Alongside two Thors, the latest film also sees the return of Thor-centric characters like Korg, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Valkyrie. However, one substantial comic book character related to Thor in the source material wasn’t present in the film, and that is no other than Beta Ray Bill, another of Thor’s well-known counterparts. But why isn’t he present in the film?
Beta Ray Bill is the mightiest variant of the God of Thunder. In fact, Beta Ray Bill equally matches Thor in terms of godlike power and might. When Natalie Portman was confirmed to return as Lady Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder, fans already envisioned that it would also be the debut of Beta Ray Bill. However, spoiler alert, even one easter egg linked to the character wasn’t spotted in the film.Now, let’s unravel the mystery of Beta Ray Bill’s absence in the film. In a recent press conference (via SlashFilm) by Marvel President Kevin Feige prior to Thor: Love and Thunder’s theatrical release, he unveiled more variants of Thor Marvel Studios would like to explore in the future.“There are these things called comic books that have a lot of stories in them. And that’s where all of our stories come from,” Feige said. “And if the question is, ‘Have you told all the great horror stories from the comics and movies?’ The answer is no. There are lots of them. And I’ve always said our interest in making additional stories is somewhat about continuing the character. It’s almost entirely about continuing the experience with the actor and being able to see — I think of all of our cast not as their individual characters, but as the Marvel Players, who within that character can grow and evolve and change. And if we look at the comics as our guide, there are plenty of other incarnations of Thor that we have yet to see.“With this statement, Marvel Studios is undoubtedly aware of Thor’s several variants that certainly include Beta Ray Bill. However, the reason for his absence might be a consequence of Jane Foster’s return as Lady Thor.
Of course, Waititi had to entirely focus the spotlight on Foster’s heroic journey as the Mighty Thor, and if he includes Beta Ray Bill in the same lineup, the film would totally disrupt Foster’s Thor character arc.Nonetheless, Beta Ray Bill is Thor’s most powerful variant, and the MCU wouldn’t waste such potential for the Thor franchise. Now that Waititi and Hemsworth are seemingly confirmed to return in Thor 5, with a Hercules set as the next villain, maybe it would also be the perfect opportunity to introduce Beta Ray Bill.Thor: Love and Thunder is now showing in theaters worldwide. Also read: Thor: Love and Thunder Fans Are Already Campaigning Marvel to #ReleaseTheWaititiCut
