The new trailer for “Thor: Love and Thunder” has some fans convinced the Marvel superhero will be gay in the newest installment.
This promo includes a clip that depicts Thor (Chris Hemsworth) looking longingly at Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) in what seems to be a lustful gaze. In the scene, Pratt says, “Remember what I told you, if you ever feel lost. Just look into the eyes of the people that you love.”
Thor dramatically looks into Star-Lord’s eyes.
“Not me,” Pratt clarifies.
Thor then looks away and says, “What? Just listening.”
Twitter users quickly shared their suspicions of what that scene could signify after the trailer was released. They described the scene as “Thor’s gay awakening” and celebrated the concept of a mainstream Marvel superhero being openly gay.
“Taika Waititi gets hold of the pen and suddenly Thor’s gay now. incredible,” one Twitter user wrote in a viral tweet.
Others credited “Love and Thunder’s” director Taika Waititi with masterminding the change in direction for both characters. Forbes made a case for why Thor and Star-Lord could have a romantic relationship in this film, citing examples of Waititi telling same-sex love stories in other projects. If “What We Do In Shadows,” “Jojo Rabbit,” and “Our Flag Means Death” had gay storylines, the writer argues, then why can’t the new Marvel movie?
“Thor has always been gay guys taika just made it more obvious,” someone else chimed in.
“Anyone saying Thor isn’t gay is in homophobic denial,” one fan said.
While it’s not confirmed that Pratt and Hemsworth’s characters will have a homosexual relationship, it would be on brand for Marvel. The company introduced a gay Captain America for Pride Month in June 2021, The Daily Wire originally reported.
Marvel also voiced their vehement opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, which critics called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
“We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community,” the company shared in a statement on their official Twitter page.
“Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community. Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect.”
According to the New York Post, the “Love and Thunder” storyline will focus on Thor discovering who he truly is while traveling space with the Guardians of the Galaxy. The trailer teases Russell Crowe’s debut as Zeus and Natalie Portman returning to the franchise for the first time since 2013 to play Jane Foster, who Thor once had a relationship with. Her inclusion could be the end of Thor-goes-gay rumors, but so far nothing is off the table.
“Thor: Love and Thunder” will debut in theaters on Friday, July 8.