Big screen fans of Thor are used to seeing the God of Thunder embodied by Australian hunk Chris Hemsworth. And in the comics, he’s known for his massive build and flowing blonde locks.
But Thor is getting a makeover. Marvel Comics has confirmed when Thor returns in a new series, it will be as a woman.
“The inscription on Thor's hammer reads ‘Whosoever holds this hammer, if HE be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.’ Well it's time to update that inscription,” says Marvel editor Wil Moss. “The new Thor continues Marvel's proud tradition of strong female characters like Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow and more. And this new Thor isn't a temporary female substitute - she's now the one and only Thor, and she is worthy!”
The creator of the new series, Jason Aaron, made it clear in a statement that this is no gimmick. “This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is THOR. This is the THOR of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before.”
The announcement was made on Tuesday morning’s episode of The View, with host Whoopi Goldberg joking: “Thor, the God of Thunder, he messed up. He is no longer worthy to hold that damn hammer of his. And for the first time in history, that hammer is being held by a woman.”