Who Is Marvel’s Hercules & Is He in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’?

Thor: Love and Thunder is heading to Mt. Olympus and will be introducing us to some non-Asgardian gods. Thor 4‘s new trailer dropped on April 18, and featured our first look at the Greek god of thunder, Zeus (Russell Crowe). While Crowe had already been confirmed to appear in Thor 4, we weren’t quite expecting the sneak peek of Olympus in the trailer (it looks gorgeous). However, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and the crew’s journey to Olympus certainly make us curious if other Greek gods will make appearances, as well.

Of course, fans must recognize that the Greek gods in Marvel (like the central Norse gods here) are not entirely aligned with actual mythology. In the comic books, Zeus does exist, but he does so only in a pocket dimension. Additionally, his history was touched up slightly to fit with Marvel’s take. Zeus and Odin first met during a war between the Asgardians and Olympians. The two forged an alliance to stop the war and vowed to protect Earth from the Celestials. With Gorr the God Butcher killing gods across the cosmos, Thor may be turning to the Olympians for guidance. So, we see how Mt. Olympus and Zeus could figure into Thor 4, but what about Hercules?

Who is Hercules in Marvel Comics?

An appearance from Hercules in Thor 4 has been highly rumored, due to his prominence in the Marvel comics. While Zeus and Odin made amends and forged alliances, the opposite is true of Hercules and Thor. Throughout the comics, Thor and Zeus are embroiled in a fierce rivalry. As a matter of fact, the war that Zeus and Odin put a stop to was the result of Hercules and Thor’s feud.

Hercules and Thor first met in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Journey Into Mystery Annual #1 and instantly went into battle, which ended in a draw. The two are determined to prove who the stronger one is and partake in frequent duels. Their battles typically end in draws and neither is truly established as being the strongest. However, over time, the two do build up a begrudging respect for one another and, despite their frequent sparring, are usually friends in the comics.

Is Hercules in Thor: God of Thunder?

Hercules has not been confirmed to be appearing Thor 4. The closest indication there is of Hercules’ appearance is a sketchy leak from 4chan that claimed there will be a Hercules and Thor fight scene in Thor 4, and that Drax (Dave Bautista) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) will place bets on the winner. Of course, coming from 4chan, the leak has to be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, viewers have been particularly watchful for any potential verification of the leak.

Unfortunately, Hercules was not spotted in the Thor 4 trailer. However, some viewers are convinced that someone was cut from a scene featuring Thor and Korg (Taika Waititi). The two stand together, with a large empty space to their left. While it’s a reach, some wonder if a character (e.i. Hercules) was edited out to prevent the trailer from revealing too much.

While Hercules hasn’t been confirmed, Marvel has been more than a little secretive about Thor 4. There is still a chance that they may surprise us with Hercules. After all, with Olympus and Zeus figuring into the film, it would be surprising if Thor’s longtime friend and foe, Hercules, did not make an appearance. Meanwhile, Thor will need all the help he can get in fighting Gorr, and Hercules’ strength would certainly be useful.

(featured image: Marvel Entertainment)