Audiences are currently reliving the epic Avengers: Endgame (because who can resist Fat Thor?) through the recent launch of Disney+, Disney’s answer to Netflix (and the slew of streaming services competing for our precious eyeballs).
Upon browsing the Disney+ selections recently, I recalled a fact I recently learned regarding Chris Hemsworth’s Fat Thor (otherwise known as “Bro Thor”).
Although Avengers: Endgame originally played “Fat Thor” for laughs when he first emerged onto the scene (melted ice cream, anyone?), the gag implied a deeper meaning. It was clear that the events in prior films had affected Thor on a psychological level.
Many viewers expected Fat Thor to return to his usual look by the end of the film, as superheroes are known to do.
Imagine their surprise when the god of thunder doesn’t just gain weight – but keeps it for the entirety of the film!
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo originally did plan for Thor to revert to his old muscular self, but Hemsworth shared his reason for keeping him fat with Variety:
“I enjoyed that version of Thor, it was so different than any other way I played the character. And then it took on a life of its own.”
Hemsworth referred to Fat Thor as “Lebowski Thor” while on set.
He later went on to share his experience with the 90 pound body suit, and the hair/makeup which took a whopping three hours to apply:
“People just kept coming up and cuddling me like a big bear or rubbing my belly like I was pregnant, or trying to sit on my lap like I was Santa Claus. You get a lot of affection. I felt like an old man, an old grandpa, with a bunch of kids around. And then you get sick of it when people come up and grab your belly. ‘Don’t grab me like that!’ I know how my wife felt when strangers would come up and rub her belly.”
Unlike a select few costars, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor still seems to have a bright future in the MCU. Are you excited to see this OG member of the MCU participate in future events? Do you think he’ll ever revert back to his old self, or do you prefer Fat Thor?
If you liked the display image, shared again in its full glory above, not to worry!
Artist Scarlett Bustamante has stickers available on her Etsy page.
Until next time, my Screenplaya buddies. May you walk with giants, drink among immortals, and know in your hearts that you’re amazing.