind of punch at all. It showcased his flashy Spidey symbol, something that hasn’t been revisited since. If the only purpose it served was to let fans know we’d see more Spidey, I’d rather have had the “Spider-Man will return” text.

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange (2016)

In fairness, the Strange franchise was overhauled when the entire creative team from the first film left Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and was replaced by Michael Waldron and Sam Raimi. That might, however, be indicative of one of the big problems with these post-credit scenes in the first place: short of maybe Kevin Feige, there is no guarantee that anyone’s ideas will carry on beyond the scenes. Scott Derrickson was moving the franchise in one particular direction; once he left, the idea of Mordo hunting sorcerers probably left with him. 616 Mordo didn’t even appear in the film but, as Waldron pointed out, that just means he could still be out there doing his thing. It’s too bad fans will probably never see it. This is why the return of One-Shots would be a considerable upgrade.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

One of the most chilling post-credit scenes of all…now rendered totally useless by the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It’s not to say we’ll never see Michael Mando’s Mac Gargan suit up as Scorpion and hunt down Spidey, but any chance of him getting the info out of Michael Keaton’s Adrian Toomes disappeared with Strange’s spell. Of course, Keaton hasn’t been back in the MCU since then anyway, but that’s a different story.

Eternals

Eternals (2021)

This scene has the potential to be redeemed, but depends an awful lot on whether or not Marvel Studios ever does anything with the Eternals again. While the film sets up the promise of more adventures, the reality is that nobody (both in the MCU and in real life) knew about them before the film, so nobody is going to miss them after. This scene really only works for hardcore Cosmic comic fans, and even then it’s a stretch. Harry Styles is gorgeous as Starfox and Patton Oswalt was a great fit for Pip; however, introducing Starfox AFTER Thanos is dead is a bit of bad timing and Pip is probably just going to end up as a walking practical joke. As it stands, it wasn’t time well spent.

In all honesty, the list had to be trimmed down to focus on these 6. The other Eternals’ scene, the recent Clea scene and more were all up for consideration, but these 6 helped provide a more well-rounded look at the issues Marvel Studios has faced. Given they’ll certainly not stop putting them together, we can revisit this down the road and see if these are still among the worst.

May 14, 2022
Chris Pratt on How Star-Lord in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ is Different from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

Star-Lord is about to make his return in Thor: Love and Thunder, as he is still recovering from traveling alongside a mopy God of Thunder. Of course, Chris Pratt‘s return in the upcoming Thor sequel will also act as a prelude to what may be the final Guardians of the Galaxy film. Vol. 3 is still a year away, but that didn’t stop Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier to ask Chris Pratt how different it is to tackle the same character in different franchises.

Well, you know, there’s James Gunn’s Peter Quill and then there’s the Peter Quill that has existed outside of James Gunn, which is in cameos in The Avengers and now the cameos in Thor.
Chris Pratt

He goes on to highlight just how different it is working on the character when director James Gunn is involved, as the character “is an extension of him.” So, naturally, it adds a special layer to the character and how the creative team tackles the character.

And so truly the Peter Quill that I do when James is in charge is an extension of him. And the Peter Quill that I do when it’s not him in charge is really kind of me let loose to do a little bit more than probably he would want me to do, in some way. So I guess the difference would be that.
Chris Pratt

The actor also teases how the projects will connect, as there will be a transition from where Star-Lord is during Love and Thunder before heading out into his own adventure with the rest of the Guardians in Vol. 3.

James Gunn has a [focus] for Quill that isn’t on for Thor or for Avengers. And so we’ll see how that plays out when it comes out. I mean, we’re obviously dealing with the end of Avengers and where that left the Guardians of the Galaxy with Thor [Love and Thunder]. We’ll see how that sort of transition works to set up [Guardians of the Galaxy] Volume 3.
Chris Pratt

It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the films connect, especially as there’s still the question of if they are still actively searching for Gamora, who has been missing since the events of Avengers: Endgame. Not only that, but she’s also not the version they spent their time with, as she’s displaced from a different timeline. So, we’ll see if they might hint at her whereabouts in the Thor sequel.

Source: Gizmodo

May 12, 2022
Taika Waititi Praises Russell Crowe’s Zeus in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

Some time ago, Russell Crowe flat out talked about his role as Zeus in the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Thor: Love and Thunder. While the trailers are still keeping his face a secret, they did tease their take on the Greek’s God of Thunder. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Taika Waititi praised his friend and teased that the film will feature “a way you’ve never seen Russell before.” He goes on to highlight that:

I consider Russell a friend, and I forget that there are some friends I have who are really incredible at what they do. [laugh] When I was on set with Russell, I was like, ‘Oh shit, that’s right! You’re Russell Crowe! You’re a really amazing actor.’
Taika Waititi

It’s definitely great to see him enjoy his work with his friends and it definitely was Waititi’s connections that probably convinced Croew to give the film a shot. It’s unclear what exactly his future is going to be in the MCU, especially if he appeared as a god in a film that features Gorr the God Butcher. Though, hopefully, we get to enjoy the confrontation between Thor and Zeus, who both wield lightning and thunder. It wouldn’t be too surprising if they try to one-up each other while they share the screen.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

May 10, 2022
Taika Waititi Describes ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ as a “Midlife Crisis Film”

Thor: Love and Thunder‘s trailer promised a very different kind of film, as Taika Waititi takes Thor down a more personal story. Even as he travels the galaxy with the Guardians, he’s slowly losing his warrior spirit and is trying to take a step back. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director talks about how the film stands out from his last entry, Thor: Ragnarok.

Ragnarok felt a bit like a party. It was quite festive. This one is still fun, and it’s got moments of being over the top, but thematically, it’s about something a bit deeper than the last film. It’s not a serious film, and it’s not a drama, but we do deal with ideas that I think a lot of humans deal with — universal themes about love and loss and our place in the world. Everyone sort of asks this question in the film: What is your purpose? What is the reason that you’re a hero, and what do you do when you have these powers.
Taika Waititi

Waititi goes on to highlight how different his approach was towards Thor: Love and Thunder, as he views it as a “midlife crisis film” for Thor, which was hinted at in the trailer.

It’s sort of like a midlife crisis film, really. That’s the question we ask everyone: Are we doing the right thing, and are we doing all we can in the world? I think right now, while the world is still healing from this pandemic, it’s a good question to ask. It’s like, well, are we doing enough to look after each other and to look after ourselves.
Taika Waititi

It’ll certainly be an interesting idea for a storyline, especially as we already explored PTSD with Iron Man 3. A story about a hero facing his midlife crisis, especially one that also further explores a romantic outing for that hero, could make for a very different style of story. The trailer already hints at it being a very different kind of Marvel film, which continues Phase 4’s re-exploration of its heroes in a post-Endgame world. Here’s hoping the next trailer offers a better look.

Source: EW

May 10, 2022
Earlier ‘Moon Knight’ Drafts Referenced ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’s Gorr the God Butcher

With a series in development based on Moon Knight and his connection to the Egyptian pantheon, as well as the arrival of Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder seemed like the perfect time to set up his arrival. Yet, the Disney+ series surprisingly remained self-contained and didn’t include any references to Christian Bale’s upcoming god-slaying character. Yet, Moon Knight head writer Jeremy Slater revealed that earlier drafts of the script did, in fact, include references to Gorr. In an interview with The Direct, he talks about

Both a lot and a little. But the reality is that we had no idea—when we started working on the show, we didn’t know when we were debuting. We always sort of assumed it would be later down the road, and we would sort of be coming out in fall of 2022, and we thought we would probably be following Thor [Love and Thunder]. But at that time, Thor didn’t necessarily have a concrete release date either, everything was sort of up in the air, and it’s like we might be ahead of Thor, or we might be finishing up. So there were different versions of the script where the Gods would sort of talk about, ‘This thing with Gorr the God Butcher just happened, and now we’ve got this new problem.’ And then there were other versions of the script where they sort of talked about, ‘We’re hearing rumors [that] Gods are dying, this is not the right time to get involved.’ Like we tried to have our cake and eat it too
Jeremy Slater

The meeting of the gods referencing the looming threat would’ve made sense, but it does seem like the uncertainty of some productions has added a new layer of challenge, especially with how the pandemic shifted their projects around. It also would’ve been confusing for some viewers to hear references to Gorr, especially if they potentially retcon his backstory and his activities at a later date. He goes on to highlight that they were aware of the “general beats” of Love and Thunder, but Marvel supported them in not forcing in the reference.

We knew the general beats of what would happen in Thor: Love and Thunder, so that we wouldn’t be contradicting anything. But we had versions of the story that sort of teased Gorr’s arrival, and [ones] that were sort of taking place in the aftermath of that movie. Ultimately at some point, Marvel just made the creative decision, ‘You know what, we don’t necessarily need this.’ The way that Ennead scene ultimately panned out in Episode 3, it didn’t feel like there was an organic place to sort of drop-in, like, ‘Oh, and by the way, this has nothing to do with the story we’re currently telling, but there’s a thing happening over here.’ I think Marvel is getting very smart about how they sort of work in those references and cameos, and they’ll do it if it makes sense. [They won’t] do it if they hurt the story, [so] they don’t do it just for the sake of doing it. I think that was a time where they felt like, ‘We’re stretching to make this connection, we don’t really need it
Jeremy Slater

Moon Knight is in a better place for remaining within its own pocket of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While some hoped the post-credit sequence might introduce Gorr, it would’ve been confusing for many, especially if they wanted to keep the door open for further exploration of its main character rather than him being overshadowed by Gorr. We’ll see if the Egyptians might have a potential appearance in Love and Thunder once it hits theaters in July..

Source: The Direct

May 9, 2022
Taika Waitit Teases Jane Foster’s Return as a ‘Mindf-k For Thor’ in ‘Love and Thunder’, New Look at Mighty Thor

Empire has released a new interview with director Taika Waititi, who has returned to the Thor franchise after his work on Ragnarok. Love and Thunder will see the grand return of Natalie Portman‘s Jane Foster, who hasn’t been seen since 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. The astrophysicist has gone through quite the change, as she’s the new wielder of a resurrected Mjolnir and it looks like it’ll be quite an experience for Thor to see her again. Director Waititi teases that after all this time, her reappearance will be quite the “mindfuck for Thor” in Love and Thunder. Full Quote Here:

It’s been about eight years. She’s had a whole other life, and then the love of your life comes back on the scene, and is now dressed like you. It’s a real mindfuck for Thor.
Taika Waititi

In the interview, the director highlights that it wasn’t their initial plan to explore Mighty Thor’s storyline, but it came together through the writing process.

I didn’t know we were going to use the storyline of the Mighty Thor character until we started working out the actual story. I was writing and it was like, ‘Wouldn’t it be kind of cool to bring Jane back into the storyline?’ You don’t want Natalie coming back and playing that same character who’s walking around with science equipment. You know, while Thor’s flying around, she’s left on Earth, tapping her foot going, ‘When’s he going to be back?’ That’s boring. You want her to be part of the adventure.
Taika Waititi

It definitely would’ve been a shame to bring her back and not further explore her character. Though, it surprised many that Portman was going to return to the franchise after she left it behind all those years ago. So, it’s great she got a true moment to shine, as Waitiit also teases some great humor heading our way from the actress once we see her return in the MCU.

Source: Empire

May 7, 2022
New ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Merch Teases Thor’s Story Arc with the Guardians of the Galaxy

The first trailer of Thor: Love and Thunder gave us a glimpse at the God of Thunder trying to find some inner peace. He set out with the Guardians of the Galaxy after the events of Avengers: Endgame, where they finally took down Thanos and could bring back half the universe. While we do see him try to get back into shape and into saving the galaxy, something seems off for Thor.

A new piece of merchandise from Love and Thunder may have answered that very question. While we still see a somewhat younger Groot, the big reveal is the fact that Thor is seemingly still not over the defeat at the hands of Thanos. It reads as follows:

Long after the Avengers defeat Thanos. The Guardians of the Galaxy must convince Thor to return to the battlefield.

It’s not too surprising that he might be still hung up on it, as while they did take him down, it was Tony’s self-sacrifice that truly defeated the Titan. So, he technically never truly got an actual victory and while he may have gotten back in shape, it may still linger in his mind. Of course, he may just generally have reached his limit with all the losses he faced, and getting into shape didn’t quite give him that spark he was hoping for. Perhaps meeting an old friend and an imminent threat that gives him exactly what he was looking for.

May 5, 2022
Taika Waititi Hypes ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’, Hails Christian Bale’s Gorr

Taika Waititi wasted no time making it clear that his version of the MCU’s Thor would have little in common with the character that was introduced in 2011 and spent several years and appearances being overshadowed by his fellow Avengers. After being sidelined in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, the God of Thunder returned in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok in which Waititi deconstructed the hero and set him on a journey that would find him stripped bare of everything that he thought he was and all those who mattered to him. When we last saw him at the end of Avengers: Endgame, Thor was headed out into the galaxy to star over. And according to Waititi, in an interview with the Associated Press, that’s right where his story will pick up in this summer’s Thor: Love and Thunder.

Thor is just trying to figure out his purpose, trying to figure out exactly who he is and why he’s a hero or whether he should be a hero. I guess you could call it a midlife crisis.
Taikia Waititi

The recent teaser for the film gave that vibe, with Thor meditating and reflecting while searching for peace. Unfortunately for the Odinson, any peace he finds will be fleeting as he’s fated to come face-to-face with Gorr the God Butcher who was teased-not-seen in the aforementioned teaser. According to Waititi, Gorr-brought to the screen by Christian Bale-will not only provide an unprecedented threat to Thor, but is poised to find himself in high company saying, “in my humble opinion, we have probably the best villain that Marvel’s ever had in Christian Bale.”

And though Thor has lost his father, his brother, his Warriors Three and his best friend, he’s picked up a couple of new pals along the way in Valkyrie and Korg, and is set to be reunited with familiar face he thought lost in ex-flame Jane Foster. These friends, old and new, will be with him while he takes on a threat not only to him, but gods of all Pantheons. Waititi calls the squad “a great, really fun, weird little group of heroes, a new team for Thor with Korg, Valkyrie and The Mighty Thor.”

Waititi isn’t one to make promises upon which he can’t deliver. He’s often described Love and Thunder as crazier than Ragnarok and if he’s hyping it and Bale’s performance this much, there’s reason to be excited. Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters this July.

Source: AP

May 4, 2022
New Comic-Inspired ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Promo Art Offers New Look at Gorr

Even with a trailer and poster out for Thor: Love and Thunder, our only real look at Christian Bale‘s Gorr the God Butcher comes through merchandise. We got the release which included some concept art with a very different design from the comics. Yet, a Funko Pop would tease that he may indeed have similar abilities to what he had in the comics, as the All-Black Necrosword can extend like a symbiote. A new round of promo images for Love and Thunder have found their way online that are inspired by classic comic covers, which also include a new look at Gorr.

Mighty Thor gets a good focus alongside Thor, but the final image includes a great look at Gorr wielding his weapon. Yes, he is true quite a bit more humanoid with white robes covering his body, but it once again confirms that the All-Black has the ability to extend with some dark energy. Here’s hoping that means he’ll also get his iconic black hood as the film goes on. Perhaps he’ll become more and more alien over the course of using the blade, which may curse its user.

As it’s a drawing, they may change quite a bit about the design but it does seem the tendrils of darkness are going to remain a consisting element of his design. The actual blade is a curious design, as it seems like a normal longsword rather than something that screams “alien.” It may have a different origin story in the film rather than in the comics and may actually have some kind of connection to the overarching storyline. Perhaps it even plays a bigger role in the MCU moving forward.

Source: Twitter

April 27, 2022
James Gunn Requested A Few Adjustments to the Guardians in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is still some time away, but that doesn’t mean we’ll have to wait too long for them to make their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer revealed, we got a glimpse at the team’s return alongside their latest addition, the God of Thunder. While it seems their paths won’t cross for too long, it does seem like this film will lead into the upcoming third entry of the film. As such, it would make sense for its director James Gunn to have some input.

Luckily, Twitter user @NerfSolo asked the director if he might have had some say in how Taika Waititi tackled the team, and the director swiftly answered that he asked for them to make a few adjustments. As a lot of these projects are a collaborative effort, it seems that Waititi made the requested adjustments from James Gunn.

https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1517867561706266624

Of course, we’ll likely never find out what exactly he requested to change, but it highlights that the directors still continue to exchange notes as they work on the various projects. Perhaps some of the adjustments were made to ease in viewers from that project into the third entry, but Vol. 3 might be mostly disconnected. Last time we saw the Guardians in Avengers: Endgame, they were making their way to find the displaced Gamora, who originated from a different timeline. Going by trailer, it seems they are still doing some work for hire, but it’s uncertain if that may still play into the film in any way.

Source: Twitter

April 24, 2022