Chris Hemsworth is no longer the only Thor playing actor in the MCU, detail explored

For more than a decade, Chris Hemsworth has been the face of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, embodying the God of Thunder since 2011's Thor. Ever since then, Hemsworth has been a part of almost ten films as Asgard's Thunder Prince, but things have now shifted around the MCU.

While he continues to be Thor in the studio's live action projects, Marvel has cast a new actor as Thor in one of their animated projects, which means Chris Hemsworth is now not the only actor to have played the role of the Avenger. Disney+'s Marvel Zombies introduced alternate timeline takes on some of the iconic characters on the roster, and their latest development is Thor. The series usually swaps actors for new voice talent who have continued to embody the Marvel characters in animation. Going by that trend, the character of Thor would now be played by Greg Furman. It's a choice that underlines that Thor can exist beyond a single performer, especially in multiverse-driven stories.

These shifts highlight Marvel's evolving approach to its iconic characters. Although Chris Hemsworth remains the anchor for Thor on the big screen, the MCU now will have for more actors to have the mantle passed down to them, whether it's in animation, alternate realities or live action. It's a sign that Marvel's future will be more flexible, and leaves more room for actors to get to play these iconic characters.

Chris Hemsworth's legacy as Thor Odinson

Chris Hemsworth's Thor has been one of the founding members of the Avengers. Over fourteen years, the actor has turned a book demigod into a surprisingly human anchor for the MCU, transforming a mythic hero into a character who can be funny, bruised, goofy and deeply human.

Inspired by the original comics, the films show his initial life on Asgard as a brawny, proud Asgardian prince who went on seeking wars. Raised alongside his adoptive brother Loki Odinson, the films show his growth as a character, especially with his growing empathy and feelings of responsibility for the people of Earth as he spends his time there with the Avengers and his ladylove Jane Foster.

Legacy wise, Hemsworth continues to hold the legacy of a Thor that proved adaptable. He tuned a two dimensional myth into someone who could carry jokes and heartbreak, and in doing so he expanded what a superhero lead could look like.

In a video posted earlier this year, Hemsworth expresses gratitude for the role as he shares a video collage of some of his most iconic moments as the hero. In the caption he writes,

“Playing Thor has been one of the greatest honours of my life. For the last 15 years I’ve held Mjolnir and then Stormbreaker as the God of Thunder, but what made it truly special… was sharing it with all of you. Your passion, your cheers, and your love for this character have meant everything to me. Thank you for making my journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe unforgettable. Next up, Doomsday!”