For more than a decade, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor has been one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most recognizable superheroes. From his Shakespearean beginnings in Thor (2011) to his more comedic turn in Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and other films like Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), the God of Thunder has been a constant presence across multiple phases of the franchise.
Now, he's set to return in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Marvel's next major theatrical crossover event releasing on December 18, with Hemsworth once again reprising his role.
Thor Will Return in Avengers: Doomsday
Recently, Marvel quietly rolled out a series of brief character-focused teasers tied to Doomsday. One spotlights the more serious version of Thor fans have been missing, while the others teased the return of several X-Men characters, a team-up between the Wakandans and the Fantastic Four, and the surprise return of Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers.
None of the previews revealed much plot detail, but the Thor footage serves as a reminder that Hemsworth’s character is still very much in play—at least for now.
Masters of the Universe
At the same time, another blonde-haired, musclebound, mythic hero is stepping into the spotlight, and the similarities between the two are hard to ignore.
The first official trailer for the highly anticipated reboot Masters of the Universe (2026) premiered online on January 22, following a short teaser the day before. Watch it below:
Directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee), the film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, a man raised on Earth who discovers his true heritage and destiny as He-Man.
The full trailer shows Adam reclaiming the Sword of Power and returning to his home world Eternia. There, we see him fully in warrior mode as He-Man, fighting alongside Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), charging into battle with Cringer as Battle Cat, and clashing with Skeletor (Jared Leto). Visually and tonally, it’s classic sword-and-sorcery spectacle that leans heavily into the larger-than-life fantasy that defined the original Mattel franchise and the iconic 1980s animated series. Watch the official trailer below:
Related: Mark Ruffalo Confirms ‘Avengers: Doomsday' Exclusion : Disney Fanatic
Thor Vs. He-Man
It’s difficult not to draw comparisons between He-Man and Thor. Both characters are otherworldly warriors tied to ancient power, wield iconic weapons, and straddle two worlds—one fantastical, one familiar (they're also both blonde, which definitely counts).
The truth is that audiences have drawn comparisons between the two equally iconic heroes for years. At one point, Marvel fans and Masters of the Universe fans alike even imagined Hemsworth one day stepping into the role as He-Man following his debut as Thor in 2011.
Now, viewers are already comparing the new Masters of the Universe film itself to Thor films such as Ragnarok and Love and Thunder, and even other Marvel entries like Guardians of the Galaxy, citing similar visuals, comedic tone, and the overall Earth-into-space concept.
Masters of the Universe releases in theaters on June 5 through Amazon MGM Studios in the U.S., with Sony Pictures Releasing International handling the international rollout. Whether He-Man truly becomes the next big cinematic powerhouse remains to be seen, but the trailer makes one thing clear: Thor has some serious competition ahead.
What's the New He-Man Film About and Who's In It?
“In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure,” the official synopsis reads.
“After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.”
The film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam Glenn/He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Keldor/Skeletor, Alison Brie as Professor Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms, Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, James Purefoy as King Randor, and Kristen Wiig as Roboto.
Will you be watching Masters of the Universe? Are you more excited about Avengers: Doomsday? Let us know in the comments down below!
