Prime Video Can Now Officially Use the Version of Thor the MCU Is Too Scared to Put on Screen

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Gamers were thrilled to learn that a beloved video game is becoming a TV show. Though movie adaptations of comic books aren’t as popular as they once were, video game adaptations are now taking center stage. We’ve already seen successful shows and movies based on games like Mario and The Last of Us, and another popular gaming series is now being developed for television.

The God of War series has evolved over time. Though longtime players remember the original games rooted in Greek mythology, the newer versions on PlayStation 4 and 5 explore Norse legends. This shift has brought powerful characters – both heroes and villains – into Kratos’ world, many of whom are familiar faces from movies. However, characters like Loki and Thor aren’t quite the same as those seen in the popular cinematic universe; they’re unique interpretations within the game’s story.

The Thor Of The MCU Is Driven By Comic Lore

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has created a particular version of Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. While rooted in comic books, Thor’s portrayal has evolved over the years. He’s been shown as both a hero struggling with self-doubt and a powerful Avenger. From fighting villains like Gorr the God-Butcher and Amora the Enchantress, Thor consistently embodies courage, leadership, and loyalty, acting as a king, protector, and friend to those in need.

These comics mainly explore Thor’s bond with his brother Loki and his fellow Asgardians. Important characters like Sif and Balder often help him, enriching the stories and providing support when he needs it. Thor is generally portrayed as warm and affectionate, enjoying a good time with his friends or taking on a serious demeanor when Asgard is threatened. However, when provoked, his power as the God of Thunder becomes terrifyingly clear. His anger is like a furious storm, and anyone who challenges him risks being caught in its destructive force.

The way Thor has been portrayed in comic books has definitely shaped how he’s seen on film, though the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made some changes along the way. The first Thor movie stayed fairly true to the comics, but later versions leaned into comedy and moved away from the original character. Thankfully, this change worked well, and now Thor is going through a darker, more challenging period after experiencing a major loss. In Avengers: Doomsday, with his daughter in danger, it looks like the movies will blend elements of both the classic and more comedic Thor we’ve seen so far.

It’s become a problem that the Thor we see in movies and on TV is quite different from the Thor of Norse mythology. Many people now think of the cinematic version as the real Thor, but the original character is actually much more complex. While he certainly has heroic moments, the mythological Thor wasn’t known for being funny – in fact, laughing at him could be dangerous! Fortunately, another series has done a better job of portraying a more faithful version of the legendary God of Thunder.

God Of War Introduces A Flawed, Rageful God Of Thunder

Everyone was eagerly awaiting God of War: Ragnarök. The 2018 God of War game successfully reimagined Kratos, placing him within Norse mythology and challenging him with both well-known heroes and villains. Though Kratos still carries the weight of his past – including memories of figures like Zeus – he’s now a father to Atreus and trying to keep his true identity hidden. The story draws heavily from Norse myths, featuring creatures like the world serpent and hinting at new characters and possibilities for the game’s universe, including the powerful Thor.

The announcement of God of War: Ragnarök generated a lot of excitement, especially regarding the introduction of Thor. As one of the most well-known figures in Norse mythology—boosted by his popularity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—fans were eager to battle him in the game. And battle they did, with Kratos and Thor engaging in a challenging boss fight that demanded quick reflexes and skillful play. While the pairing promised a new take on the classic myth, players quickly discovered that this Thor wasn’t quite what they anticipated.

This portrayal of Thor shows him as driven by anger and a desire for revenge, constantly haunted by the loss of his children. While incredibly powerful, he shares a strong connection with Kratos, the God of War, and they both grow as characters through their interactions. Although Thor initially appears as an enemy to Kratos, he ultimately helps him learn and accept his duties. The story highlights a compelling similarity between the two, creating dramatic tension and adding depth to their relationship.

This version of Thor feels like a deliberate contrast to the one most fans know from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s much less heroic and more in line with the traditional portrayal of a self-centered, immensely powerful god who casually impacts the lives of humans. Unlike the MCU version, this Thor truly embodies the raw, destructive force of a storm. That makes him a perfect match for Kratos, who is also fueled by rage and a desire for vengeance. While this depiction might surprise viewers accustomed to the MCU, it’s actually much closer to how Thor was originally portrayed in mythology.

The Prime Video TV Show Is Set To Debut This Alternative Version

The upcoming Prime Video series is drawing inspiration for its story not from the original God of War games, but from the more recent Norse-inspired storylines. This approach has sparked some debate among fans who hoped the show would begin with the events of the very first game. However, the series will soon incorporate elements from both God of War and God of War: Ragnarök, weaving those stories together. This means viewers shouldn’t have to wait long to see this new version of Thor, which will be quite different from the character as portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe can’t afford to show Thor as a villain or give him a more complex, flawed personality – he’s always been a hero and an Avenger. But the upcoming God of War series on Prime Video has the freedom to explore those darker sides. It can draw inspiration from all different versions of the character – the MCU version, the original myths, and the video games – to create something fresh yet recognizable. Thor is a key figure in the God of War story, especially because of his connection to Kratos’s journey. For this to work, the actors playing Thor and Kratos will need to have strong on-screen chemistry.

Some viewers unfamiliar with this take on Thor might be surprised, but that’s a good thing – it allows for bolder storytelling. For a long time, Thor’s portrayal has been heavily influenced by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even in adaptations outside of those films. Typically, the Thor we see in most media is more of a straightforward hero than a nuanced character. Just as the story of Hercules has been reimagined many times, this new version of Thor offers a unique opportunity to break the mold and offer something fresh. That’s what makes the God of War adaptation so promising.

As a huge fan, I was so excited when God of War was announced as a show! It’s amazing to think about these games coming to life, but I know things will have to change to work on screen. Honestly, the casting of Thor is what I’m really watching for. The Norse myths deserve to be treated with respect, and Thor can be a really dark, brutal character – like a raging storm. Whoever they pick for that role will really tell us what direction they’re going with the whole show, and I’m hoping they find someone who understands how powerful and intimidating that version of Thor should be.

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2026-01-27 01:07