Though MCU films have always utilized a certain level of wit and humor to compliment their epic action sequences, it is possible that the recently released Thor: Love and Thunder was the funniest installment in the franchise’s history. Humor was not always the primary objective of Thor films. The first two movies were among the most serious MCU offerings. However, when Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, The Mandalorian) took over the role of directing the franchise, the God of Thunder’s solo films had a tonal overhaul. Both of Waititi’s MCU epics, Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, have been hilarious vehicles for the previously underutilized Christ Hemsworth.
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It is difficult to pinpoint the funniest moment in Thor: Love and Thunder. However, a strong contender has to be the introduction of Omnipotence City. Essentially, Omnipotence City is a massive floating megalopolis that houses the multiverse’s most powerful gods and goddesses. Much like earlier versions of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, who was a drunk philanderer largely uninterested in the affairs of mere mortals, the inhabitants of Omnipotence City are much more interested in wild shenanigans than they are saving the multiverse. However, the introduction of so many new all-powerful characters in Thor: Love and Thunder cannot be ignored.
Here’s what the introduction of Omnipotence City could mean for the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A Potential Tussle Between Thor and Russel Crowe’s Zeus
In Thor: Love and Thunder, Thor made his way to Omnipotence City with the hopes of recruiting an army of gods and goddesses to do battle with Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale). To do this, Thor must confront his long-time hero, a mythological figure of great renown, who shares a similar meteorological to the God of Thunder.
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The most powerful being in Omnipotence City is Zeus, who historically inclined viewers of Thor: Love and Thunder recognize as the King of the Gods in ancient Greek mythology. In classical mythology, Zeus is a philanderer and something of a hot head. The version of the God of Lightning presented in Thor: Love and Thunder is surprisingly accurate to his mythological counterpart.
In the film, Zeus is portrayed by Russel Crowe (Gladiator, Man of Steel), who delivers a convincing portrayal of the orgy-obsessed, showboating God of Lightning before he is unceremoniously skewered by his own powerful bolt, thrown by a frustrated Thor.
Additionally, the mid-credits scene introduced another potential antagonist that could be utilized in future MCU projects. The omnipotent Zeus survived being pierced through the chest by his own lightning bolt, and he is understandably enraged at Thor. He declares his intention to destroy Thor. When the camera shifts, it is revealed that Zeus has been speaking to his son, the demigod Hercules, who in the film is portrayed by Brett Goldstein (Doctor Who, Ted Lasso).
A Whole New Batch of Powerful Players in the MCU
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It is possible that the MCU is getting a little too big for its britches. The original Avengers include a member whose super-powered skill set seems to be solely contained to enhanced reflexes and impressive accuracy with a bow and arrow. Many of the franchise’s newly introduced characters are so powerful that they have become difficult to utilize effectively on screen. Of course, this issue is made even worse by the introduction of Omnipotence City.
RELATED: Russell Crowe’s Zeus in Thor: Love and Thunder Sparks Controversy With Fans
It is no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has a near infinite supply of all-powerful beings. If the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) manipulating reality in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness causes problems for Marvel writers, imagine the impact that a limitless supply of gods could have on potential storylines. Fortunately, given Thor’s attempted murder of Zeus and the overwhelming apathy that the gods in Omnipotence City seem to have over the general machinations of the multiverse, it is unlikely that many deities will be featured in future MCU projects.
However, introducing gods increases the potential that fan-favorite characters who have passed away in previous MCU projects could return, brought back to life by the divine intervention of some kind or another.
Thor has always been one of the more interesting Marvel franchises. Rather than focusing on mechanical-suited billionaires or serum-addled super soldiers, the Thor films attempt to bring real-world mythology into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the God of Thunder’s most recent movies, a lot of the high-minded references to mythology have been softened, and the regal facades of Thor and his fellow Norseman have been shown to hide deeply human flaws. The introduction of Omnipotence City in Thor: Love and Thunder prove that the gods are no better (or possibly, somewhat worse) than their human counterparts.
