TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas the ideal way to fix Anthony Hopkins’ complaints about theThormovies. Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Odin, the All-Father of Asgard, was a pivotal part of the first threeThorfilms inthe MCU timeline. As the father of Thor and Loki, Odin’s wisdom and power loomed over their stories, shaping the franchise’s early cosmic mythos. However, despite the significance of his role, Hopkins has openly expressed dissatisfaction with his Marvel experience, particularly criticizing the filmmaking process. Now, with the Multiverse Saga, the MCU has the perfect opportunity to rectify these complaints.
Hopkins first appeared as Odin in 2011’sThor, reprising the role inThor: The Dark World(2013) andThor: Ragnarok(2017). While he brought gravitas to the character, his final appearance saw Odin fade away in Norway, signaling the end of his reign. Odin’s fate was particularly unceremonious, especially considering he was one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. Withthe MCU’s futurediving deep into the multiverse, it has the perfect chance to undo its mistakes by giving Odin a more substantial role.
Anthony Hopkins’s MCU Comments Highlight One Flaw With Odin’s Movie Story
In a 2023 interview withThe New Yorker, Anthony Hopkins candidly shared his disillusionment with his Marvel experience. He bemoaned the use of green screen and suggested that ithampered his ability to act. He stated:
“They put me in armor; they shoved a beard on me. Sit on the throne, shout a bit. If you’re sitting in front of a green screen, it’s pointless acting it.”
Hopkins’ criticism reveals a fundamental flaw in Odin’s character arc within the MCU – he was a static figure,reduced to delivering grand proclamations without any substantial developmentor action. Instead of engaging in the epic battles and intrigues that defined his comic book counterpart, Odin was largely relegated to an exposition device. His interactions with Thor and Loki were often limited to warnings and reprimands rather than active participation in the story’s events.
Given the scope of the Thor mythos, Odin’s lack of dynamic engagement felt like a missed opportunity. His early scenes inThorwere strong, setting the stage for Thor’s exile and redemption. However, as the films progressed, Odinbecame more of an afterthought,culminating in his abrupt and anticlimactic demise inThor: Ragnarok. Hopkins’ complaints suggest that even he felt the role was creatively unfulfilling, which stands in contrast to the potential Odin had as one of the most powerful beings in the MCU.
Odin Has Returned From Valhalla In Marvel Comics To Protect The Realm
The MCU may have sidelined Odin, but the comics have repeatedly brought him back from the dead to fight for Asgard. In Marvel Comics, Odin has returned from Valhalla on multiple occasions, proving that even death is not the end for the All-Father. One of the most notable instances was inThor#185 (1971), where Odin broke free from the realm of the dead to aid Thor in a battle against the demonic Mangog. More recently, Odin’s spirit returned to empower Thor during theWar of the Realmsstoryline,reinforcing his continued importance to Asgard’s survival.
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Given thatThor: Love and Thunderconfirmed the existence of Valhalla in the MCU (with a post-credits scene showing Jane Foster arriving there and being greeted by Heimdall), the door is already open for Odin’s return. The precedent exists, both in the comics and in the films, forfallen warriors to reemerge when needed. If the MCU were to follow comic book tradition, Odin could easily return from Valhalla, this time in a role that would be far more meaningful and engaging than his previous appearances.
The MCU’s Multiverse Saga Offers A Movie Excuse To Redeem The Franchise From Hopkins' Odin Complaint
With the Multiverse Saga introducing countless possibilities for resurrecting characters, Odin’s return could serve as both a creative redemption for the franchise and a satisfying re-engagement for Anthony Hopkins. The MCU’s current direction is already playing with alternate realities, cosmic entities, and higher-dimensional storytelling. If the MCU truly wants to capitalize on its established lore, bringing Odin back from Valhalla – especially if the multiverse is at stake – would bean easy and effective way to fix the issues Hopkins highlighted.
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Furthermore, Odin’s presence could bring weight to a futureThororAvengersfilm. Instead of being a passive figure sitting on a throne, Odin could return as an active warrior, lending his wisdom and power in a battle that threatens all of existence. This would allow Hopkins to portray the character with more depth,engaging in tangible, high-stakes storytelling rather than merely serving as a mouthpiece for exposition. Given the emotional weight of Odin’s relationship with Thor, his return could also offer a compelling father-son moment that surpasses what the previousMCUfilms provided.
Thor
Cast
Thor, released in 2011, introduces Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god. Banished to Earth by his father Odin, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, Thor must live among humans and learn humility. As he adapts to his new circumstances, a threat from Asgard, led by his brother Loki, endangers Earth.
Thor: The Dark World
Thor: The Dark World, the second installment in Marvel’s Thor series, follows the titular hero as he faces Malekith and the vengeful Dark Elves. With the universe threatened, Thor joins forces with allies, including Jane Foster, to thwart the cosmic peril and restore balance to the realms.
Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok, released on August 13, 2025, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features Chris Hemsworth as Thor, who is imprisoned on the other side of the universe, racing against time to return to Asgard to prevent Ragnarok and confront the formidable Hela.
