It’s a well-documented fact that it was the nature of Marvel’s multi-film contracts that once contributed to Chris Evans’ hesitation about playing the role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Indeed, the prospect of signing up to portray the same character for many years must be quite daunting. For some of these actors, though, the contract process is coming to an end – just like the MCU’s third phase. Chris Hemsworth has just set Mjolnir down for the last time as Thor, for example – having completed his obligations on the set of Avengers 4.
It seems to have been something of a bittersweet goodbye for the star, too. It’d become common knowledge that Hemsworth was unhappy in the role of the God of Thunder – particularly during the making of his second solo film: 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. That was his third time playing the Asgardian, after 2011’s Thor and 2012’s The Avengers. But then, Takia Waititi arrived on the scene and everything changed for Thor: Ragnarok – as Hemsworth explained to The Times.
“Midway through, I was exhausted and wasn’t happy with what I was doing. But, by Thor 3, I had a voice in the process and was having the most fun I’d had on a set. When we wrapped a couple of days ago, I really felt, ‘oh no, we will never have this much fun again.’”
That sense of levity certainly shone through on the screen for the threequel and the film was all the better for it. But clearly, Hemsworth was only ever tied in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for six movies and, by the time Avengers 4 hits the cinema, that will be that.
“I want to be able to take the kids to school. I may even be off all year. Maybe. It’s time to just cash in and check out and surf for the rest of my life.”
While the future may sound much more restful for Chris Hemsworth, it’s a different story for fans. Now, we must face speculation about the precise circumstances of the actor’s departure from the MCU. To be clear, Avengers: Infinity War is released on May 4th, with Avengers 4 (which does not yet have an official title) following on May 3rd, 2019. Will Hemsworth’s Thor make it to the end credits of that film alive, though? We’ll have to wait and see.
