As thrilling as Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is, his most recent picture, Love and Thunder, featured serious competition in the form of Brett Goldstein’s Hercules. Zeus is shown to be alive and healthy, though insane, in the first post-credits scene. So enraged is he that he sent his son, the aforementioned figure, to murder the God of Thunder.
Unfortunately, it’s unclear when that particular plot line will be resolved. Thor is still alive and healthy, so it’s just a matter of time until he appears on screen again. Maybe it’ll be with Hercules on his tail?
Taika Waititi, the director of Love and Thunder, addressed the character’s destiny in a recent Q&A. He also said that he had no idea who Hercules was before placing him in the four-quel.
Hercules in the Future
During a Q&A after a screening of Thor: Love and Thunder, director Taika Waititi discussed the casting of Brett Goldstein as Hercules and how he had little awareness of that realm of the Marvel universe.
Waititi said that the introduction of Hercules would “open up a whole other thing,” which he “won’t be asked to come be a part of:”
And then [Louis D’Esposito?] says, “We’re going to introduce Hercules,” which made no sense to me since I had no idea it was a Marvel character, but evidently it is, and uh… It was nice; I know it’s launching a whole new entity, which I won’t be asked to join, but I’m pleased for everyone who likes Greek Gods.”
Hercules: A Potential Avenger?
So, what does the character’s future hold?
Maybe after Hercules’ efforts to assassinate Thor fail, Odinson will feel sorry for him and try to get him a job in the Avengers. What greater consolation prize could there be than becoming one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?
However, if Waititi says he was not invited, such ideas may not be part of a Thor project.
Could Brett Goldstein’s character be preparing for an undisclosed project? Perhaps Marvel Studios will reveal the mystery film or series at its major D23 event.
He is far from the only character waiting for the MCU to bring them back into the picture. Eros and Pip the Troll were introduced in Eternals, and their future is unknown—though Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has said that they have plans for them.
Hopefully, the same holds true for Hercules, since he’s a major character in the comics, and many fans will be hoping that he receives the same respect in the MCU.
Thor: Love and Thunder is now in cinemas.
