Thor: Love and Thunder star Tessa Thompson teases new plot details

The fourth installment in the MCU'S Thor franchise is slated to release in July of this year and will also mark the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. Natalie is taking over as female Thor from Chris Hemsworth for whom this could be the last film as the God of Thunder.

Tessa Thompson who was handed over the rule of Asgard on Earth in Avengers Endgame also returns as Valkyrie. The character was introduced in 2017's Thor Ragnarok and while the sexuality of Valkyrie was hinted at in the film, it was not given any direct attention. But that seems to have changed with Marvel 's policy of being more inclusive of the LGBTQIA community.

Of course, this news will get a mixed response with many going to call the movie "too woke" but director Taika Waititi has said he has been able to balance this aspect and make it meaningful to the plot while talking about the impending release of Thor: Love and Thunder.

In a recent interview with The Wrap, the actress spoke about her role and how the movie will explore Valkyrie's sexuality, “It’s totally exciting. We talk so much about representation and obviously, in terms of the LGBTQIA community, there’s still so much work to be done. But if you look at the comics in the canon, there are so many queer characters!"

She went on to add, "It’s hard because Taika [Waititi] and I would’ve even liked to go further, but in the context of the movies, there’s only so much we can do. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of time invested in love stories in Marvel movies in general. I think that will be a little different on the new 'Thor,' which is exciting. And getting to play a character that historically is not written for somebody that looks like me, all of that felt exciting.”

Thor: Love and Thunder will pick up after the events of Avenger's Endgame with Valkyrie being the new Queen of Asgard and Thor in space with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Taika Waititi has confirmed that 'Fat Thor' will make an appearance in the movie as well a more toned version that we are used to seeing.

The movie also stars Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale playing Gorr, The God Butcher and will serve as the main bad guy in the movie.

As well as cameos from Jeff Goldblum, Sylvester Stallone , and Russell Crowe , The movie is set to hit theaters on July 8, 2022.