Chris Hemsworth Thor Tribute Sparks Avenger Death Fears

Marvel star Chris Hemsworth has released a tribute video for Thor, fueling speculation that the character might die in 'Avengers: Doomsday.'

The video, called 'Thank You! The Legacy of Thor,' features a retrospective look at Hemsworth's portrayal, from audition tapes to his role in 2022's 'Thor: Love and Thunder.' While it could simply be a nostalgic piece marking the start of filming for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' many fans are interpreting it as a potential farewell to the God of Thunder.

Hemsworth also included a thank you note in the video's description:

"Portraying Thor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. For 15 years, I've wielded Mjolnir and Stormbreaker, but what made it truly meaningful… was sharing that journey with all of you. Your enthusiasm, support, and affection for this character have meant the world to me.

“Thank you for making my time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so unforgettable. Next up: Doomsday!"

This message, paired with the tribute video, has led many MCU fans to worry that Chris Hemsworth might be preparing to retire the role.

"Please never step away from this character. We all want you to continue," one comment on the video pleads. "Please never stop being Thor," says another.

Similar sentiments are spreading across social media. "Yeah, Thor is definitely dying in the next movie," one user on X/Twitter stated. "He's getting finished off," agreed another.

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There is some context to this speculation. Last year, Hemsworth acknowledged he "didn't stick the landing" with the polarizing 'Thor: Love and Thunder' and expressed a feeling of owing fans another movie.

In an interview with 'Vanity Fair,' Hemsworth said he leaned too heavily into absurdity and improvisation for 'Love and Thunder,' and the film suffered as a consequence. This was particularly notable following the breakout success of 'Thor: Ragnarok,' which skillfully blended comedy into the character's story.

"I got carried away with the improv and the silliness, and I became a caricature of myself," Hemsworth admitted. "I didn't stick the landing." According to Vanity Fair, he hasn't forgiven himself for that performance and feels he owes the audience another film. Would 'Avengers: Doomsday' or 'Secret Wars' fulfill that, or would a proper 'Thor 5' be a more fitting send-off?

The likelihood of a 'Thor 5' previously seemed low. Hemsworth, who has appeared in eight MCU films, has said he's ready to "close the book" on the character. Additionally, director Taika Waititi, who helmed 'Ragnarok' and 'Love and Thunder,' is reportedly too busy with other projects to return.

Marvel Studios recently delayed 'Avengers: Doomsday' to December 2026 and 'Avengers: Secret Wars' to December 2027. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' and the two Avengers films are currently the only upcoming MCU movies with fixed release dates.