Despite the pathos that came with the angry and depressed Thor we met early in Endgame, the film spent some time poking fun at the God of Thunder’s appearance during the “five years later” scenes, with Chris Hemsworth gamely playing the role under considerable makeup and costuming. It’s a mixed bag, to be sure, but it’s aided by a sympathetic and funny performance from Hemsworth, and it does make for a triumphant moment when Thor finally powers up again in the final battle. Of course, it was a foregone conclusion that future MCU entries would see Hemsworth return to his buff self as the God of Thunder. Which brings us to the latest Thor: Love and Thunder set photos, which depict Hemsworth in workout gear and ’80s style headband and sweatbands. Could this be part of a sequence where Thor gets himself back into God of Thunder shape? Considering that Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi brings his unique sense of humor to this project, and the fact that the film will feature Thor’s new buddies the Guardians of the Galaxy in some capacity, the prospect of an ’80s-style workout montage doesn’t seem out of the question. It’s easy to imagine Chris Pratt’s stuck-in-the-80s Peter Quill “helping” his new buddy out with a workout regimen, an ’80s-inspired playlist (if Marvel Studios somehow commissions a new John Parr song to accompany this, then their powers are truly limitless), and these uniquely ’80s workout accessories. Or perhaps he’s trying to be “inconspicuous” somewhere and Quill gifts him with these ridiculous things as a prank to ramp up their friendly rivalry. Whatever’s going on here, we know this isn’t Thor’s action look, since other photos from the set have shown off a very comics-inspired costume for him. But something more subdued like this should be pretty appropriate considering that he isn’t even truly the God of Thunder anymore, since Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster will be taking on the role of Thor, as the pair square off against Christian Bale’s Gorr, the God Butcher, a character who is every bit as intimidating as his name makes him sound. What do you think is going on in these Thor: Love and Thunder set photos? Let us know in the comments! Thor: Love and Thunder opens on May 6, 2022. For a look at what other Marvel movies and TV series are in the pipeline, check out the full release schedule here.
