While it may seem like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was just released, fans are just a few weeks away from the next MCU installment, Thor: Love and Thunder. While moviegoers are delighted to see Odinson and Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster renew their romance as Gods of Thunder, Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher is prepared to derail the joyful reunion.
The villain will appear in the future film, and his campaign to eliminate all Gods will eventually reach the fandom’s favorite Asgardian. Naturally, a God-killing zealot will have to confront a number of these targeted higher forces if he is to succeed.
So, although Thor is normally the sole deity that people follow in the MCU (sorry, Khonshu), Love and Thunder will introduce multiple new Gods. One of the most notable will be Russell Crowe’s Zeus, who will be the first member of the Greek Pantheon to appear in Marvel’s universe.
So, what was it like to collaborate with the iconic actor on such a one-of-a-kind adventure?
Thor: Love and Thunder actor Chris Hemsworth spoke with Disney about Russell Crowe’s role as Zeus in the next film.
Thor: Love and Thunder actor Chris Hemsworth spoke with Disney about Russell Crowe’s role as Zeus in the next film.
Crowe “has a tremendous sense of humour and did everything (director) Taika (Waititi) wanted on set,” Hemsworth said of his performance, which he described as “mind-blowing” to witness:
“I never thought I’d see the day where Russell would appear on screen with hints at ‘Gladiator’ imagery, yet with a wink—totally self-deprecating. He didn’t keep anything back. I’m a huge fan. I’ve been doing it since I first began acting. From a distance, his performances and him as a person have such weight and importance. When I met him, he had a terrific sense of humour and performed everything Taika wanted on set, which was incredible. And it was a lot of fun to go between Norse and Greek mythology – Taika connects all of these realms.”
Natalie Portman, who plays Jane Foster’s God of Thunder in Marvel Studios’ epic, said it was “wonderful to watch [Russell Crowe] be crazy… [and] be free to let loose:”
“It was amazing to watch Russell Crowe portray Zeus and have such a good sense of humour with the role. It was amusing to see him act ridiculous. I think we’re so accustomed to seeing him in these powerful, heroic characters that it was refreshing to watch him let go.”
Thor 4 Continues to Build Excitement
When a new iconic actor enters the Marvel family, fans are always enthusiastic, and Russell Crowe is no exception. However, unlike Angelina Jolie’s Thena, Crowe’s tenure in the MCU is very probably coming to an end after just one appearance.
When the villain of a story’s overall purpose is to eliminate all Gods, any newly introduced individuals that fit within that limit might be easy pickings for who to kill off. After all, they won’t be murdering Chris Hemsworth’s titular character straight away – Gorr will have to go through some canon first.
With any case, Russell Crowe seemed to have had a good time in the part. He’ll surely amuse viewers if he can impress Chris Hemsworth. Who can say? Maybe he’ll survive to see another film.
His arrival, perhaps, will clear the way for Marvel’s Hercules to make his on-screen debut.
