Marvel has many post-credit scenes in the movies, but some were never resolved. Among them is one involving a powerful demigod, who was also an Avenger in the comics and enjoyed fighting with Hulk and Thor.
Which character is it about? Thor: Love and Thunder from 2022 introduced an expanded pantheon of gods that is not just limited to Asgard. Because the villain Gorr aims to kill every god, Thor tries to seek help from other gods.
Also involved is Zeus, played by Russell Crowe. The good old father of the gods is humiliated by Thor and makes a brief appearance again during the credits. He complains about the gods’ lack of status in the world and says: When did we become a joke? No. This 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?
After that, there is a brief glimpse of Brett Goldstein in the outfit of the well-known demigod. Since then, however, there has been no sign of the hero, who is not so unimportant in the comics.
A Strong Avenger
How does Hercules appear in Marvel comics? He made his first appearance in the comic Young Allies No. 17 in 1945. That was 5 years before Marvel used a version of Thor in the comic Venus No. 11. However, it should be mentioned that those were very early appearances that have nothing to do with the two characters we know today, other than the names.
The Silver Age variants are the ones that actually fit with the characters established by Marvel today. Thor debuted in his iconic attire in Journey Into Mystery No. 83 (1962) and Hercules then in Journey Into Mystery Annual No. 1 (1965). This also led to a fight between the two, which is a recurring theme in Hercules’ story.
He had several stories that were inspired by mythological tales, but in the present Marvel Universe, he was manipulated by Amora, who is currently also stirring things up in Asgard, to attack the Avengers. He was freed from this manipulation but punished by father of the gods Zeus. Walking on Earth, he helped the Avengers and even became a real member of the group.
Thus, he is one of the strongest members in the history of the Avengers. Physically, as a demigod, he is 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 demonstrated that he can keep up with the green behemoth, at least for some time. Hulk won, but he was in a very strong form full of rage during the event. One of his most impressive feats occurred in Marvel Team-Up No. 28 from 1974. There, he pulled Manhattan Island back into 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, a seasoned warrior.
It Looks Grim in the MCU
How likely is an appearance in the MCU? Since 2022, there has been no sign of Hercules in the MCU. No new Thor movie has been announced so far, and in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, there will likely be little room for fights between Thor and Hercules.
On July 25, Marvel announced two new movies, Black Panther 3 and Ghost Rider (via Reuters). Both don’t really fit into further expanding the pantheon of gods, and the characters themselves are also not particularly known for interacting with Hercules.
If one were to introduce completely new Avengers or even a soft reboot, Hercules could be utilized, but as of now, it seems rather unlikely. If Marvel gives a new Thor movie the green light, Hercules will likely be introduced; otherwise, the post-credit scene would be wasted forever.
But how do you see it? Do you want to see Hercules in the MCU, or can he be ignored? Feel free to write your opinion in the comments. Thor is one of Marvel’s most well-known heroes, but even he sometimes fails against heroes and villains: 10 Marvel characters who have defeated Thor in battle
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