Spoiler warning: This article contains minor spoilers for Thor: Love and Thunder
When the customary message promising that Thor would return popped up at the end of Thor: Love and Thunder's credits, no one was more surprised than its director.
In an interview with Insider, Taika Waititi said it was a "surprise" when the note appeared. He wasn't the only one, either — star Chris Hemsworth apparently wasn't expecting it either.
"I'm not joking. I saw it in the theater and I was like, 'Oh, shit. Really?' Even Chris was like, 'What?' But, of course he'll be back. He's the best character. I mean, I may be a little biased, but he's the most fun to watch," Waititi said.
It's common for Marvel Cinematic Universe directors to get wide latitude to execute on whatever concept they're handed, but to also be kept relatively in the dark about long-terms plans for the franchise. On the other hand, Waititi has been something of a steward for Thor ever since the very popular Thor Ragnarok.
So would he return for a hypothetical Thor 5?
"Now, I don't know what would be next," Waititi admits. "I would definitely do one, but only if Chris did it. But it would need to be something surprising and unexpected for me to want to do it. Like what would be the new take? The battles and all the fighting is fine, but I would want something that feels unexpected when it comes to the story. Like making just a $5 million movie with no fighting at all, just Thor on a road trip. Like 'Nebraska.'"
Waititi has been contemplative when it comes to Thor's character of late, admitting that the latest iteration isn't necessarily what fans would want. His theoretical roadtrip movie sounds like an extension of that thinking.
Nevertheless, with so many of the original Avengers now out of the picture, Thor is arguably one of the foremost heroes in the MCU now, even with the somewhat mixed reaction to Thor: Love and Thunder. It seems like a given that Thor will return at some point, if only as a cameo in the next big crossover film.
Whatever happens, it's clear that the MCU Phase 4 needs a direction fast, even with Thor: Love and Thunder successfully racking up a $302 million opening weekend.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.