Get ready for a heart-wrenching farewell, because the OG Avengers might meet their end in Avengers: Doomsday—but here’s the twist: Marvel Studios has a golden opportunity to outdo the comic book farewell for one of its original heroes. But here’s where it gets controversial: could Thor’s death be the emotional gut-punch we’re all bracing for, and will it surpass the comics’ epic send-off? Let’s dive in.
Published just hours ago, this deep dive into the MCU’s future comes from Ollie, a seasoned writer who transitioned from gaming journalism to superhero storytelling in 2023. With a portfolio spanning Screen Rant and CBR, Ollie’s obsession with the MCU, DCU, and their comic roots has only grown stronger. Now, they’re unpacking why Avengers: Doomsday might be the end of an era—and how it could be even more impactful than the source material.
It’s no secret that Avengers: Doomsday is expected to be a tearjerker, but Marvel Studios could elevate the stakes by reimagining the death of an original Avenger. Theories are swirling that the film, alongside Avengers: Secret Wars, will draw heavily from the cataclysmic comic arcs of 1984 and 2015. With the Multiverse Saga already laying the groundwork for incursions, Doomsday is poised to adapt the events leading up to the 2015 Secret Wars—and one Avenger, in particular, seems squarely in the crosshairs.
And this is the part most people miss: Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, one of the MCU’s most enduring heroes, might be the one to face the music. Hemsworth’s name was the first revealed during the 5.5-hour livestream announcing the Doomsday cast, and he bookended the lineup alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. While this could simply highlight Thor’s central role, it’s hard to ignore the symbolism. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, another OG Avenger, was notably absent—a detail that feels too deliberate to dismiss.
Thor’s journey in the MCU has been nothing short of monumental. As the only Avenger with four solo films (soon to be matched by Tom Holland’s Spider-Man), his arc is one of the most fleshed-out in the franchise. But could this richness signal an impending conclusion? After all, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers received their fitting send-offs in Endgame. Hemsworth himself fueled speculation in May 2025 with a heartfelt social media tribute to Thor’s legacy, accompanied by a message that read like a farewell:
'Playing Thor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. For the last 15 years, I’ve wielded Mjolnir and Stormbreaker as the God of Thunder, but what made it truly special... was sharing it with all of you. Your passion, your cheers, and your love for this character have meant everything to me. Thank you for making my journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe unforgettable. Next up, Doomsday!’
Posted during the peak of Doomsday’s filming, the timing was suspiciously perfect. Coupled with Hemsworth’s stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton, sharing a TVA-esque set video, it’s hard not to connect the dots. Could Thor’s fate be tied to the Time Variance Authority, especially with Loki—another potential casualty—also in the mix?
In the comics, Thor’s death during the Time Runs Out saga is nothing short of legendary. As part of the Multiversal Avengers, he faces off against the nigh-omnipotent Beyonders in a battle that ends in his off-page demise. It’s a heroic, bittersweet end for the God of Thunder, who goes out fighting alongside his 'brother' Hyperion. But the MCU’s version could be even more monumental.
Here’s the kicker: The MCU lacks the Multiversal Avengers and the Beyonders, meaning Thor’s death would likely be a solo endeavor. With the TVA serving as a similar realm outside of time, it’s the perfect stage for Thor to make the ultimate sacrifice. This aligns with his character arc—a hero defined by his willingness to protect others, even at the cost of his own life. It’s a bittersweet echo of his failure against Thanos, but this time, he’ll go out on his own terms, earning his place in Valhalla alongside Jane Foster and Heimdall.
But wait—is this really the end? Comic book fans know that death in the MCU isn’t always permanent. In Secret Wars, Thor variants from across the multiverse form the Thors Corps, a global police force under Doctor Doom’s rule. While Hemsworth’s post feels like a goodbye, the Multiverse Saga has shown that variants can look and act drastically different. Could we see new actors take on the role, or even outlandish versions like Throg?
After 15 years as Thor, Hemsworth stepping away would be understandable. Though Robert Downey Jr. is the face of the MCU, Hemsworth’s tenure has been longer and more prolific. With roles like Dementus in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, he’s proven his range—but Thor remains his defining role. A soft reboot post-Secret Wars could see longstanding characters recast, and Thor might be among them. Still, without concrete details on Doomsday’s narrative, we’re left hoping for his survival.
Now, the question for you: Is Thor’s potential death in Avengers: Doomsday a fitting end to his MCU journey, or would you rather see him pass the torch in a different way? Let’s debate in the comments—and remember, no matter what happens, Thor’s legacy will thunder on.
