Tessa Thompson Explains Confusion Over King Valkyrie In Love & Thunder

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Tessa Thompson has clarified why Valkyrie is specifically known as the 'king' of New Asgard in Thor: Love and Thunder. Following on from Avengers: Endgame, the latest adventure for the lightning-wielding god sees Thor (Chris Hemsworth) attempting to find inner peace and leave his superhero days behind him. However, Thor's plans for a more relaxing life are derailed when he is forced to face Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) and recruits various friends to help defeat him. Along with Hemsworth, Love and Thunder sees the return of Thompson's Valkyrie, Natalie Portman's Jane Foster, now The Mighty Thor, and writer/director Taika Waititi's rock gladiator, Korg.

So far,Thor: Love and Thunder trailers have promised a lot of unexpected twists for both the titular Avenger and audiences, from a reforged Mjolnir wielded by Jane's Mighty Thor, to the surprise appearance of the Greek god Zeus (Russell Crowe) — which baffled some audiences given that the deity comes from a different pantheon altogether. However, one particular cause of confusion surrounding Love and Thunder is why Valkyrie is expressly referred to as the 'king' of New Asgard, rather than any other royal title. Thor's delegation of the role of New Asgard's leader to Valkyrie came at the end of Endgame, as the Asgardian decided to join the Guardians of the Galaxy instead of staying to rule over his people.

Related: Theory: Odin Makes Jane Foster Thor Because Of The Dark World

Now, Thompson has now explained why Valkyrie goes by the unexpected title of 'king.' Discussing the character's role in Love and Thunder with Total Film, the actor clarified how it all stems from Thor originally being set to rule New Asgard before giving the job to Valkyrie instead, stating