Q&A: Marvel writer who inspired ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ talks Gorr the God Butcher and Alabama football

We sat down with Marvel comics creator Jason Aaron to discuss how he came up with the wild ideas that inspired Thor: Love and Thunder.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been waiting with bated breath for Thor: Love & Thunder since it was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2019 to thunderous cheers.

Not only does the film promise appearances from fan favorites like the Guardians of the Galaxy, Valkyrie, and Korg, it also introduces two beloved comic book creations that have yet to make their way into the MCU: terrifying villain Gorr the God Butcher (played by Oscar-winner Christian Bale) and the return of Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster, this time sporting the hammer and armor of Thor. Both Gorr and the Goddess of Thunder were created by the same comic book writer, Jason Aaron, whose run on Thor began in 2012.

We sat down with Aaron to discuss where he got these wild ideas, how they may have been influenced by sports, and what he might be dreaming up next.

(This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)