The MCU has delivered numerous iconic characters through the years, however the Thor the franchise underutilized a few of its most eye-catching numbers. Though Chris Hemsworth's Thor has turn out to be a distinguished determine, a lot of his supporting characters have been sidelined, mistreated, or written out completely. This recurring drawback has been irritating, as a number of the most beloved or intriguing characters within the MCU timeline have did not stay as much as their potential. Whether or not because of restricted display screen time, poor writing, or an imbalance within the narrative, these characters deserved higher therapy.
Thor's solo movies have been a combined bag, from the Shakespearean drama of Thor (2011) to the comedian irreverence of Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and the polarizing spectacle of Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). Whereas these tonal shifts saved the collection contemporary, in addition they contributed to uneven therapy of its supporting characters. Thor's world is stuffed with wealthy tales, compelling allies, and harmful enemies. As an alternative of capitalizing on his potential, the movies usually deal with Thor himself, leaving a path of underdeveloped characters.
10
Heimdall by Idris Elba
Thor, Thor: The Darkish World, Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder
Idris Elba's Heimdall is a basic instance of wasted potential. Because the all-seeing, all-hearing guardian of the Bifrost, Heimdall might have been a pivotal determine in Thor's journey. His distinctive powers and shut ties to Asgard made him an important ally, however the movies hardly ever gave him the prominence he deserved. Regardless of Elba's commanding display screen presence, Heimdall was usually relegated to the background, serving primarily as a stationary plot machine, remaining within the Bifrost to move characters between realms.
In Thor: RagnarokHeimdall's function expanded barely as he led Asgard's resistance in opposition to Hela, however even that was a small fraction of his potential. His dying in Avengers: Infinity Struggle was highly effective however finally unceremoniouslygiven its significance to Asgard and the Thor franchise. For an actor of Elba's caliber and a personality with a lot mythological significance, the MCU's therapy of Heimdall is a obvious misstep.
9
Gorr the God Butcher by Christian Bale
Thor: Love and Thunder
Gorr, the Butcher of Gods, by Christian Bale, was one of the crucial anticipated villains in Thor: Love and Thunderhowever the remaining product was divisive. Within the comics, Gorr is a deeply advanced character, pushed by private loss and righteous anger in opposition to the gods. Bale's portrayal captured glimpses of this, bringing chilling depth to the display screen. Nonetheless, the movie's comedic tone usually clashed with Gorr's menacing presence, undermining its seriousness.
The dearth of display screen time enormously hampered Gorr's influence. The character's philosophical battle with Thor, which might have offered a deep narrative, was decreased to superficial interactions. Bale's efficiency urged a very terrifying model of Gorr, however the the script didn't give him sufficient room to totally discover the function. Contemplating Bale's expertise and the character's significance within the comics, Gorr's efficiency within the MCU looks as if an enormous missed alternative.
8
Fandral by Joshua Dallas and Zachary Levi
Thor, Thor: The Darkish World and Thor: Ragnarok
Fandral, one of many Warriors Three, was performed by Joshua Dallas in Thor and later recast with Zachary Levi in Thor: The Darkish World. Regardless of the the character's swashbuckling allure and potential for comedian aidFandral had virtually no display screen time after the primary movie. Alongside the opposite Warriors Three, Fandral appeared in The darkish worldtelling one of many few good jokes within the movie, nevertheless it instantly light into the background.
This was aggravated in Thor: Ragnarokthe place Fandral was casually killed by Hela and not using a single line of dialogue. For a personality with roots in Asgardian mythology and a vibrant persona within the comicsthe MCU's therapy of Fandral has fully wasted him. Each Dallas and Levi had the charisma to make Fandral a memorable determine, however the movies by no means gave him an opportunity to shine.
7
Malekith by Christopher Eccleston
Thor: The Darkish World
Malekith the Accursed, by Christopher Eccleston, the antagonist of the Darkish Elves in Thor: The Darkish Worldis usually thought-about one of many MCU's weakest villains. Regardless of Eccleston's expertise and the character's wealthy historical past within the comics, Malekith has been decreased to a one-dimensional villain with unclear motivations. The movie did not delve into Malekith's tragic backstory or his enmity with Asgard, as a substitute choosing a generic revenge plan.
Malekith's visible design and skills urged a extra formidable enemy, however his lack of dialogue or significant growth made him forgettable. Even Eccleston himself expressed frustration with the function, highlighting the wasted potential of the character and actor. In a franchise identified for its memorable villains, Malekith stands out for instance of how poor writing and an underdeveloped narrative can fully waste an iconic Marvel character.
6
Girl Sif by Jamie Alexander
Thor, Thor: The Darkish World and Thor: Love and Thunder
Girl Sif, performed by Jamie Alexander, began out as a powerful and succesful warrior in Thor. Together with her shut ties to Thor and her distinguished function in defending Asgard, Sif was established as a central determine within the franchise. Nonetheless, her character was largely sidelined in subsequent movies. After its sturdy introduction within the first ThorSif's presence has decreased considerably. She was completely absent Thor: Ragnarokwith solely a short rationalization that she was out of the world.
Initially, it appeared like she was spared Hela's wrath to return in future tasks. Nonetheless, his return in Loki and Thor: Love and Thunder it felt like an afterthought, lowering it to a humorous cameo. The truth that the latter performed Sif not making it to the Asgardian afterlife was notably annoying and never constant. Jamie Alexander's expertise and Sif's potential as a fancy and highly effective ally to Thor deserved rather more consideration within the MCU.
5
Hogun by Tadanobu Asano
Thor, Thor: The Darkish World and Thor: Ragnarok
Hogun, one other member of the Warriors Three, was performed by Tadanobu Asano. Recognized for his stoic demeanor and fight prowess, Hogun had the potential so as to add depth and variety to the Thor movies. Nonetheless, like Fandral, his function after the primary movie was minimaland his character was little explored. Regardless of his intriguing presence and distinctive combating model, Hogun hardly ever had significant dialogue or moments to shine.
Hogan fared just a little higher than his comrades in Thor: Ragnaroksurviving simply lengthy sufficient to exhibit some combating expertise and have an exhilarating second of defiance earlier than your unceremonious dying. For an actor of Asano's expertise and a personality with such a definite id, the dearth of significant materials for Hogun was a big mistake. He might have been a standout determine within the Thor franchise, however as a substitute, he's remembered as one more missed alternative.
4
Hercules by Brett Goldstein
Thor: Love and Thunder
The introduction of Brett Goldstein as Hercules within the mid-credits scene of Thor: Love and Thunder generated appreciable pleasure over the basic Avenger lastly showing within the MCU. Hercules is a vital determine in Marvel Comics, identified for his rivalry and eventual camaraderie with Thor. Goldstein's look provoked a confrontation with Thor, despatched on a mission of revenge by his father Zeus. Years later, this has not but been fulfilled.
Hercules post-credits scene Thor: Love and Thunder hinted at a future battle between Hercules and Thor, however with no follow-up but introduced, it stays It's unclear whether or not this can come to fruition.. Given Goldstein's charisma and the character's wealthy historical past, one assumes that is greater than a fleeting cameo. Hercules' inclusion within the MCU has the potential to discover fascinating dynamics and themes, nevertheless it's unsure whether or not that can occur.
3
Volstagg by Ray Stevenson
Thor, Thor: The Darkish World and Thor: Ragnarok
Ray Stevenson's Volstagg, the jovial and larger-than-life member of the Warriors Three, introduced humor and coronary heart to the primary two Thor movies. As Thor's loyal ally, Volstagg had the potential to be a supply of comedian aid and a deeply resonant character. Nonetheless, like Fandral and Hogun, Volstagg's function quickly turned minimal. His dying in Thor: Ragnarokalongside Fandral, was abrupt and unceremonious, additional highlighting how the franchise handled its supporting characters as disposable.
Regardless of Ray Stevenson's participating efficiency, Volstagg hardly ever received an opportunity to shine past a number of transient moments of humor within the broadly derided Thor: The Darkish World. For a personality so vibrant and cherished like Volstagg, this was a big disappointment. Stevenson's portrayal deserved extra significant materials and his character's potential as a comedic and heroic determine was sadly wasted.
2
Grandmaster by Jeff Goldblum
Thor: Ragnarok
Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster was a scene-stealer in Thor: Ragnarok, bringing his signature eccentricity to the ruler of Sakaar. Along with his distinctive mix of humor and menace, the Grandmaster was an enchanting addition to the MCU. Nonetheless, his function within the movie was largely superficial. Whereas Goldblum's comedic presence match the tone of the movie, it overshadowed the character's potential as a manipulative and harmful determine.
With the Grand Grasp's destiny unconfirmed on the finish of Thor: Ragnarokit appeared like he might return within the MCU's future. His story as one of many Elders of the Universe and its potential to trigger chaos all through the universe and its connections with different cosmic beings stay unexplored. After all, Goldblum's efficiency was memorable, however the character's restricted function in Thor: Ragnarok It seems like a missed alternative to increase the MCU's cosmic mythology.
1
Odin by Anthony Hopkins
Thor, Thor: The Darkish World and Thor: Ragnarok
Anthony Hopkins introduced gravitas to the function of Odin, the Father of Asgard, within the first two Thor movies. Odin's knowledge and sophisticated relationship together with his youngsters created a wealthy narrative. In Thor, Odin's actions drove a lot of the plotand her dynamic with Thor and Loki added depth to the story. Nonetheless, Odin's function diminished considerably in Thor: Ragnarok. Her dying felt rushed, serving extra as a plot machine to arrange Hela's arrival than a significant conclusion to her arc.
Moreover, for a actor of Hopkins caliberIt appeared like a waste to simply costume him up and make him scream just a little. Hopkins himself made this criticism, noting that he didn't actually need to behave. For a personality as necessary as Odin, a correct exploration of his backstory, his struggles as a ruler, and his connection to the historical past of Asgard would have been a compelling addition to the story. Thor movies.