In the run-up to Avengers: Endgame, most fan discussion was focused on the fates of Captain America and Iron Man. Judging from the trailers, posters and toys, it seemed that Thor would be in a similar state to Infinity War: brooding, angry and with a closely-cropped hairdo. So, it was quite the surprise when he turned up in Endgame with a ragged unkept hairdo, beard and a massive beer gut.
Thor’s new “Lebowski” look ended up being one of the best things about the film, though, with Hemsworth supplying most of the funniest lines and showing us a new side of the Asgardian. Plus, fat guys can now cosplay as Thor. See, everyone’s a winner.
But how did writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely decide that this was the direction the character would take? Well, in an excellent interview with The New York Times, they’ve explained their thinking, pointing out that Thor gets two movies’ worth of development, with Markus commenting that “For a guy people once thought of as boring, he’s become very useful.”
They then went on to explain that their initial thoughts were that post-Thanos, the character would be on a “mission of vengeance,” saying:
“MARKUS When we were spitballing for “Endgame,” we started with, Thor’s on a mission of vengeance. And then we were like, he was on a mission of vengeance in the last movie. This is all this guy ever does! And fails, all the time. Let’s drive him into a wall and see what happens.
McFEELY He just got drunk and fat.”
Having seen the film, it’s by far the best decision they could have taken. Plus, while there were many comedic moments based around Thor’s new girth, it was nice that the movie didn’t include some kind of getting back in shape scene for the character. I loved that Thor was still fat in the climactic battle and wasn’t even a tiny bit less badass as a result.
I’d still wager that the character will be back to looking like a male model in his next MCU appearances (if only because it seems like a waste to keep Chris Hemsworth under a fat suit), but for now, let’s just revel in the rotund majesty and brilliance that is Fat Thor in Avengers: Endgame.
