Thor Odinson is a pivotal character within the MCU, played by Chris Hemsworth. As an Asgardian demigod, Thor acts as a founder and major contributor to the Avengers. With his special hammer Mjølnir, Thor serves the world well by vanquishing evil and saving the universe from those that seek to destroy it alongside the other members of the Avengers. Thor has appeared in a number of films within the MCU; from his own line of Thor films to each Avengers film, Hemsworth has breathed great life into this powerful Norse demigod, bringing along Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, an instant fan favorite, for the ride.
With the upcoming release of Thor: Love and Thunder, Thor makes yet another appearance in the MCU. A previously published Giant Freakin Robot exclusive, in fact, notes that Hemsworth has extended his Marvel contract to include three more movies. While not much is known about the sequel to Ragnarok, or Thor's future at large, what is known is that Hemsworth is set to return alongside Natalie Portman, who had not appeared in Ragnarok, but is set to make her Mighty Thor debut. With original Avengers members seemingly passing on their torches to new characters, this raises the question of what will happen to Hemsworth’s Thor in the MCU. Up until now, most have come to the conclusion that Thor is almighty and invincible, but the reveal of Jane becoming Mighty Thor makes us wonder if Thor will eventually die. Better yet, can Thor even die?
Thor is Immortal, Not Invincible
Let’s not forget that Thor is the Asgardian Demigod of Thunder and former King of Asgard. Thor is more or less immortal, granted the gift of everlasting life, thanks to his Asgardian genes and his special diet of the Apples of Idunn. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor revealed that he was over 1500 years old. It’s clear that age doesn’t affect him the way it does normal mortals, as with most immortals, he is aging at a slower rate. While Thor will eventually die, it will take thousands of years for it to happen. That said, immortality is not synonymous with invincibility. While immortal beings do not have the same limitations as mortals do, immortal beings can be slain, though it takes much more effort to kill them. This opens up the possibility that Thor could potentially have his life taken within the MCU, especially when you consider that the villain in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder is named Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale).
Thor Has Technically “Died” in the Comics
While this has not reached the MCU (yet), Thor has died in the comics, but only in body and not in spirit, being easily redirected by Loki and Silver Surfer. Thanks to his immortality, Thor is incapable of death within the comics. Thor has never died permanently and most likely never will. That said, the MCU has a habit of diverting away from the comics when it’s deemed suitable, not to mention Hemsworth himself cannot feasibly play Thor forever. As a result, some wonder whether Thor’s immortal status has remained to the same extent within the MCU, and if it hasn’t, is it possible for Thor to die with some magical MCU loophole. So far, Thor’s immortality has not been taken from him within the MCU, keeping him alive for over a millennium.
Can Thor Die Permanently?
Within the MCU, they have established Thor as an immortal, making him an invaluable member of the Avengers and one of the most powerful beings to ever exist. As a result he can be killed in battle, but he will always return to his body one way or another. Thor’s immortality prevents him from ever permanently dying within the MCU. That said, it is entirely possible for the MCU to add some kind of magical loophole in which Thor has his immortality taken from him, making him vulnerable to potential permanent death. This is unlikely as Thor is more valuable to everyone alive, but in the MCU, anything is possible.