Spoilers ahead for Avengers: Endgame
The MCU blew our collective minds two months ago, when Avengers: Endgame arrived in theaters. The Russo Brothers provided a blockbuster with myriad twists, and fitting ends for some of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. One of the characters who had the biggest arcs throughout Endgame was Chris Hemsworth's Thor, who was in a deep depression and turning to alcohol in the wake of Thanos' snap and subsequent death.
Thor turned to alcohol in his state, and gained quite a bit of weight during the five year time jump. It was a physical transformation that was the butt of a few jokes throughout Endgame's run time, and #FatThor quickly went viral. But the plot point has also been the subject of controversy, as some believed the ongoing gag was an example fat shaming in the media.
Now Marvel has given the new God of Thunder an official name: Bro Thor. This news comes to us from information regarding Avengers: Endgame's upcoming home release. "The creation of Bro Thor" is included in the special features, so we should be treated to new footage regarding the character's physical transformation, and what went into shooting Thor for Endgame.
Bro Thor certainly feels like a name that's more kind than Fat Thor, as the character's depression went much deeper than his muscle loss. After beheading Thanos in Endgame's first act, Thor retreated into seclusion on New Asgard. He surviving people didn't see the God of Thunder, and he spent his time largely playing Fortnite with Korg and drinking to excess. Thor bro-ed out hard, with his new physique serving as a constant reminder to his mental state throughout the blockbuster.
The reaction to Thor's new look in Avengers: Endgame has been fairly mixed. Obviously there's a population that simply loved the sight gag and recurring jokes at the normally cocky and ultra-fit character's expense. Comic book aficionado Kevin Smith seems particularly thrilled, and reached out to Chris Hemsworth to thank him for playing a superhero who had an imperfect body.
Related: Why Thor Changed So Much In Avengers: Endgame, According To The Writers
But there are also naysayers who take umbrage with the jokes slung at Thor about his weight. The jokes occurred quite a few times throughout Endgame, even in emotionally vulnerable moments. In fact, "eat a salad" was one of the last lines Frigga said to her son before he travelled back in time. And considering she was also about to be murdered by Malekith, her potential fat shaming is also the last time we'll likely see Rene Russo in the MCU as a whole.
As for the special feature itself, Marvel fans will no doubt delight in seeing how Bro Thor was brought to life. Chris Hemsworth didn't actually change his body, as Endgame and Infinity War were filmed back to back. Instead, he had to use a heavy prosthetic suit during certain scenes.
Avengers: Endgame will be re-released in theaters this Friday. Be sure to check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
