Branagh wants ‘logan’ for thor: a twilight finale for the god of thunder?
Kenneth Branagh is craving a grounded, emotionally resonant conclusion for Thor, envisioning a cinematic farewell akin to Hugh Jackman’s iconic Logan. After fifteen years commanding the MCU’s thunderous deity, the character’s trajectory has shifted dramatically – leaving behind Shakespearean origins for a more contemporary, rock-and-roll sensibility.
A darker path for asgard’s last stand
Branagh, speaking to Business Insider, admitted a desire for a more substantial, individual story for Hemsworth’s Thor, explicitly referencing James Mangold’s masterful Logan. ‘I’d always wanted to do more and indeed had a couple of ideas, more in the territory of James Mangold’s brilliant Logan,’ he stated. ‘I would love to see Chris Hemsworth and the others have their own individual final story that takes Thor into a glorious twilight.’
The director initially turned down a sequel opportunity after the first film, citing the need for a creative break – a decision that, had it not been made, would have likely steered him towards a more Wolverine-esque outcome. This isn’t mere nostalgia; Branagh believes a finale stripped of the MCU’s meticulous future-planning, a space where the character could truly fade into legend, is precisely what Thor deserves.
The looming presence of Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars undoubtedly informs Marvel’s strategic vision, but Branagh suggests their plans are already firmly established. ‘That’s a whole other question,’ he conceded. ‘They are so far deep into the future of the Marvel Universe that I’m sure whatever plans they have for it are already kind of set.’
Thor: Love and Thunder’s ending – the introduction of a young, potentially crucial, companion – hints at a possible future pairing, though her role remains shrouded in mystery. But even with this nascent connection, the prospect of a standalone finale, echoing the poignant and bittersweet closure of Logan, remains a compelling and, for Branagh, a deeply felt aspiration. A cinematic sunset, not a sprawling, interconnected saga.
Cade Onder, IGN