Thor's evolving masculinity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe may be shown in the movie "Love and Thunder."

Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, frequently describes himself as the "strongest Avenger"—an idealized version of masculinity that is unattainable for regular human men.

Sure, this is largely played for laughs, but if we go behind the humor, the Thor franchise actually has an interesting message at its core about what it means to be a man. Over the past ten years, the message has evolved, and not necessarily for the better.

In the most recent installment, Thor: Love and Thunder, there are actually two Thors. The Mighty Thor appears as Jane Foster, the former love of the first Thor, played by Natalie Portman.

A variety of superheroes from Marvel Comics are brought together in the multibillion dollar multiverse phenomenon known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) introduced Hemsworth's "space Viking" in Kenneth Branagh's 2011 film Thor.

Even though this version of Thor is a parody of manly superheroes, the film's central theme was still archetypal "normal" hypermasculinity. Yes, it was recommended for the audience to chuckle at Thor's haughtiness and roll their eyes at his unbearable hubris. But in the end, in a celebration of hypermasculine prowess, it was his superior power and violence, coupled with the love of a "decent lady," Jane Foster, that prevailed.