Thor’s appearance keeps evolving in the MCU, and the next big design change for Chris Hemsworth’s character may have been teased in Phase 4.
Thor‘s appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has changed a lot over the years, but the next big design change for Chris Hemsworth’s character was cleverly set up in Phase 4. The god of thunder is known for having one of the most tragic stories in the entire universe, and the losses he’s endured have often been reflected in his physical appearance. The end of Phase 3 dramatically altered Thor’s look as his long blonde hair was cut, he lost an eye, Mjolnir was destroyed, and he gained significant weight in Avengers: Endgame. Thor’s design changes could continue whenever Chris Hemsworth returns.
Phase 4 delivered a return to Thor’s classic design. By the time Thor: Love and Thunder‘s ending wraps up, Thor is looking the same as he did before his look changed so much through a series of traumatic events. He has his long hair and regains his Asgardian physique throughout the film, while even Thor’s replacement eye color has changed to match his natural color. The MCU even gave Thor Mjolnir again after Jane Foster’s death. It might seem as though the return of Thor’s classic look is a sign that Marvel is done changing his appearance, but a development in Phase 4 might set up one more change.
Thor’s Tragic MCU Story Could Include Losing His Arm Next
It is possible that the MCU will continue Thor’s tragic story by having him lose an arm next. This appeared to happen in Thor: The Dark World when Loki cut off his hand, but it was all an illusion meant to trick Malekith. However, Thor losing an arm is a big moment pulled directly from the comics. It occurred in Jason Aaron’s acclaimed Thor series when Thor fought Malekith on Earth. The dark elf villain used Thor’s new axe Jarnbjorn to cut off Thor’s arm after the god of thunder become unworthy to lift Mjolnir. This was part of the events that led to Jane Foster becoming Mighty Thor.
The Marvel Comics twist of Thor losing an arm resulted in him finding various replacement arms until Donny Cates relaunched the Thor series and brought back the god of thunder’s arm. This included options like Thor obtaining a metal arm made of Uru, the same metal that created Mjolnir, and even using an arm from an Asgardian Destroyer. Considering how tragic Thor’s MCU story has been and the likely upcoming fight with Kang the Conqueror, Marvel Studios has a chance to remove one of his limbs next. It would be somewhat fitting too, as Thor chopped off Thanos’ hand in Avengers: Endgame.
Rocket Could Give Bucky’s Arm To Thor After Phase 4
Marvel may have already foreshadowed the Thor design change by introducing a way for Chris Hemsworth’s character to get a new arm in the MCU. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special featured Nebula giving Bucky’s metal arm to Rocket as a gift. It is unclear what the arm will be used for in the future, but it would be an odd development to include if there is not a payoff in mind. Thor losing his arm could be where Marvel finally makes sense of this decision.
Marvel could be teasing Thor losing his arm in the Multiverse Saga by laying the breadcrumbs for what will be used to replace his missing limb. Since Rocket already gave Thor his replacement eye, the creature affectionately referred to as a rabbit could give Bucky’s arm to Thor next to fix another problem. It would be quite a striking decision for Thor‘s design to include such a significant change, but it is also a clever answer to why Rocket got Bucky’s arm.
