Thor: 10 Times The MCU Movies Were Better Than The Comics

In many ways, Thor sounded like the hardest superhero to incorporate into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This isn't just another crimefighter in tights. We're talking about a God of Thunder. Having a magical being based on Viking mythology and speaking in Shakespearean couplets might work in the comics, but it's pretty tricky to transition to the big screen.

Thanks to the monumental talent of the screenwriters, the directors and star Chris Hemsworth, Thor Odinson has become more popular than ever. In fact, the MCU incarnation of hammer-wielding Avenger has proven so beloved, many people believe he works better in the movies than in the source material. Considering Hemsworth has only portrayed Thor in seven movies while the character has popped up in a bajillion comics over the last 60 years, this is an astounding accomplishment.

Even though there are some purists who prefer Thor on the page, there is no question that the movies made some improvements to the mighty Asgardian. It was a wise decision to remove his secret identity. Making Hela his sister was a great way to give the characters a more intense relationship. And, let's be honest - who doesn't enjoy watching Thor being hilarious?

Probably the biggest deviation the MCU makes with Thor is his secret identity. In the comics and first Thor film, Odin grew tired of his son's arrogance and so, rendered him mortal and banished him to Earth. But in the source material, Thor's mind was placed in the body of a handicapped medical student called Donald Blake. Not only was Thor stripped of his powers in this persona, he didn't know he was the God of Thunder.

Over time, Thor remembered who he was, and would revert into his true form by tapping his hammer, Mjolnir, onto the ground. If he tapped his weapon again, he'd change back to Blake, and Mjolnir would transform into a cane.

As hard as it is to believe, this side-plot was meant to be integrated into the first Thor movie. To differentiate Blake from Thor, the characters would've been played by two different actors. Chris Hemsworth would play Thor while Blake would've been portrayed by Kevin McKidd, who's best-known for playing Tommy in Trainspotting and Owen in Grey's Anatomy.

Luckily, the higher-ups at Marvel Studios thought the secret identity angle was too convoluted, and sensibly excluded it from the movies.