Thor is officially back in his fourth standalone Marvel Studios film -- and he's bringing both the love and the thunder with him!
Directed by Our Flag Means Death and What We Do in the Shadows creator Taika Waititi, Thor: Love & Thunder is the latest entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing back fan favorites like the God of Thunder himself Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the love of his live Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), and the new King of Asgard (and beloved queer character) Valkyrie (played by bisexual icon Tessa Thompson).
Filled with laugh-out-loud humor as well as warming, heartfelt moments, the film shows us what are fave Asgardians have been up to following the events of 2019's Avengers: Endgame and features queer moments from Valkyrie (and another, unexpected character we didn't see coming) that make it a standout in the MCU's currently ongoing Phase 4.
And Out got the chance to speak with King Valkyrie herself, Tessa Thompson!
"Whoever Valkyrie is with needs to have a real sense of adventure, but I would also like to see Valkyrie with the queen that challenges her," Thompson told Out when asked about the qualities she would be looking for in a queen for King Valkyrie. "[Someone] that isn't gonna take her shit, that's gonna call her out on it and challenge her, and really be a partner to spar with. They could be tender and love up on each other, but they're also gonna challenge each other and help each other be the best expressions of themselves. I guess that's what I would want for anyone I love, but I think that's particularly important for Val."
"I think it's admirable and great to be telling these stories and to have more representation, I really think we should get past the point of it being noteworthy or that anyone should be congratulated at the studio level for being inclusive of our stories," Thompson also said elsewhere in the interview when asked about witnessing the continued expansion of LGBTQ+ characters and stories in the super popular Marvel films. "I just hope it gets to the point where it's not even new or noteworthy, 'cause there's just so much of it happening, and that's my sincere hope."
Thor: Love & Thunder premieres in theaters on July 8!
RELATED | Taika Waititi Listened to Queer Fans When Making Thor: Love & Thunder
