Why Thor Was Marvel's Most Important Phase 1 Movie | Screen Rant
Thor was the most important movie in Phase 1 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially when looking at how it set up Phase 2 and beyond. Thor marked the fourth film in the superhero franchise following two Iron Man movies and The Incredible Hulk. Starring Chris Hemsworth at the titular lead character, Thor was followed by Captain America: The First Avenger before many of the core heroes banded together for The Avengers.
Kenneth Branagh directed Thor and brought a new realm into focus with a segment of the film set on Asgard. Aside from the godly figures, Asgard was made up of a race of extraterrestrials that possessed technology and powers that resembled magic. At the center of the film was the heir to the Asgardian throne, who was exiled to Earth after going against his father's orders. Thor also introduced other races among the galaxy and gave a better glimpse into how S.H.I.E.L.D. truly operated.
As a whole, Phase 1 of the MCU was key in setting the tone of the franchise. The first few installments debuted the crucial figures before the first team-up movie in 2012. And Phase 2 began steering the narrative towards the Infinity Saga, but that wouldn't have been possible without the release of Thor and the way the movie put the Marvel Universe in the spotlight for the first time.
While in New Mexico, Thor met astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), as well as her team. Thor took time to describe his homeworld to her, explaining the existence of the Nine Realms and the Bifrost Bridge, the passageway between worlds. The film focused on Asgard, Jotunheim, and Midgard (Earth), but just the mention of other realms proved that the focus of the MCU would soon be expanding in Phase 1 while shaping Phase 2.
Whereas Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and The Incredible Hulk focused on threats stemming from science and technology on Earth, Thor opened the door to otherworldly concerns. Even though the Bifrost was damaged, it was obvious that conflict would be heading to Earth. That came in the hands of Loki (Tom Hiddleston) when he began the Battle of New York in The Avengers. The evergrowing MCU universe then became a key focus of Phase 2 and beyond. The follow-up phase expanded on tension among the realms while introducing the Guardians of the Galaxy as well as Ultron, artificial intelligence that was powered by the Mind Stone.
Out of the original members of the Avengers, Thor is the only one who still has a clear and key role in the MCU going forward. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) are dead, and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) has retired as Captain America. It's unclear what the future truly holds for Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) in the MCU, but Thor is roaming around the Nine Realms. Following his involvement in the various battles against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the God of Thunder joined the Guardians of the Galaxy after appointing Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) as the leader of New Asgard. Both Thor and Valkyrie will return for Thor: Love and Thunder along with the return of Jane Foster as the female incarnation of Thor.
As the only remaining original character to get another solo sequel in Phase 4, Thor: Love and Thunder has the opportunity to accomplish another reshaping of the MCU. Thor can become the glue that holds the original team while also setting the foundation for the new generation of heroes to take the lead in Phase 5 and beyond. His fellow Asgardians now call Earth home, so his focus is on protecting his people as well as the well-being of innocent races in the galaxy. The next Thor sequel can show how the MCU will implement new storylines while hanging on to some of the franchise's fan-favorite figures who started it all.