Oscar-winning actor and former Bruce Wayne-portrayer Christian Bale seems primed to cross comic book universes as he is in talks to join Chris Hemsworth in Marvel’sThor: Love and Thunder, according to aCollider report.
The star of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is no stranger to superhero films but this would be his first foray into comic book films since 2012’sThe Dark Knight Rises. His role is being kept under wraps and given that lovable villain turned good guy turned villain again, Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston), appears to be returning in some capacity, it’s difficult to speculate if Bale will be an ally or enemy to Thor.
Marvel did not comment on the report.
Taika Waititi is returning to direct the fourth film in the God of Thunder franchise after giving it a major tonal overhaul (and critical boost) with 2017’sThor: Ragnarok. Likewise, Tessa Thompson will reprise herRagnarokandAvengers: Endgamerole as Valkyrie, while Natalie Portman will reprise her role as Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster, for the first time since 2013’sThor: The Dark World. She has indicated that she will also pick up the Thor mantle (or hammer) as a female version of the God of Thunder. Waititi will also continue to provide the voice of Korg, a fan-favorite gladiator who befriended Thor on the planet Sakaar.
Ragnarokgrossed $853 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the series thus far.Love and Thunder, naturally, will attempt to outpace that and it’s certainly attracting the star power to do just that.
Bale was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for Fox/Disney’s racing dramaFord v Ferrari, which has been a box office and critical hit. He has previously won a Best Actor Oscar forThe Fighterand been nominated forAmerican Hustle,The Big Short, andVice.
Of course, Bale would not be the first Oscar-winning actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A whopping 17 Oscar winners have appeared in the MCU, including Portman, Anthony Hopkins, and Cate Blanchett in theThorfranchise.
Disney will releaseThor: Love and Thunderon August 09, 2025.
