The Death of the Warriors Three in the MCU: Was It Handled Well?
Debate on the Death of the Warriors Three in the MCU: Was It Handled Well?
Many fans have expressed their opinions on the disappointing or rushed death of the Warriors Three in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), specifically in Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Infinity War. Some argue that their demise should have been handled with more impact and depth, while others appreciate the continuation of the story and the narrative shift.
Is Hela's Victory Too Easy?
First and foremost, many believe that Hela, the Goddess of Death, should have faced a more challenging and impactful battle against the Warriors Three. In the comics, the Warrior Chieftains—Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun—are not just disposable side characters. They are respected warriors with rich backstories and significant powers.
Many argue that their deaths were portrayed in a way that seemed too cursory to match the grandeur of Hela. For example, in the MCU's Ragnork, Hela easily slaughters these characters with hardly a challenge, which detracts from the overall narrative impact and the threat she poses as a villain.
The Asgardian Dilemma: Narrative Dysfunction Post-Infinity War
Another ongoing issue in the MCU is the introduced narrative problem with the Asgardians post-Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Infinity War. These films make a clear distinction between Asgard the place and Asgard the people. However, the end result of the films leaves many questions unanswered. In Infinity War, Asgard is destroyed in its entirety, leaving the Warriors Three and other key Asgardians off-screen.
If the narrative intent was to rebuild and create a cohesive storyline that moves Asgardians to Norway as seen in the comics, it seems counterproductive to eradicate so many characters. Without characters like Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun, the continuity of the narrative becomes strained. The possibility of their future use, say in a follow-up Thor film, is now highly improbable.
Comparing Comic Book vs. Movie Appearances
For fans who love the more fleshed-out comic versions of the Warriors Three, their deaths feel underwhelming. The comic versions of these characters often fend off vicious Heroes like Galactus and Mad Titan Thanos with their own unique and powerful abilities. Their deaths in the MCU were more about providing motivation for Thor’s character and showing how lethal Hela is. This simply does not satisfy the more invested comic book fans.
Conversely, in the MCU, their death is portrayed with solid acting and effects, but it's still perceived as too easy for a significant contribution to the overarching narrative. AUDIENCE: Additionally, the narrative reshaping post Ragnarok and Infinity War introduces an element of confusion. The introduction of new characters and new storylines without wrapping up the old ones makes for a disjointed viewing experience for long-time MCU fans.
Conclusion: Fans' Dilemma
While the portrayal of Hela in killing the Warriors Three was well done from a storytelling standpoint, many fans, including those who are long-time Thor and MCU fans, feel that they deserved a more impactful and difficult death. The narrative shift following the destruction of Asgard in Infinity War adds to the complexity of the issues. Twitter user Sarah Smith, a dedicated MCU fan, commented: ldquo;The loss of the Warriors Three in Infinity War was handled with grace and power, but it could have been so much more for the rich characters they were in the comics.rdquo;
The debate over whether the Warriors Three should have been killed or not, and if so, how, continues to rage on among fans and critics alike. The narrative choices and character development in the MCU, particularly in the films following Thor: Ragnarok, are pivotal in shaping the MCU's future storylines and fan engagement.