The MCU has delivered countless iconic characters over the years, but the Thor franchise has underutilized some of its most compelling figures. While Chris Hemsworth’s Thor has grown into a standout figure, many of his ing characters have been sidelined, mishandled, or written out entirely. This recurring issue has been frustrating, as some of the MCU timeline’s most beloved or intriguing characters have failed to live up to their potential. Whether it’s due to limited screen time, poor writing, or an imbalance in the storytelling, these characters deserved better treatment. 4v275a

While superhero posters are often criticized for stuffing too much into the artwork, some posters are absolutely stunning.

Taika Waititi's inventive Thor sequel is in the crosshairs of Ryan George's Pitch Meeting.

Some of the best villainous performances in movie and television history come from performers who've otherwise established their skills as leading protagonists in stories. In Hollywood, actors and actresses tend to develop niches that they inhabit across various roles. Others take on a variety of roles, which can help highlight their versatility on-screen. Some of the most impressive though are the actors who prove how versatile they are by stunning audiences with a different set of skills than they've previously showcased.

With seven years gone since the movie first hit theaters, the latest episode of Screen Rant's own Pitch Meeting series is revisiting its Thor: Ragnarokanalysis. The third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe subfranchise was a major overall shift for the titular hero, with director Taika Waititi and Chris Hemsworth taking an improv-heavy, comedic approach in contrast with the serious tone of the first two movies. The result was a success, garnering the best reviews for a Thor movie and becoming its highest-grossing with over $855 million worldwide.

While Thor: Ragnarokfeatured the shocking moment that Hela destroyed Thor's treasured hammer, Mjolnir, one important detail established throughout the MCU suggests that she did not wield it. Thor: Ragnarok was crammed with wow moments, with Hela's shocking arrival and destruction of Mjolnir being among the many highlights. It was following Mjolnir's destruction that Thor's MCU journey reached another milestone, as he embodied his true purpose as the God of Thunder - not the God of Hammers. Thankfully, Mjolnir wouldn't be gone for long, as it later reappeared to be wielded by two more MCU characters.

Warning! This post contains spoilers for What If season 2, episode 3, "What If... Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?"

Following the events of Thor: Ragnarok, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that Odin was seeking all the MCU Infinity Stones way before Thanos, and for no less sinister reasons. As an Asgardian, Odin had been living in the MCU for several millennia before finally facing his mortality in Thor: Ragnarok. It was around the time of his death that the MCU revealed quite a lot of information about Odin and his long life before Thor was a twinkle in his eye, including what looked like a quest to obtain the most powerful artifacts in the MCU.

Loki's MCU story is a pretty tragic one to begin with, but one Marvel theory has made it even more devastating while solving one Thor: Ragnarok pothole at the same time. From the first time Loki was introduced in Thor, Loki has attempted to prove himself to his father, Odin, before that need for validation would later manifest into both villainous and heroic arcs within the MCU. Despite his best efforts, however, Odin ultimately denounces Loki at the end of Thor, causing his adopted son to throw himself into a wormhole.

What Lokiaccomplished during the season 2 finale of his titular Disney+ series is nothing short of incredible, and he actually achieved something a specific Thor villain could only dream of. Loki's character arc throughout the MCU has centered on themes of identity and purpose. After being adopted from a warring planet and growing up in the shadow of his older, charismatic brother Thor, Loki spent most of his life unsure of what he was meant to do with it. He initially believed his purpose was to rule Asgard, like Thor, and tried to conquer other realms, only to fail miserably.