Thor: Love and Thunder was a wild ride, but not necessarily in a good way for some who felt the movie was too much like a collection of ideas rather than a cohesive narrative. With so many planned cameos and godly introduction, it seems that there was also a plan early on to include an appearance by Jesus in the movie. Although there are many reasons why such a moment would not happen, Tessa Thompson confirmed in a recent interview that it was on the cards at one point.
When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is always a certain amount of suspension of disbelief needed, but Thor: Love and Thunder seemed to be determined to challenge fans levels of what they were willing to accept, with screaming goats, numerous gods and some bizarre set pieces all combining to make what director Taika Waititi himself called a “bonkers” movie. However, while talking with Empire Magazine, Tessa Thompson revealed that it could have been taken to a whole other level with a possible cameo by “Big J.” She said:
"There was supposed to be a cutaway to you-know-who. Big J."
The moment was meant to happen during the scene on Eternity, but considering the kind of backlash a comedic appearance by Jesus could have brought down on the movie, which has already had its fair share of criticisms, would likely be the reason the idea was abandoned.
Taika Waititi Called The Original Cut Of The Movie “Batsh-t Crazy”
The revelation of plans to include a Jesus cameo in Thor: Love and Thunder leans heavily into why Taika Waititi described the movie as one of the craziest movies he had ever made and said the original rough cut was “baths-t crazy.” He reiterated this opinion during Empire’s interview with him and Thompson. He told the magazine:
"Well, just between [me and] you and the readers, I've done some crazy sh*t in my life. I've lived, like, ten lifetimes. But it's the craziest film I've ever done. If you wrote down all the elements of this film, it shouldn't make sense. It's almost like it shouldn't be made. If you walked into a room and said, 'I want this and this and this.' Who's in it? These people. What are you going to call it? Love And Thunder. I mean, you'd never work again. Maybe I won't after this."
Thor: Love and Thunder landed last week on Disney+ and was immediately under scrutiny for making some changes to one scene featuring Heimdall’s son Axl, when the child’s face appears to Thor via astral projection. Many noted the “cheap” looking effect in the theatrical release, and also it seems Marvel Studios has made alterations to the scene, many simply said the new version is worse than the original.
For better or worse, Thor: Love and Thunder had continued Phase 4’s purpose of catching up with the MCU’s heroes in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame and show how the fallout has affected them. By the end of Thor’s latest outing, he is back ready to be a hero once more, and that will certainly come in handy for the culmination of the Multiverse Saga.