Mark Ruffalo has suggested that Chris Hemsworth‘s Thor will return in the next Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for release in 2027. While production is set to begin soon on this finale to the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, the film follows after Avengers: Doomsday, which recently completed principal photography and reshoots to expand its story and cast.
Limited Details on Avengers: Secret Wars Cast and Story
So far, Marvel has revealed minimal information about Avengers: Secret Wars’ storyline and cast. Confirmed to appear are familiar and new faces, including the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom, and members of the New Avengers team, though the full roster remains undisclosed. This has fueled speculation online about the return of key heroes, particularly Thor.
A Revealing Conversation Between Ruffalo and Hemsworth
In an interview with BuzzFeed UK, Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk, took part in a game with fellow actors and Halle Berry, counting who has featured in the most superhero projects. When Chris Hemsworth mentioned his Avengers appearances, Ruffalo responded, “Six… well, there will be,” to which Hemsworth replied,
“Yeah, but we have not shot that one.”
This exchange confirms that Thor’s sixth Avengers film, presumably Secret Wars, is planned but not yet filmed. Hemsworth has appeared five times in Avengers movies to date.
Uncertainty Surrounding Mark Ruffalo’s Future as Hulk in the MCU
Ruffalo’s own status in the MCU’s upcoming Avengers films seems unclear. He was absent from the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal and did not appear in any of its promotional teasers. While Bruce Banner’s next MCU appearance is confirmed for the 2026 Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland, his involvement in the Avengers sequels remains unknown. Despite this, Ruffalo’s insight into the production suggests he is privy to developments behind the scenes.
Chris Hemsworth’s Established Role in Avengers: Doomsday
Chris Hemsworth was notably the first cast member revealed for Avengers: Doomsday and featured prominently in its second teaser trailer. His character, Thor, is seen praying to Odin for survival ahead of a fierce battle against a mysterious new adversary, likely Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. The dark tone of the teaser led to speculation that Thor might die in Doomsday, but Ruffalo’s recent hint points to Thor’s survival and return in Secret Wars.
Confirmed Cast Members for Avengers: Secret Wars
Avengers: Secret Wars will include several key characters from the Fantastic Four and other franchises. Confirmed cast members include:
- Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / Thing
Implications of Thor’s Return and Future of the MCU
Thor’s expected return in Avengers: Secret Wars has significant implications for the MCU’s direction, especially given the lingering questions about the fate of characters after Avengers: Doomsday. Mark Ruffalo’s comment indicates that, despite uncertainty, some heroes will endure as the saga builds to its concluding chapter. Fans can anticipate how the Multiverse Saga resolves and which heroes stand ready for this final confrontation in 2027.
