The MCU is Finally Ready For Thor's DOG, The Hel-Hound
The MCU is filled with famous heroes, but it's still missing Thor's prized pitbull - which means it's time for the world to meet Thori the Hel-Hound.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe may have memorable superheroes, villains, settings, etc. But it's sorely lacking in exotic pets who should join the MCU like Thor's dog, the Hel-Hound named Thori.
So far, Captain Marvel's exotic pet cat named Goose (originally named after Chewbacca in the comics) is the only bizarre pet that has been given screen. But it's no surprise that the cuddly cat steals the show. since audiences only love one thing more than a superhero with a pet. That's a superhero with a pet that can also kill bad guys. And if mass audiences' love for house cats didn't waver when seeing one shoot tentacles from its mouth to devour its owner's enemies, fans will love Thori even more.
Created by Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite, Thori debuted in 2012's Journey into Mystery #632 as a pet entrusted to Loki -- but his fate was set in a different direction. While Thori may look like an average over-sized pitbull on the outside, when he opens his mouth to speak, his barks are replaced with words. In addition to having the ability to speak, Thori possesses pyrokinesis, interstellar flight, and enhanced speed. Still, Thori is largely harmless when dealing with his friend (aside from the pyrokinesis when he gets excited). Yet all that changes rather quickly when the deadly dog gets a taste for murder, hence the nickname, "deathripper." The cause of Thori's yearning for utter destruction and powers comes from his parentage: Garm, a Hel-hound, is the one who gives birth to Thori as well as six other pups. Of course, the award for most misbehaved pup goes to the cataclysmic Thori.
But lest anyone think mayhem is all that the dog has to offer, the actual story of how Thor first met Thori shows the pooch is a figure of charismatic comic relief, first and foremost. The Unworthy Thor series may be best known for showing how Thor loses his hammer, but his capture by the Collector is the most important story for dog fans. In The Unworthy Thor #3, while Thor is planning a way to escape the Collector's collection, someone begins to speak in the cell beside his. Thori tells Thor that he wants to eat his fingers, and that he should stick his through the cell's bars. Of course, Thor refuses to give up his fingers, and tells the creature in the cell to go to Hel. When Thori informs his unseen cellmate that he actually calls Hel home, the God of Thunder realizes he is "a man of the underworld?"
After asking the question, Thor realizes Thori is not to be trifled with -- since he is no man at all, but a Hel-hound who, once out of his cage, promises to eat Thor's entrails. Thori's temper settles once they bond over being betrayed by Loki, an expert of mischief. Throughout the next issues, Thor and Thori's relationship continues to grow as they take on the Children of Thanos a.k.a. the Black Order. But when one considers Thori's abilities and charisma, it's difficult to NOT imagine the Hel-hound fighting alongside the God of Thunder in literally all adaptations to come.
Knowing that Thor 4's delay is allowing Taika Waititi to improve Thor: Love & Thunder's script, one can only hope that he adds Thori to the cast list. Taika Waititi's films are known for their comedy, whether it be the wartime comedy of Jojo Rabbit, the ridiculous banter between Hec and Ricky in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and even Chris Hemsworth credits Taika Waititi for Thor's sense of humor. So, it only makes sense that the director should add a pyrokinetic dog with a short-fused attitude.