![This is a ranking of MCU baddies based on their supreme ability to annihilate and devastate. It's not a list of the best foes, with the most interesting angles or arcs, but of superior might and menace. And now that Marvel's What If...? is MCU multiverse canon, it plays a role here too. The first three phases of the MCU led up to the arrival of Thanos and the havoc he wreaked on the entire universe. But was that enough to gain Thanos the top spot here? Could there be others out there more powerful than him? Let’s check in with the Top 10 Most Powerful Villains in the MCU! ” src=”https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2022/05/21/most-powerful-mcu-villains-thumb-1653092730252.jpg?width=888&crop=16%3A9&quality=20&dpr=0.05″ class=”jsx-2920405963 progressive-image image jsx-294430442 rounded expand loading”/></div></div><p></button></div></div><p></output></p><section data-transform=]()
It’s common for Marvel Cinematic Universe directors to get wide latitude to execute on whatever concept they’re handed, but to also be kept relatively in the dark about long-terms plans for the franchise. On the other hand, Waititi has been something of a steward for Thor ever since the very popular Thor Ragnarok.
So would he return for a hypothetical Thor 5?
“Now, I don’t know what would be next,” Waititi admits. “I would definitely do one, but only if Chris did it. But it would need to be something surprising and unexpected for me to want to do it. Like what would be the new take? The battles and all the fighting is fine, but I would want something that feels unexpected when it comes to the story. Like making just a $5 million movie with no fighting at all, just Thor on a road trip. Like ‘Nebraska.'”
Waititi has been contemplative when it comes to Thor’s character of late, admitting that the latest iteration isn’t necessarily what fans would want. His theoretical roadtrip movie sounds like an extension of that thinking.
Nevertheless, with so many of the original Avengers now out of the picture, Thor is arguably one of the foremost heroes in the MCU now, even with the somewhat mixed reaction to Thor: Love and Thunder. It seems like a given that Thor will return at some point, if only as a cameo in the next big crossover film.
Whatever happens, it’s clear that the MCU Phase 4 needs a direction fast, even with Thor: Love and Thunder successfully racking up a $302 million opening weekend.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.