MCU’s Thor Movie Design Was Almost More Comics Accurate

One of the early designs for Thor in the MCU was almost more accurate to the comics. Thor was one of the main heroes introduced in the MCU's Phase 1, with his solo movie arriving in 2011. Played by Chris Hemsworth, Thor was initially portrayed as a hot-headed prince from Asgard who learned humility and compassion after being briefly cast out to Earth. Thor then went on to be one of the founding members of the Avengers and has since appeared in two additional solo films. While 2013's Thor: The Dark World is often considered one of the weakest MCU installments, 2017's Thor: Ragnarok revitalized the both the character and the franchise.

Thor was last seen in Avengers: Endgame, which took him in a completely new direction. Following the Avengers' devastating loss in Avengers: Infinity War, Thor fell into a deep depression that led to him retreating from society and gaining weight. The introduction of "Fat Thor" in Endgame was met with seriously mixed reactions. There were some who enjoyed the change and appreciated the fact that an overweight Thor could still be considered worthy, but there were others who thought Endgame relegated him to comic relief and didn't treat his trauma respectfully.

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Thor has certainly undergone quite the journey throughout his time in the MCU. Looking back on his origins, Marvel Studio's head of visual development, Charlie Wen, shared an early design for Thor. What's interesting about this look is that it was based on the Ultimates comic series, so he doesn't have his standard red cape. You can see it for yourself in the space below.

Thor gets the distinction of being the only MCU hero (so far) to get four solo movies instead of just the traditional three. He will return for Thor: Love and Thunder, which is currently slated for release in February 2022. Ragnarok director Taika Waititi is returning for this installment, and he's writing the script with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Hemsworth said he's read the script and promises that it's absolutely crazy.

Love and Thunder will also feature a second Thor in the form of Natalie Portman's Jane Foster. Portman sat out Ragnarok and was seemingly finished with the MCU, but Waititi confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con last year that Portman will be back to portray the Mighty Thor, as seen in the comics. So while Thor's look and story might have veered away from the source material, his next adventure has the opportunity to head back home in a major way. It's just a shame 2022 is so far away.

More: Infinity War BTS Images Reveal How Thor’s Iconic Wakanda Entrance Was Filmed

Source: Charlie Wen/Instagram