Thor 5 is shaping up to be the Marvel Cinematic Universe's next big hit, especially following the mixed reactions to its predecessor, Thor: Love and Thunder. While the specific details of the film's development remain somewhat murky, excitement is already brewing among fans, particularly for the prospect of a new director stepping in.
After the release of Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022, which garnered only a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many believed that the God of Thunder's cinematic journey might have reached its end. However, recent rumors suggest otherwise. According to Marvel insider @MyTimeToShineH, Chris Hemsworth, who has portrayed Thor since 2011, is eager to continue the character's story and is advocating for Sam Hargrave, best known for directing Netflix’s Extraction films, to take the helm for Thor 5.
On May 7, 2025, @MyTimeToShineH posted on X, stating, "A source reached out, turns out Secret Wars won’t be the end of his story. Thor 5 is in the works, no Taika this time, and Hemsworth’s pushing for Sam Hargrave (the Extraction guy) to take over." This news has ignited speculation and excitement among fans, many of whom are hopeful for a tonal shift in the franchise.
The exit of Taika Waititi, who directed both Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, has been welcomed by some fans who felt that the comedic approach taken in the last installment did not resonate well. Hemsworth himself has acknowledged the film's shortcomings, admitting, "I got caught up in the improv and the wackiness, and I became a parody of myself." He further elaborated, saying, "I didn’t stick the landing" and even reflected on how children of friends criticized the film, stating, "It's a bunch of eight-year-olds critiquing my film. We thought this one had too much humor, the action was cool but the VFX weren't as good. I cringe and laugh equally at it.”
Fans have expressed their enthusiasm for Hargrave potentially taking over the director's chair. One user exclaimed, "Might be the best Thor movie," while others criticized Waititi's handling of the character, arguing that he did not take the God of Thunder seriously enough. Another fan noted, "I love Thor Ragnarok, but L&T was a big misstep. They tried to repeat the success of Ragnarok and ended up wasting the potential of a female Thor and a villain that could be great."
As conversations about Thor 5 continue to swirl, it's important to consider that this isn't the first time rumors have surfaced regarding Hemsworth's desire for a specific director. In fact, a few months ago, there were whispers about him facilitating a meeting between Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and George Miller, the director of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. These developments have only added fuel to the speculation surrounding the future of the franchise.
Looking back at the Thor franchise’s box office performance, it’s clear that the character has had its highs and lows. The original Thor film, released in 2011, grossed approximately $449.3 million worldwide, while its sequel, Thor: The Dark World, brought in $644.6 million. The franchise saw a significant resurgence with Thor: Ragnarok in 2017, which earned around $850 million globally. However, Thor: Love and Thunder, despite its impressive box office of $760.9 million, failed to capture the same critical acclaim.
Hemsworth's comments at San Diego Comic-Con last July reflect his ongoing commitment to the character. He expressed his love for the Marvel experience, stating, "I have loved every second of the Marvel experience, and I'm always down to do more, but we're all sort of waiting to hear what's happening." He reiterated his excitement about future projects, saying, "Hey, mate, I have loved every second working in the Marvel Universe and if there's more to come then I'm excited about it. Nothing official yet. I'm sort of waiting for the phone call and waiting for the news to see, let's see what happens. But, you know, I love it."
As it stands, Hemsworth is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and is likely to appear in Secret Wars, scheduled for May 2027. The rumored development of Thor 5, particularly with Hargrave at the helm, could signal a tonal reset for the character, moving away from the lighter, comedic elements that characterized the last film.
Fans are eager to see how this potential shift in direction will unfold, especially with Hargrave's background in action filmmaking. Known for his kinetic action sequences, Hargrave’s experience as a stunt coordinator for previous Marvel projects could bring a new intensity to Thor's story. If the rumors hold true, Thor 5 could offer a grittier, action-driven narrative that fans have been craving.
Until official announcements are made, the excitement surrounding Thor 5 continues to grow, with fans speculating about the direction the franchise will take. The potential collaboration between Hemsworth and Hargrave has already sparked conversations about what a full-on action-thriller Thor movie could look like.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe evolves, Thor 5 may play a crucial role in shaping the future of the franchise. With Hemsworth's commitment to the character and Hargrave's impressive track record, the possibilities for the God of Thunder's next adventure seem promising. For now, fans can revisit all previous Thor films, which are currently streaming on Disney+, while they await further updates on this highly anticipated project.
