Christian Bale is no stranger to blockbusters and superhero films, specifically. This is the guy who wears the cape and cowl in three Christopher Nolan-directed ‘Batman’ films, of course. But that doesn’t mean Bale is well-versed in the current superhero film landscape. So, apparently, when he took on the role of Gorr for the new “Thor: Love and Thunder,” he didn’t even understand what the term MCU means.
Speaking to TotalFilm, Christian Bale was asked if he had any issues with the idea of taking on another superhero film after “The Dark Knight” trilogy. And while many assumed his comic book days were behind him, the actor explained he had no problems. But don’t go accusing him of entering the MCU!
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“Absolutely not, no. That didn’t even enter into my head at all,” Bale said. “I’d read that, and people would go, ‘Oh, look at this! He’s entered the MCU!’ And I’d go, ‘I’ve done what? I haven’t entered shit, thank you very much.’ I’m like, ‘The MCU?’ I had to ask what that was.”
Obviously, Bale eventually figured out what MCU stands for and why it’s important to understand that when you’re starring in a Marvel Studios film. It is funny to sit there and imagine him getting a little worked up, thinking people are talking shit behind his back about his career, only to then find out that he’s entered a new level of fandom. Thankfully, if past MCU villains are any indication, it’s highly unlikely we’ll see Gorr the God Butcher much past ‘Love and Thunder,’ so Bale’s tenure in the MCU will be fairly short.
Bale did feel a bit hesitant when he learned about the role of Gorr and then decided to Google the character. He wasn’t a huge fan of what he thought he’d have to look like in ‘Love and Thunder.’
“You sort of go, ‘I know what he does.’ It’s right there in the name, isn’t it? But I did make the mistake of Googling him and, oh no! [In the comics] he runs around in a G-string all the time,” Bale said. “And I thought, ‘They don’t have the right man for that!’ And then Taika quickly dispelled any notions of running around in that. But I always did think what he could do with this in front of a bluescreen – he could chuck on whatever he wants later on.”
“Thor: Love and Thunder” is the fourth ‘Thor’ film and finds Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tessa Thompson returning to tell a story about multiple Thors and the God Butcher who aims to kill them all. The film is directed by Taika Waititi, who previously helmed “Thor: Ragnarok.”
“Thor: Love and Thunder” hits theaters on July 8.