Is there room for Thor in the post-Avengers 4 world?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is primed for a reconfiguring after the next two Avengers films, but does that mean that all the old heroes will be gone?

Not every Marvel Cinematic Universe mainstay has the same thoughts (whatever they may be) as Chris Evans when it comes to staying in the MCU after contracts expire. In fact, it’s another Marvel Chris who sounds like he’s ready to stay in the universe even after the Avengers movies.

We’re talking about Hemsworth, actually. Per CBR and ultimately IGN, he has a “renewed sense of excitement and enthusiasm” to continue the role, and he’s down for the “far greater range of possibilities” of Thor stories that can be told.

But does the MCU need Thor? Well, there’s a question there. It’s possible that there’s room for a Thor movie that involves a female Thor — whether or not it’s Jane Foster as the storyline went in the comics could be up for debate, since Natalie Portman has wavered about whether or not she’s done with the MCU, too.

That would certainly be a way to go for those “possibilities” Hemsworth is so enthusiastic about, though it may minimize his role. However, even if that’s not where Marvel goes, if Thor is one of the few original heroes to remain after whatever happens in Avengers 4, that leaves him room to take on a mentor role to those younger heroes.

Granted, Thor would probably be a not-so-great mentor. Perhaps the eyepatch means it’s time for a more serious Thor, though. It could be a reality. (Okay, we’re not holding out a lot of hope.)

Presumably, the comments also mean that Thor survives Avengers 4, or is at least left in a situation where he is most likely to survive (or able to be brought back somehow). After all, Hemsworth also specifically says he’s done filming Avengers 4 in these same comments.

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So, should Thor be one of the bridges between the older MCU and the new MCU?