Marvel has many post-credit scenes in the movies, but some were never resolved. Among them is one with a powerful demigod who was also an Avenger in the comics and liked to fight with Hulk and Thor.
Which character is it about? Thor: Love and Thunder from 2022 introduced an expanded world of gods that not only consists of Asgard. Because the villain Gorr intends to kill every god, Thor tries to seek help from other gods.
Also involved is Zeus, played by Russell Crowe. The good old godfather is humiliated by Thor and makes a brief appearance during the credits. He complains about the lack of status of the gods in the world and says: When did we become a joke? No. That ends now. They will fear us again when Thor Odinson falls from the sky. Did you understand me, Hercules? Did you understand me, my son?
Afterwards, there is a quick look at Brett Goldstein in the attire of the well-known demigod. Since then, however, there has been no trace of the hero, who is not even that unimportant in the comics.
A strong Avenger
How does Hercules appear in Marvel comics? Hercules made his first appearance in comic Young Allies No. 17 in 1945. That was 5 years before Marvel used a version of Thor in comic Venus No. 11. However, it should be mentioned that these were very early appearances that have nothing to do with the two characters today, except for the names.
The Silver Age variants are those that actually fit into the characters established by Marvel today. Thor in his iconic attire debuted in Journey Into Mystery No. 83 (1962) and Hercules then in Journey Into Mystery Annual No. 1 (1965). There was also immediately a fight between the two, which is carried through Hercules’s story.
He had several stories that were inspired by mythological tales but was manipulated in the present by Amora, who is currently shaking things up in Asgard, to attack the Avengers. He was freed from his manipulation but punished by godfather Zeus. While walking on Earth, he helped the Avengers and even became a true member of the group.
Thus, he is one of the strongest members in the history of the Avengers. As a demigod, he is physically at a high level and can even keep up with Thor and Hulk.
In the comic event Civil War, he kills the Thor clone Ragnarok. In the comic event World War Hulk, Hercules showed that he can keep up with the green colossus, at least for some time. Hulk may have won, but he was in a strong form full of rage at the event. One of his most impressive feats, however, happened in Marvel Team-Up No. 28 from 1974. There he pulled Manhattan Island back to its rightful place all by himself.
Apart from divine strength, Hercules is also immortal, immune to earthly diseases, and due to his very old age, an experienced warrior.
Things look grim in the MCU
How likely is an appearance in the MCU? Since 2022, there has been no trace of Hercules in the MCU. So far, no new Thor movie has been announced, and in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, there will hardly be room for fights between Thor and Hercules.
On July 25, Marvel announced two new movies, Black Panther 3 and Ghost Rider (via Reuters). Both actually do not fit with the plan to further expand the world of gods.
If completely new Avengers or even a soft reboot were introduced, Hercules could be utilized, but currently, it seems rather unlikely. However, if Marvel gives the green light for a new Thor film, Hercules will likely be introduced; otherwise, the post-credit scene would be wasted forever.
But what do you think? Do you want to see Hercules in the MCU, or can he be ignored? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments. Thor is one of Marvel’s most well-known heroes, but even he sometimes loses to heroes and villains: 10 Marvel characters who have defeated Thor in battle
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