This secret Thor: Love and Thunder cast member is so great I wish it hadn't been spoiled

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The MCU just got a great new cast member

Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster/The Mighty Thor, Tessa Thompson as King Valkyrie and Russell Crowe as Zeus in Thor: Love and Thunder poster art
(Image credit: Marvel Studios and ScreenX via Twitter)

When it comes to Thor: Love and Thunder, we thought we knew about all of the casting calls. Amazingly, that wasn't the case. We've just learned of a Thor 4 cast member who we did not expect, but we have to admit we're quite excited to see this actor enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

That said, we're also a little annoyed to have learned about it before seeing the movie. The surprise value would have definitely gotten a pop from yours truly (though it's not quite on par with that one big Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness cameo).

So, consider this your SPOILER WARNING for Thor: Love and Thunder casting. The upcoming Marvel movie is almost here, and if we weren't excited before this news, we're plenty eager now.

Thor: Love and Thunder's Hercules is played by…

When I heard who's playing Hercules in Thor: Love and Thunder, I practically screamed aloud. I found out about this through a post from a friend in Australia (where the movie is already out), who posted their review online. As my friend put it (with some asterisks that I've added), "Also ROY F**KING KENT IS HERCULES!!"

After a little poking around, I've seen enough reporting to confirm what my friend has said: Brett Goldstein, the actor, comedian and writer who broke out on Ted Lasso as Roy Kent, the gruff but lovable (he'd hate that description) footballer, is apparently the MCU's Hercules. Giant Freakin Robot posted this news as an exclusive scoop six days ago.

Brett Goldstein and Juno Temple star in Ted Lasso season 2 finale

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

We won't go into the starkest details of how this happens, but all signs point to audiences meeting Roy Kent's Hercules through Russell Crowe's Zeus. We can only hope, though, that Hercules shouts "OI, THICK-HEAD! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, YOU SILLY MOPPET!" at Thor at some point in the movie.

This is a fantastic bit of casting, because Goldstein's already a proven genius at comedic timing and being a sort of brute. And now, if Goldstein is acting with a script from the hilarious Taika Waititi? We're more excited than we were when we'd seen the first Thor: Love and Thunder reviews (which made it sound like this film won't make our best movies on Disney Plus list).

Outlook: How is this going to work?

It's unclear if Goldstein will have a continued presence in the MCU, but since he could be leaving his current show soon (Ted Lasso season 3 has long reported to be the end of a trilogy of sorts), his schedule should be opening up.

There's also the important matter of "is this a good fit?" Goldstein's great as Kent, but outside of that one very particular role? You could say he's a slightly unproven talent. Either way, this feels like a clever way to keep the Marvel Cinematic Universe fresh by adding new talent (and it's more exciting than the addition from the Doctor Strange 2 post-credits scene).

Henry T. Casey
Henry T. Casey

Henry was a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.