Marvel's Thor is a 2011 live-action superhero movie produced by 20th Century Fox and Marvel Studios. Based off of the Norse Deity and Marvel superhero by the same name. It is the sixth film of Phase 1 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was released worldwide on May 6th 2011.
Production[]
After the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in particular the Iron Man and Hulk franchises, Marvel Studios announced at the 2009 Comic Con that they would be giving Thor and Captain America their own solo movies respectively come 2011. The idea for a Thor movie gained momentum and officially entered pre-production. Shortly after it was announced Kenneth Branagh was directing and Chris Hemsworth was cast at the titular role.
Branagh wished to make Thor a fantasy style epic with Shakesperian influence. The studio seemed to like this idea, though they did have Kevin Feige work with Branagh to try and make his vision flow with the rest of the MCU without altering anyone's work while still keeping true to Branagh's theme. It was also for that reason the movie's Supernatural tones appeared to be altered in exchange for a more scientific approach, being that the Marvel Cinematic Universe was very grounded and science based at that point and didn't want Thor to change the universe in far too drastic of a way, and the Studio worried introducing too much supernatural content could do just that.
During early-to-mid 2010 when the movie held principle photography and went into Post-Production, it was revealed Clark Gregg had joined the cast reprising his role as Agent Phil Coulson, similar to what he had done in Iron Man 2 and Black Widow and Hawkeye. The film was released on May 6th 2011 worldwide.
Cast[]
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor/Donald Blake
- Tom Hiddleston as Loki
- Colm Feore as Laufey
- Ray Stevenson as Balder the Brave
- Jaime Alexander as Lady Sif
- Anthony Hopkins as Odin
- Rene Russo as Frigga
- Stellan Skarsgard as Heimdall
- Clive Russell as Tyr
- Natalie Portman as Jane Foster
- Anthony Anderson as Bill Cobb
- Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson
- Maximiliano Hernandez as Agent Jasper Sitwell
Plot[]
Act 1[]
The film starts with a narration saying that in the days long past, man once accepted a simple truth, that they were not alone in the universe, while he speaks it showing Viking societies in Scandinavia engaged in pagan rituals. The narration continues how in spite of this not all beings were so humble, the Frost Giants of Jotunheim even going so far as wage war against them in an act of defiance, showing the Einherjar army led by their King riding his eight legged horse, Sleipnir, on the frozen planet of Jotunheim slaughtering Frost Giants.
The narration goes on to say that he fought tirelessly to end the war, with peace only achieved by stealing their most prized possession, the Casket of Ancient Winters, capable of bringing the harshest winter one could ever know. He then introduces himself as Odin, the All-Father, and that this is their story. It then begins panning across the universe until it shows a flat planetoid body with a magnificent city built in the middle, with the palace of Valaskjalf in its center. Odin continues on that this is Asgard, and his family, the Aesir, rule.
His bride, Frigga, has bore him two magnificent sons. Thor, blessed under the sign of Thunder, took after him as a warrior blessed with the ability to manipulate the winds, skies, and currents showing clips of Thor doing such things. Loki, born under the sign of Mischief, was more akin to his mother, a clever trickster, harboring special talents in magic and knowledge, then showing Loki as well. Odin goes on to say that he has ruled Asgard and its Nine Realms for hundreds of years, but has now begun to enter his twilight years, he must choose one of his sons to succeed him as heir, the choice is an obvious one.
In the present day, Odin is sitting on his throne, the Hildskjalf, with Frigga and Loki at his sides, overseeing a crowd of Asgardians who anxiously await until Thor begins walking out in his ceremonial helmet applauded by all of the onlookers. He basks in their praise before taking off his helmet and kneeling to his father as everyone silences themselves. Odin than raises and bangs his spear, Gungnir, on the floor before addressing him, Thor Odinson, wielder of the mighty hammer Mjolnir, "my son", asking if he swears to watch over and protect the Nine Realms with fairness and prosperity until the end of his days. He swears to that along with all the other oaths and Odin tells him that by his right as All-Father, he chooses him as heir to Asgard!
Thor afterwards rises holding Mjolnir over his head as the crowd begins to cheer. Later that night, everyone is feasting and making merry to celebrate the coronation. At the head of the table, Thor addresses his cousin, the Lady Sif, about how he wants every seat and table in this hall filled with their children once they're betrothed with Sif assuring him that they will be the strongest children in all the land. Thor chuckles telling Sif that she'll be a great Queen only for her to say only under him, "my King", as they gently kiss.
Loki meanwhile is drinking and singing with his and Thor's other cousin, Balder the Brave. Once they're both done singing Loki demands "another" as he smashes his drinking glass against the ground. When more drinks arrive Balder quickly chugs his before ranting that Thor hasn't a noble bone in his body to sit on the throne, ranting that someone ought to make a showing of it. Loki asks what's stopping him and Balder then looks over at Thor on the other side of the hall and after taking one last swig of ale gets up and approaches him, exclaiming that he's not worthy, the entire hall turning their attention to them. Thor viciously warns him to watch his tongue, familial bonds only extend so far. Balder insists that if no one else dares speak, then he will bring to light what has remained willfully unseen.
Thor responds telling him it's his pride before getting up and summoning Mjolnir, the entire hall turning their attention to them as Balder unsheathes his weapon, Svraden, a sword made of physical light. The two of them then begin fighting, Thor clearly toying with Balder until it cuts to the Weapon's Vault at the bottom of the palace where the Einherjar are patrolling and notice the walls begin to freeze. Shortly after they get attacked by a group of Frost Giants who sneak in further past a variety of valuable treasures until finding the pedestal holding the Casket of Ancient Winters.
The Frost Giants are all shown to be exhilarated, one of them saying that they should look around more, they could take whatever they wanted from here but another insists no, they came for the Casket. He then touches it after which the wall behind the pedestal instantly evaporates and the Destroyer Armor emerges to open its mouth, releasing a scorching fire that disintegrates the Frost Giants before they can escape. Upstairs, Thor taunts Balder that he calls himself "the Brave" before he stops messing around and quickly ends the fight by overpowering him. The spectators all cheer while Thor kneels down to Balder on the floor and he asks who is his King, to which Balder replies that he is. At that moment, the Einherjar suddenly rush in calling out Thor's name.
In the Weapon's Vault, Odin is looking over the Casket of Ancient Winters flanked by Thor and Loki with the corpses of the Einherjar and the remains of the Frost Giants still scattered around them. While Loki remains silent Thor argues they must pay for this but Odin reminds him that they have, with their lives. Thor though talks back how if they had stolen even one of the weapons from here the entire Kingdom would face unbridled humiliation and Odin responds but they didn't, the Destroyer Armor did its job and all is well. Thor insists that as King of Asgard only for Odin to interrupt that he's not King, not yet. There is a peace between him and Laufey, this is but a minor transgression from common criminals.
The sky over Asgard is then seen to be rife with lightning and thunder as it cuts to Thor inside the Valaskjalf lashing out in a fit of rage, Frigga tries to calm him down but he shouts for her not to vex him. Thor then retreats into his room before sitting by himself until Loki arrives. He says it is unwise to approach him but Loki tries to tell him that he merely wants to say that agrees with him, the Frost Giants must pay for the crimes. Adding on how father is older than he once was, he longs more for the wine glass than the protection of the realm.
Thor says precisely, father used to only need his Odinsleep once every decade, he's grown soft in his age, and it's why he was coronated now, because even in his wisdom father still knew someone would have to make the decisions he no longer could. Thor summons Mjolnir and asks Loki to come with him, when Loki asks where they're going Thor says they're going to recruit a few good men and then they'll be off to the Bifrost. Thor and Loki are then seen riding horses across the translucent rainbow illuminated Bifrost Bridge along with Lady Sif and a handful of other warriors before making it to Heimdall, standing outside the Himinbjorg observatory at the end of the bridge.
Lady Sif dismounts her horse before approaching her father saying he must know why they're here and he sternly tells her she will not convince him to shirk his duties as Guardian of the Bifrost, they all silence themselves until Heimdall suddenly proclaims on the contrary. Showing his orange colored irises with entire worlds reflected in them Heimdall states that for as long as he's been watching over the Nine Realms no intruder has been able to escape his sight, until today, find out how that happened. Thor tells Heimdall not to speak of this until they return and he proclaims so long as his brother knows nothing, he will tell him nothing.
Heimdall then leads them into the Himinbjorg as he places his sword, Hofund, into the holster activating the Bifrost and causing it to begin manipulating energy from the bridge only for Thor and the rest to be sucked in and transported to Jotunheim. Once there, they travel through the barren, frigid, world until making it to a magnificent ice castle. Once they enter Thor shouts for King Laufey who answers, sitting on his frozen throne recognizing them as Asgardians before demanding to know why they trespass in his Kingdom. Thor explains that a group of thieves from this miserable wasteland have broken into the Valaskjalf to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters, reparations are in order.
Laufey stands, revealing his towering stature, deeply offended that Thor thinks him responsible for an act of common banditry and demands they leave his castle while he still allows it. Thor demands he must first swear that it will never happen again, but Laufey simply asks if he's ever pondered that the Casket of Ancient Winters was stolen from his people first, perhaps these bandits were settling a score of their own, one he regrets not helping. Frost Giant warriors begin surrounding them as Thor readies his hammer until Loki encourages him to stop and think but Thor simply warns his brother to know his place as he gives the signal and they fight.
The Asgardian warriors are able to hold their own, Lady Sif using her sword and shield along with Loki and his scepter, Laevateinn, but eventually discover they are weak to the Frost Giants' ability to freeze them with a single touch. One of them tries to touch and freeze Loki only to notice his skin turn a similar blue hue to their own instead of freezing. In their confusion, Loki kills the Giant and goes back to fighting, his skin returning to its ordinary fair complexion once contact is ceased, still showing confusion over it nonetheless. Thor meanwhile begins to get overwhelmed by the hoards of Frost Giants until simply screaming "ENOUGH OF THIS!" and summons lightning from the sky to empower Mjolnir, afterwards pounding the ground to create a shockwave powerful enough to incapacitate all the Frost Giant warriors and shatter the ice castle, killing some of his own warriors in the process.
Lady Sif then runs up to him and says his strength knows no bounds, afterwards kissing him while Laufey digs himself out of the rubble and turns around, noticing the ice keeping a frozen beast contained begins to crack and loosen from the shockwave before freeing it. The Jotun Beast then ravages through the rubble until Thor has his hammer pull him off the ground as he flies right into its mouth and out on the other side through its neck before afterwards bullrushing into Laufey. Disoriented, Thor is about to strike Laufey down with Mjolnir until he and the other Asgardians are suddenly teleported by the Bifrost back into the Himinbjorg.
While everyone is confused Thor yells to Heimdall asking why he brought them back, claiming that he was just on the cusp of victory and Heimdall responds by claiming under order from his King, Odin revealing himself. He excuses Heimdall and after he leaves, keeping Hofund in its holster, Thor rants to his father that he had no right to take him and Odin asks if he realizes what he's done, the peace between Asgard and Jotunheim he's worked so hard to maintain.
Thor insists that peace is earned through fear while Odin argues it's fostered through respect, a good King never seeks war only for Thor to add on but he must always prepare for it. Odin then says he cannot possibly be so short sighted as to subject his people to those horrors and Thor cruelly affirms he's only doing what he's become too decrepit to do himself. Enraged, Odin yells back that he is a vain and cruel boy while Thor tells him that he is an old man and a fool.
Odin acknowledges that he was a fool, to think a spoiled child could ever fairly govern the Nine Realms. Loki tries to interject but Odin silences him, afterwards saying that Thor is unworthy, ripping off his armor and cape adding on unworthy of his titles, of his wealth, of his power, of anything left to his name! Finally stating that he, All-Father, casts him out, activating the Bifrost before launching Thor into it while Sif screams in agony, only Loki holding her back.
Odin then picks up Mjolnir and casts an enchantment on it which states whoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall wield the power of Thor, throwing it in after him. Thor is then shown flying through the Bifrost beam to Earth in the middle of a large field late at night, his hammer following behind him, landing top side down. After getting up and looking around Thor eventually sees his hammer and tries to pick it up, only for it not to budge no matter how hard he tries. Once he realizes he's now unworthy to pick up and wield it he looks up to the sky and shouts "NOOOOO!"
Act 2[]
In Jotunheim, the Frost Giants are already trying to rebuild until Odin suddenly arrives on Sleipnir. He then approaches Laufey who asks if his bloodlust remain unquenched only for Odin to offer his deepest apologies for what has transpired, informing him that he who was responsible has been reprimanded for his transgressions. Afterwards reminding him that they were but the actions of a child, and must be judged as such, no further retaliation need be warranted. Laufey though responds that the time for diplomacy has long since passed, his boy will get what he came for, count on it, to which Odin somberly insists so be it.
Back on Earth, Thor is exhausted and dehydrated from wandering through the grassy plains under scorching heat. He suddenly finds a small pond and practically throws himself into it, drinking and splashing himself with as much water as he can to cool off until noticing his stomach rumble. Not knowing what to do he glances around until noticing a sign in front of him that says Welcome to Broxton, Oklahoma until it cuts to the inside of a nearby diner where Jane Foster is busy serving a table until Bill Cobb starts continuously rings the bell before yelling order up.
Jane quickly puts all the food down and insists to Bill she's coming, running over to the counter where she argues that this is coming out of her tips and Bill responds back that he pays her enough. He then goes out back with the trash and just as he leaves the door open Thor sneaks in and goes to the kitchen, feverishly eating everything he can get his hands on until Bill comes back and confronts him. Thor tries to fight but in his weakened state misses the punch allowing Bill to hit back, knocking him to the ground. Jane hears what's going on and comes in, terrified, distracting Bill long enough for Thor to then run out the back and escape into town.
In Asgard, Lady Sif is crying hysterically over Thor's banishment until Balder the Brave tells her quiet now, he deserved everything he had coming to him and more. Sif demands he take that back, insisting that Thor was his future King but Balder insists and the realm would've been worse off for it. Sif then once again begins to cry until Balder calms down before rephrasing that she must see that this is truly for the best, Thor has committed horrible crimes against the wishes of the All-Father, their current King, remdinding her and justice cannot discriminate. Lady Sif whimpers that he loved her but Balder assures her that doesn't absolve him.
Meanwhile, Jane and Bill are shown searching through Broxton that night with Bill insisting he could've filed the report and been in bed right now watching Judge Judy but Jane argues they're not gonna call the police on a starving homeless man, especially after that shiner he gave him but Bill argues back that was self defense. It then shows Thor wrapped in a torn blanket, shivering in the street until Jane spots him and he tries to run again only for her to yell for him asking if he wants something to eat. Back in the diner, Thor is sitting at a booth with Jane and Bill devouring all the food they give him. He eventually follows it up by downing a cup of coffee, muttering that this drink, he likes it, before smashing the cup and demanding another which Jane angrily scolds him for, much to Thor's confusion insisting he meant no disrespect.
Bill asks what his name is and he exclaims Thor, son of Odin, and prince of Asgard. Bill raises an eyebrow while Thor explains that he knows they think themselves alone in the universe but this world, Midgard, Terra, Earth, it's under the jurisdiction of Asgard along with the rest of the Nine Realms. He takes the pen from a signed check and begins drawing them on a napkin in the shape of a tree, saying that they're all connected through the branches of the Yggdrasil, the World Tree.
He further explains how he's lived in Asgard his whole life until days ago when he was stripped of his heritage and banished here by his father. He tells them to understand this Midgardians, if they help him return to Asgard he will see to it that they are rewarded greatly for their kindness. Jane and Bill sit in a dumbfounded silence until Bill finally speaks up saying he'll get him another cup and leaves until Jane begins to politely ask "Thor" more questions as the camera then pans over to Bill at the counter calling the police.
On Asgard in the Weapon's Vault, Loki approaches the Casket of Ancient Winters before touching it, noticing his skin turn blue again whenever he triggers the cold. Odin is then heard walking behind him as Loki puts the Casket down and asks if he's cursed and Odin assures him no, but he isn't who he thinks he is, and it's time he learned the truth. Loki listens and Odin explains that while he is his son, they are not related by blood, he is not Loki Odinson, but rather Loki Laufeyson, a Frost Giant obscured through illusion magic.
While speaking it shows a flashback to him finding the infant Loki in Jotunheim until picking him up as his pale blue skin and red eyes disappear. Loki insists he doesn't believe his ears while Odin says further that he was small for the offspring of a giant, he suspects it's why Laufey had abandoned him, defenseless, left for dead. Loki insists he must have taken him out of more than just pity and Odin says that he thought it could prove to everyone, to himself, that not all Frost Giants were destined to be enemies.
Loki begins to rant that he should've told him from the beginning but Odin claims he couldn't let anyone in the Kingdom know until they were ready and Loki questions ready for what, to better understand why he favored Thor all these years, why he deserved to be branded a trickster, to be treated like another stolen relic used only when it's convenient. Odin interrupts that he twists his words but Loki responds the only thing twisted is his heart for deluding him into ever thinking he ever had a chance of sitting on the throne, to worry not, now he understands perfectly.
At the diner on Earth, the police finally arrive where they ask Bill what the situation is and he explains that he caught some homeless guy swiping food in the kitchen earlier, they invited him inside for a free meal, then he started rambling and wouldn't stop. He leads them inside where Thor is busy telling Jane about his hammer, Mjolnir, how it was crafted from an enchanted metal called Uru after capturing the essence of a cosmic storm and forged in the heart of a dying star, sorrowfully explaining that it houses all of his power now, but he's unable to wield it. The police then come inside and tell Thor to stand up and hands where they can see them. Jane asks what they're doing until looking at Bill and realizing he called the cops as Thor does as told, asking what's the issue.
The police begin asking him a series of questions assessing his mental health until Thor, noticing their equipment and uniforms, answers all of their questions normally to the best of his ability, proving his mental stability much to Bill and Jane's shock. The police afterwards offer to take Thor to a nearby shelter which he agrees to, insisting that he thought he had friends here, but clearly he was mistaken. Jane quickly corrects him that he does, announcing that he can stay with her, she has a couch and everything.
The police ask Thor if he's alright with that and he reluctantly accepts. Once the police leave Bill begins to argue with Jane asking what the hell she's doing and Jane responds that he's obviously not crazy but Bill claims he could still be a conman or a prankster and Jane admits that she doesn't know what's going but clearly he needs help, they can give it to him. Still seemingly reluctant Jane reminds him that they talked to him first, all he wanted was food!
Bill mutters that it's her funeral until cutting to Odin in his bedroom at the top of the Valaskjalf, staring out a window to Asgard beneath him. Afterwards asking Frigga if he is a good father only for her to assure him that of course he is, he's the All-Father, the most righteous of them all. Odin asks at what cost, he's failed both his sons, and they him, what righteous parent must bear such a burden. Frigga responds that he needs Odinsleep to refresh his mind, by the time he awakens he'll surely discover a new found clarity. Odin insists that he is tired before it shows him being led to the bed and getting himself under the covers, closing his eyes. On Earth, Jane leads Thor into her apartment showing him the kitchen, bathroom, and couch where he'll be sleeping.
Thor thanks Jane for her hospitality and she offers to get him some pillows and blankets and while she's getting them she sees a book on mythology. Bringing it to Thor she shows him the book, telling him that he was pretty popular back in the day. Thor skims through the pages, skipping to the section on Norse Gods before explaining that he has no recollection of this. Jane asks how that's possible and Thor explains to her that Ragnarok always comes, when Asgard faces its destruction and everything ends before being reborn, this life he's living in these stories, it must just be a previous one of many.
Jane wonders why they didn't come to Earth more then and Thor points out that this book doesn't say where Asgardians came from. They're Midgardians, at least they were, migrating across the cosmos to Asgard and only after consuming the succulent Golden Apples of Idunn that grew there found the secret to immortality. Midgard was never never meant to be part of the Nine Realms' politics, it only exists as a reminder of their heritage as mortals, not something to concern themselves with, it would only hold them back.
Jane mutters under her breath begging for him to please not be crazy before telling Thor that he needs a job, it might be hard, but she thinks she can convince Bill to let him do some part time shifts at the diner, that she's been working there every summer to pay for college, he owes her. Thor asks what she's studying and Jane responds nursing. She spent years taking care of her mother when she got sick, why not do it for a living. Thor tells her that's admirable work but Jane brushes it off saying someone's gotta do it.
In Asgard, civilians are seen evacuating into their homes as the Einherjar get into position. Flying skiffs lead by Tyr alongside Balder the Brave, Lady Sif, and Loki look out into the distance at an army of Frost Giants waiting on the tip of Asgard. The Frost Giants suddenly begin rushing over to attack as Tyr commands the Einherjar to do the same, engaging in an all out war. Heimdall also in the Himinbjorg using energy from the Bifrost to blast at the invading forces.
The Einherjar on land and in their Skiffs are able to eventually overwhelm the invading Frost Giant army with Loki especially driving them back. Once the fighting is done he's afterward praised for his efforts by Tyr in the battle with Sif and Balder along with the other Einherjar cheering him on as a hero. At the diner some time later, Bill is looking over Thor's new identification with the name Donald Blake on it, asking Jane how long it took her to make this but she responds he didn't exactly have a social security number.
Bill insists that should tell her something and Jane argues he's been living at her apartment for the past week, he's harmless. Thor then speaks up too saying he spent his days taming wild Bilgesnipes when he was a child, working at his eatery is well within his skills. Bill looks over at everyone packing into the diner and insists he help with the breakfast rush and they'll see what happens.
It then does a montage showing Thor continuing to work at the diner with Jane, earning his first paycheck and eventually going to college with Jane where he studies Norse Mythology and they're shown to then fall in love before getting married. In Asgard, Loki continues to win the praise of his peers and Odin in the war against the Frost Giants while on Earth, a farmer is on his tractor plowing the field until discovering Mjolnir, he gets up and tries to move it but is unable.
In the Asgardian throne room, a crowd is gathered while Odin sits on the Hlidskjalf alongside Frigga until Loki begins walking out applauded by all the onlookers, awkwardly taking in their praise. They all soon silence themselves as he then kneels to Odin who addresses him, Loki Odinson, asking if he swears to all the oaths which Loki proudly does and Odin chooses him as heir. Everyone then cheers as Loki stands up again and smiles contently until Odin calls for silence, confessing that before the celebration can commence, he must confess a great secret which has been kept tightly guarded since birth.
Loki becomes excited as Odin continues on that Loki was not born of his own blood, but rather that of the Frost Giant King Laufey, raised here and trained to resist his monstrous nature. Everyone remains silent as Odin finally announces that their future King will be one with both their peoples, Asgardian and Frost Giant. The crowds though still say nothing until only whispers and gossiping are heard as Odin and Frigga's faces rise with concern while Loki is noticeably crushed.
Meanwhile, Mjolnir has become a local attraction with people gathering around to try and move it, none of them succeeding, until eventually S.H.I.E.L.D. SUVs start to arrive. In Minneapolis, Donald Blake is seen working at a Viking museum where he's guiding a tour group until asking if they have any questions, a man in a suit raising his hand only to introduce himself when called on to be Agent Jasper Sitwell of S.H.I.E.L.D. asking if they can talk privately.
Donald encourages the tour group to look around before asking what he can help him with as Sitwell explains he's made quite a reputation for himself "mister Blake". Donald humbly insists he's just a man with a passion for history. Agent Sitwell though continues on that S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to hire him as a consultant, there's an artifact that's been discovered in the midwest that they hope he can help identify. He then hands him a picture as Donald becomes concerned, recognizing the artifact as Mjolnir.
In the Valaskjalf, Loki sits in his room by himself quietly until Frigga enters. She tells him no more illusions and Loki reveals his room to actually be a wreck from him tearing everything apart, his own clothing shredded and hair also unkempt. He insists that now she sees him and Frigga comes closer, muttering "my boy" before hugging him. As he leans into it Frigga assures him that he will always be her son. Back in Minneapolis, Jane is seen working as a nurse before making it to her apartment where Thor is waiting for her. Jane says hi and kisses him until Thor shows her two plane tickets saying he just got a new job, an artifact outside Broxton. She excitedly realizes it's Mjolnir and Thor says he booked them a flight for tomorrow, pleading for her to please come with him, he wants them to see the town again. Jane stammers before insisting yeah, of course they can, she'll just have to call into the hospital and make sure someone can cover her shifts.
In Asgard, Odin is conversing with Tyr about the war with the Frost Giants. As they discuss their losses and other tasks suddenly Odin faints and Tyr calls for help, announcing the All-Father has fallen into Odinsleep. It then cuts to the throne room where Loki is escorted by the Einherjar to the Hildskjalf, sitting on it as the acting King of Asgard. Back on Earth, Bill Cobb is still be running his diner in Broxton until noticing Thor and Jane come inside. He goes over to greet them and they do the same, Thor even gifting Bill a new coffee mug, claiming he owes him one.
It then cuts to them all at a table together where Thor explains that he's been hired by S.H.I.E.L.D. as a consultant. Bill asks if any of this is connected to his past only for Thor to insist that's classified. Jane then says how she can't believe how little this place has changed, asking if he still makes those blueberry pancakes. After insisting he sure does and offering to whip them up a batch Thor looks at his watch before saying that he has a lot of work to do and that they should get going soon, but it was nice seeing him again, Bill playfully telling him to just to make sure he stops by one more time.
Act 3[]
Inside the rebuilt ice castle on Jotunheim, Laufey sits on his throne until someone walks forward as the Frost Giant warriors get into a defensive position. Laufey demands they halt, he is not welcomed here. The camera afterwards reveals him to be Loki, who asks if that's any way to greet his only son. Laufey signals for the warriors to put their weapons down and clarifies that he's the child, Loki insisting that Odin took him in and raised him as his own, but their blood is thicker.
Confessing that he already showed those bandits into Asgard so as to ruin his brother's big day, now it's time to be more formally welcomed. Laufey insists he's listening and Loki explains as acting King while the All-Father is in Odinsleep, he wishes to right the wrongs that have been done to their people, he will be escorted through the Bifrost where the Casket of Ancient Winters shall be formally returned to him, he will then withdraw the Einherjar from Jotunheim and peace can be resumed. Laufey is silent for a moment before observing a Frost Giant with a skill for deception, he never considered, Loki then smiling.
That night, Thor arrives at the S.H.I.E.L.D. quarantine site where he's greeted by Agent Phil Coulson as Donald Blake. He escorts him in while explaining that the artifact is giving off a high electromagnetic frequency that's disrupting all but their strongest equipment, which wouldn't be a problem if any of them were able to actually move it. They then get to the middle of the site where everything is shown to have been built around Mjolnir, still unmoved from its original spot. Donald proudly exclaims that it's Mjolnir, hammer of Thor, there's a reason none of them can move it, only he who's worthy can access its power.
Coulson wonders if he seriously believes all of that and Donald responds the hammer is here, it only serves to reason that these myths had to have some basis in fact. Coulson then insists for him to give it a try, he knows he wants to as Donald enthusiastically reaches out and tries to pick up the hammer, it doesn't move, his face dropping as he continues to pull and nothing happens. He keeps pulling until Coulson eventually says show's over and to tell them what they're dealing with, Thor then somberly letting go before getting to work.
It then cuts to later where Thor is at a bar, quietly demanding another with the bartender casually filling his cup. Jane eventually comes in saying that she's called him like nine times, it's almost midnight. Thor apologizes and says that he turned it off once he got in and Jane wonders what's going on. Thor tells that he couldn't lift it, after all this time, he's still unworthy.
Jane asks if that's why he brought them here and Thor rants ten years he's spent stuck here and this was his last chance to get the hammer back before S.H.I.E.L.D. locks it away. Jane repeats "stuck here" before saying she thought he was happy and Thor clarifies he's an Asgardian trapped in a world of mortals, there's a part of himself that's always going to be missing. She then angrily insists everything they went through meant nothing to him then, it was all just a way to pass the time before he could go back.
Thor responds that he obviously cares for her deeply, it's just that life here is nothing to what it was but Jane yells back to guess what, that's all she's ever known, all she ever will because unlike him, she doesn't have anywhere else to go. This matters, it matters to her, afterwards asking if he knows that the hospital is understaffed, how many favors she had to call in to get people to cover for her. Jane then tells him to forget it and begins to leave but even as Thor tells Jane to wait she goes anyway. At the same time in Asgard, Lady Sif and Balder enter the throne room and kneel, Balder confirming to their King that they answer his summons.
Loki responds that as members of the Aesir their presence will be required when he hosts the Frost Giant King Laufey for peace talks. Sif quickly stands up assuming that he must jest, Loki though warns her to show respect and Sif goes back on her knee. Only then explaining that Laufey is his true father, how can he possibly hope to fairly represent the people of Asgard over his own blood. Loki insists that they are his family, and he sits on this throne because his loyalty lies with them.
Loki afterwards says they are dismissed and as they're leaving Balder confesses to Sif that Loki's hiding something, as he always is. Sif insists that there's only one other who can challenge the throne and Balder responds that he's unfit but Sif asks what choice they have. Balder contemplates before suggesting then they need allies, he'll go to his father, and she to hers. It then cuts to Tyr in the process of overseeing the Einherjar in training until Balder arrives. He asks his father if he knows that Loki is planning to host peace talks with his Frost Giant kin and Tyr responds that what his King decides to do is none of his concern, he is honor bound to fight for him regardless.
Balder wonders even if it could lead to Asgard's ruin and Tyr looks at his son before informing him that matters of politics are of no concern to him and how he wants to hear nothing more of it, Balder afterwards just apologizing. Showing in the Himinbjorg, Heimdall asks his daughter if she would break her oath as a warrior and commit treason against the King of Asgard to bring back Thor. Lady Sif answers without hesitation and Heimdall surprisingly answers telling her good, informing her that Thor is residing in the small Midgardian settlement of Broxton, Oklahoma, he can get her nearby.
Sif inquires that he'll help them then and Heimdall admits that Loki has figured out a way to shroud himself from his gaze while in Jotunheim, that he suspects he was responsible for the bandits that trespassed into the Weapon's Vault all those years ago, confessing he fears greately what could been motivating such ghoulish behavior. Thor is then seen being awoken by the shades suddenly being pulled open in his motel room. Jane tells him they're gonna be late for their flight, wondering if he's coming or not. Thor rubs his eyes before telling her he'll pack his bags.
As it shows them loading their suitcases into the car parked outside they finally get in until Thor notices Sif and Balder walking through Broxton in the side view mirror. He quickly gets out of the car and greets them, telling Balder in particular that it's good to see him. Jane soon gets out too and joins them with Lady Sif asking who that is and before Thor can answer Jane says she's his wife. Sif looks repulsed, asking Thor "a mortal woman?" and he warns her to watch her tongue, that's the love of his life, afterwards asking why they are here.
Balder explains that his brother is not who he thinks he is, Loki is of Frost Giant blood and he's ascended to the throne since his father has entered Odinsleep, they've come to take him home and stop him from bending to the will of Laufey. Thor tells them that he can't go home and Lady Sif asks why not, deamding to know if he understands what's going on, the Frost Giants are going to win the war. Thor though argues he's unworthy, he's not even an Asgardian anymore, much less a King, there's nothing he can do for them.
Jane looks at him, surprised, but Balder can only mutter than they are doomed then. Meanwhile, Laufey is flanked by his fellow Frost Giants walking across the Bifrost Bridge being escorted by the Einherjar while crowds of citizens boo, Heimdall himself watching with contempt as well. Once they enter the Valaskjalf, Loki waits for them holding the Casket of Ancient Winters to his chest. Laufey says it's as beautiful as the day he lost it, to which Loki replies to know his treasure was given it by the son of Laufey.
Just as Laufey tries to take the Casket he hand phases through it. Suddenly, the illusion fades and he along with his fellow Frost Giants are slain by the true Loki, who mutters and his death by the son of Odin. He then quickly finds Tyr and commands him to gather the men, Laufey is dead and they're going to destroy those monsters once and for all. Tyr is confused, claiming he thought they were discussing peace and Loki insists he not question the authority of his King, else he wants to lose his other hand.
Loki is then shown approaching the Himinbjorg where Heimdall is waiting for him. He tells him that his cousins were absent despite their summons, wondering if he had any part in that. Heimnall says he knows nothing of the sort and Loki warns him not to lie, claiming he's far too bad at it. In response, Heimdall doesn't answer and instead tries to strike Loki down with Hofund only to be frozen when he's able to use the Casket of Ancient Winters first, Loki's Frost Giant appearance becoming visible while he uses it. He's then seen activating the Destroyer Armor, instructing it to go to Midgard, find the traitors.
In Broxton, Thor is walking with Jane, Balder, and Sif telling them they must try the beverages at Bill's Diner, they're like nothing he's ever tasted in the Nine Realms. Jane meanwhile stands in awe of Balder who, taking notice, asks if she requires something. Jane tells him it's just he's another Asgardian, she never thought she'd see the day only for Lady Sif to interrupt, saying make not a habit of it. They all then see the Bifrost beam blast in front of them, knocking everyone back until it clears and reveals to have brought with it the Destroyer Armor.
Thor warns them to run as it begins effortlessly ravaging the town and he tries to get all the civilians to safety, with Balder the Brave preparing to face it along with Lady Sif. Jane asks what that is and Thor explains to her the Destroyer Armor, a mighty automaton crafted out of Uru by the Dwarves of Nidavellir, no doubt sent here by Loki. Balder and Sif are no match for the Destroyer Armor's capabilities as they're both horribly beaten along with the police. Seeing no other way to stop its destruction, Thor runs out of hiding and into the road, facing down the Destroyer Armor despite Jane's pleas.
He assures it that it came here for him, so take him, leave these people be. The Destroyer Armor remains unfazed by his words until callously striking Thor once he gets in hitting distance, hurling him into the pavement causing fatal wounds. While the Destroyer Armor focuses elsewhere continuing to destroy the town Jane runs up to Thor and kneels down by him, he begs her to leave him, live! Jane says that she can't live without him and Thor responds that he only lived because of her.
He then starts to pass on until it cuts to Mjolnir in the S.H.I.E.L.D. quarantine site where they see their electromagnetic readings go off the charts as the hammer suddenly flies through the walls all the way to Broxton and into Thor's hand. Lighting then striking and rejuvenating his power back into him, recreating his armor and healing all his wounds as Jane, Balder, Sif, and Bill hiding in what remains of his diner, all watch in amazement as he uses Mjolnir to fight the Destroyer Armor and finally defeat it by redirecting its own energy blasts against it.
Thor finally returns to his friends while Jane smiles, asking him how he feels and Thor assures her no different than before. Balder afterwards insists they must leave for Asgard now and Thor caresses Jane, giving her his word that he will return once this crisis is over. He then gives her a kiss before Jane says she's gonna hold him to that. Thor then calls for Heimdall to take them back only for nothing to happen, Lady Sif starts to focus commenting the Bifrost, she feels it activated, even before they called him.
Thor then uses it teleporting he, Balder, and Sif to the Himinbjorg where they're horrified to find Heimdall frozen solid while Loki is using Hofund to manipulate the Bifrost's energy beam. Thor demands to know from his brother what is this madness and Loki sarcastically quips it's good to see him home again. Lady Sif then sees her father and Balder melts the ice with the light from Svraden, both of them then taking the incapacitated Heimdall out of the Himinbjorg.
Loki boasts how he would be wise to wait before passing judgment, once he's done the Frost Giant threat will be no more! The camera then reveals the Bifrost beam to be directed towards Jotunheim being used to destroy the entire planet. Thor responds that he can't destroy an entire people, there are women and children there who've done no wrong! Loki asks when did his brother become so soft, laughing until muttering no matter, once he's done all will know who ruled best.
Thor asks if that's what this and Loki exclaims they were both born to be Kings but only of them could ever ascend to the throne. He then summons Laevateinn and they fight before cutting to Balder and Sif carrying Heimdall across the Bifrost until being confronted by the Einherjar. Seeing themselves surrounded Tyr then calls out telling them to stand down, their King has fallen and they no longer fight for him. One of the Einherjar warriors points out that this is mutiny but Tyr asks if he objects, only for the warrior to silence themself and Tyr to tell them to get Heimdall to the healing room. Einherjar loyal to Loki though reject Tyr's orders and fight them anyway, Tyr and the Einherjar loyal to him defending themselves.
In the Himinbjorg, Thor continues to fight Loki until trying to pull Hofund out of the holster but Loki uses the Casket of Ancient Winters to freeze it in place. Despite Loki's elaborate illusions however, Thor is eventually able to overpower and pin to the ground by placing Mjolnir on his chest. He looks over Hofund frozen in place and no matter what he tries, isn't able to break the ice. Loki taunts all that strength and what can he do only for Thor to summon Mjolnir and uses it to smash the ice. Loki, now free, quickly stabbing Thor with Laevateinn but he continues hit it until the ice is finally broken causing an explanation of energy from the beam that destroys the outer shell of Himinbjorg, displacing both Thor and Loki.
They go into a free fall about to plunge from the side into the vacuum of space until Loki grabs onto Thor's leg and Odin, revealed to have awakened from his Odinsleep, catches Thor, standing on the edge of what remains of the Himinbjorg, trying to hold both of them up. Loki pleads that he could've done it, for all of them, but Odin simply tells him "no" while Thor begs for his brother to hang on and Loki, in his grief, simply lets go, falling into space as Thor screams in heartbreak.
In a quiet montage, Heimdall is seen awakening in the healing room while Thor gives the news of Loki's demise to Frigga and they hug in their mourning. On Earth at dusk, Jane is seen still standing in the same spot waiting for Thor to return, only for Bill to walk up and tell her to come inside as she starts to cry. On Asgard, Thor is in the Valaskjalf, still saddened, until Lady Sif tries to comfort him and he brushes her off.
In the throne room, Odin says how even in the wake of his grief, he has never been prouder of his last surviving son. His recognition as heir is reinstated and throne is his shall the time ever come. Thor assures Odin that he honors him greatly, but he desires the throne no longer, his place is with the people, in all realms. Odin takes it that this new found purpose also extends to mortals and Thor insists that he'd rather be a good man than a great King.
He then extends Mjolnir, offering it, but Odin responds that it's his so long as he's worthy of it, Thor insisting he shall try to be. Odin afterwards then wonders if not him, who remains to inherit the throne of Asgard and Thor responds that the choice is an obvious one. It then cuts to Jane in Minneapolis, working at the hospital before returning to her apartment by herself until she sees the Bifrost beam blasting outside on her balcony.
End Credits[]
Teasing The Avengers
Loki, alive, wakes up on the dark, metallic world of Annakul. He quickly re-orients himself before being confronted by the native Chitauri armed with weapons. As he becomes threatened noticing the sheer number of them, the Chitauri suddenly all begin kneeling to him.
Trivia[]
- The Aesir's family relationships in the film significantly deviate from those shown in Norse Mythology. With Heimdall and Tyr being Odin's brothers as well as Balder and Lady Sif being their children respectively. The latter of which is a nod to mythology in which Heimdall and Sif were, instead, brother and sister.
- Similar to the comics, Mjolnir is powered from the remains of a cosmic storm stored inside a chunk of Uru. It being forged from the heat of a dying star as opposed to simply crafted is original to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Multiple powerful relics from the comics can be seen on display in the Weapon's Vault, including the Unknown's Tuning Fork, the Warlock's Eye, and the Lifeline Tablet can be seen in the collection.
- On Earth, Thor spends the majority of his time in Broxton, Oklahoma. In the comics, the same town plays an important role in Thor's Mythos. As it is the location of Asgard after the original realm was destroyed in a Ragnarok cycle.
- Svraden, Balder's sword, in the comics was made of four mystic elements as opposed to a physical light construct. This change was done according to Director Kenneth Branagh to emphasize his role in the Aesir being born under the sign of light.
- Donald Blake on Earth-616 was a physician, who had no memories of ever being Thor until many years later.
- The Casket of Ancients Winters in the comics is unrelated to the Frost Giants and is instead often used by the Dark Elf sorcerer Malekith the Accursed.
- It is revealed in the film that Asgardians were descended from humans and achieved immortality after consuming the Golden Apples of Idunn. In the comics, the Golden Apples of Idunn are only known to grant these attributes to Asgardians, with no effect on humans being revealed.
- Agent Phil Coulson's presence is a direct continuation to the end credit scene of Iron Man 2, where he's still shown to be investigating Mjolnir.
- Loki threatening Tyr with losing his other hand is a reference to a story in Norse Mythology where Loki was indirectly responsible for the lose of Tyr's right hand.
- The Destroyer Armor in the original comics was built by Odin to fight the Celestials when Asgard's presence on Earth was threatened. In the MCU, the Destroyer Armor instead appears to be a relic taken from the Dwarves of Nidavellir.
- The Chitauri, the aliens seen kneeling to Loki in the end credits, are a race of malevolent shapeshifting aliens from the Ultimate Comics who instigated the majority of Earth's geopolitical conflicts.