Fans have been excited by the news of the latest villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for quite some time. Playing a villain about whom not much is known, Christian Bale is set to take on the role of Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder. The film’s introduction of the character will be the God Butcher’s first appearance on the big screens. For Bale, portraying Gorr will not be his first time in the superhero universe, having previously played Batman in Christoper Nolan’s Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. The actor is much-loved by fans, having won multiple awards, including Academy, People’s Choice, and Golden Globe Awards.Bale’s latest character, Gorr, is portrayed as a villain whose prime goal is the demise of all the gods. In the official trailer released for Thor: Love and Thunder, where fans got their first look at the villain, Gorr ominously intones, “The only ones who gods care about is themselves. So, this is my vow: All gods will die”. He thus makes his motive and purpose as a villain crystal clear.Gorr is relatively new to the Marvel Comics, having appeared in writer Jason Aaron and artist Esad Ribić’s comic series, Thor: God of Thunder, only in 2012. Gorr’s backstory is one of a devout believer who then lost his faith as prayers went unanswered. Having lived on a planet plagued by multiple catastrophes, Gorr’s prayers to the gods for help were never acknowledged. Propelled by his anger, which is further fueled by the deaths of his family, Gorr’s only motive in life is to kill all gods.The God Butcher’s interesting and thrilling character arc with the notable track record of actor Christian Bale has meant that fans have had a lot to say based on their first look at the God Butcher.
Excitement for Gorr the God Butcher
Fans have understandably been extremely excited about their first look at the Butcher’s character. Being previously unknown and having a relatively short backstory has meant that Gorr the God Butcher has considerable space to develop his character, narrative, and standing within the MCU. The prospect of gaining details on a brand-new character and witnessing Bale in action meant that the official trailer and a possible first look were highly anticipated by viewers.
Given this, fans were thrilled at the official trailer's character reveal. Unable to contain their excitement, @A_Valleyman_818 took to Twitter to say:
What I’m going to scream each time #gorrthegodbutcher comes on screen #ThorLoveAndThunder
@Marvel
Another user, simultaneously critiquing and praising Gorr’s character portrayal, expressed their excitement, saying:
Could have done away with the nose but #ChristianBale as #GorrTheGodButcher has to be one actor I'm supremely excited for to join the MCU! 🔥
In #TaikaWaititi I trust ðŸ™
Praise for Bale as Gorr the God Butcher
The first look at Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher has also resulted in fans applauding Bale’s portrayal of the character and his talent as an actor. Picking up from his noteworthy stellar performances in previous movies, fans have been quick to predict success for both Gorr and the film. “Remember the name “Christian Bale” 👑” said a fan on Twitter, penning their amazement at Bale’s performance in the trailer.
Echoing similar sentiments and predicting definite success for Gorr the God Butcher, Twitter user @skulls_diamond said:
That #ThorLoveAndThunder Trailer was really something eh? Not just talking about that end part but wow 😮 #ChristianBale 👠👠Holy Shit can already tell he’s going to kill this role of #Gorr #gorrthegodbutcher along with #NataliePortman as the next #Thor 🔥
Fans were so taken up with Bale and Gorr that their reactions weren’t limited simply to just reactions. @artbyjeeb, writing of the inspiration caused by the trailer, said:
Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher.
I watched the trailer for Thor: Love and Thunder and Gorr instantly became an inspiration for a value study.
Applause for Bale’s Versatility
The trailer has also resulted in inducing a multitude of fan opinions regarding the versatility of Christian Bale as an actor. Bale has indeed played many diverse roles, including Moses in the Biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings, Dick Cheney in the biopic Vice, and Dicky Ecklund, alongside Mark Wahlberg’s Micky Ward in The Fighter. Bale’s performance in Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy was also widely acclaimed due to Bale’s ability to portray four different Bruce Wayne personas throughout the trilogy.
User @MooochhMan, praising Bale's transformations for various roles, said:
There isn’t anyone better than him if transforming for a role is a criteria.. Bale supremacy 🤩#ThorLoveAndThunder #GorrTheGodButcher
Other users also zeroed in on Bale’s ability to transform himself, not only in terms of acting but also physically, when roles call for it. Appreciating his diversity @TheSicBay wrote:
Another entry into the Christian Bale Hall of Transformations
#ThorLoveAndThunder #gorrthegodbutcher
A similar reaction was given by @AddToTheList_, who said:
Christian Bale's physical transformations continue to amaze.
Disappointment at Differences from the Comics
However, not all reactions to Bale’s portrayal of Gorr the God Butcher were positive. Many fans of the comics were disappointed that Gorr in the movies appeared to be a washed down version of the Gorr in comics. Reacting to Gorr’s appearance, many expressed their opinion that the character could have been portrayed in a more terrifying manner in keeping with his depiction in the comics. @SaulPatrol took to Twitter to say that they were “feeling pretty let down” by Gorr’s depiction and were hopeful that Gorr would, through the course of the film, evolve into a likeness of the comic books, like “Frieza from Dragon Ball Z.”
Echoing the disappointment of @SaulPatrol, @MoustacheRide69 said:
With a big budget to do literally anything, why not do things correctly. FIX IT. If creative fans can show you how it's done in Photoshop, you have no excuse to not fix his look and make it comic book accurate
@MarvelStudios @TaikaWaititi @Kevfeige
#gorrthegodbutcher
Twitter has been abuzz with reactions to Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher. Despite the nature of the reactions, inherent in all of them is excitement for Thor: Love and Thunder and the arc that the film might take. Gorr the God Butcher’s presence in the movie has only given fans something further to look forward to. Thor: Love and Thunder is scheduled for release on July 8, 2022.