You know that feeling when you stay through ten minutes of scrolling names just to see a three-second clip that’s supposed to change your life? That was us in 2022. The theater went dark, the mid-credits rolled, and suddenly, there he was. Brett Goldstein. The man who made "f*ck" an art form as Roy Kent on Ted Lasso was standing there in a golden harness and a very questionable yellow visor.
He was Hercules. The Prince of Power. The guy sent by a very grumpy, skirt-wearing Russell Crowe (Zeus) to go kill Thor.
And then? Nothing.
Seriously, it’s been years. We’ve had a whole multiverse saga, a massive pivot to Doctor Doom, and enough Disney+ shows to fill a lifetime. But the Brett Goldstein Thor Love and Thunder cameo remains one of the MCU’s most lingering "to-be-continued" moments. Honestly, it’s starting to feel like that one friend who says they’re "five minutes away" and then stops to get a bagel.
The Story Behind That Surreal Casting
The way Goldstein actually landed the role is kind of hilarious. He didn't spend months in a "Marvel bootcamp" or go through seven rounds of chemistry reads.
According to Goldstein himself, it was basically a random Zoom call out of the blue. Kevin Feige just decided he wanted the Roy Kent energy for the Greek pantheon. Taika Waititi has gone on record saying the casting was 100% Feige’s call. Goldstein was so surprised he actually asked if they were "winding him up."
He had about two weeks to prepare.
Two weeks.
Imagine being told you have fourteen days to look like a literal Greek god next to Chris Hemsworth. Goldstein joked in a Variety interview that he was doing 400 push-ups on the day of filming just to make sure he didn't look like a "skinny comedian" standing there.
Why the Hercules reveal actually matters
In the comics, Hercules isn't just a "Strong Guy #4." He’s a legitimate heavyweight. We’re talking someone who has traded blows with the Hulk and actually knocked out Thor once or twice.
The Love and Thunder scene sets up a specific conflict:
- The Motive: Zeus is embarrassed. Thor stole his lightning bolt and shoved it through his chest.
- The Mission: Hercules is the "hitman" sent to restore the reputation of the gods.
- The Tone: Zeus complains that people don't fear gods anymore because they're too busy looking up at superheroes. It’s a classic "old guard vs. new guard" setup.
Where the Hell Is He?
This is the part that frustrates fans. Marvel has a habit of dropping these massive teasers—like Harry Styles as Eros in Eternals or Charlize Theron as Clea—and then letting them sit on a shelf for half a decade.
Right now, as we move through 2026, the MCU’s focus has shifted heavily. We’re deep into the lead-up to Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Is there room for a Greek god grudge match?
There are rumors, mostly coming from insiders like Daniel Richtman, that a solo Hercules project or a Thor 5 is in the works. But "in the works" in Hollywood can mean anything from "we have a 200-page script" to "we talked about it once over sushi."
The Thor 5 Problem
Chris Hemsworth has been pretty vocal about wanting to do something different if he returns. He wasn't thrilled with the hyper-comedic tone of Love and Thunder. If Thor 5 happens, it’ll likely be more grounded. That’s actually great news for Brett Goldstein.
In the comics, Hercules is a bit of a tragic figure hidden behind a "party boy" exterior. He’s got layers. If Marvel lets Goldstein use the range he showed in Shrinking or the later seasons of Ted Lasso, we could get something much better than a CGI slugfest.
What Most People Get Wrong About Hercules
A lot of casual fans think Hercules is just a Thor clone. Same strength, different outfit.
That’s wrong.
In Marvel lore, Hercules is the "Lion of Olympus." He doesn't have a hammer or a fancy axe. He uses an Adamantine Mace (which is basically indestructible) and his bare hands. While Thor is noble and burdened by kingship, Hercules is usually a drunken, boastful brawler who learns humility the hard way.
He’s the guy who brings the party, but he’s also the guy who breaks the floorboards.
Goldstein's Future Constraints
There's also the "physique" debate. Goldstein was 41 when he filmed that cameo. As we've seen with actors like Hugh Jackman or Dave Bautista, maintaining that "superhero body" into your late 40s is a nightmare. Bautista eventually quit playing Drax because he was tired of being shirtless and in the gym six days a week.
If Marvel waits until 2028 to bring Hercules back, Goldstein will be nearing 50. That might be why rumors of a Disney+ "Special Presentation" keep popping up—smaller commitment, less time in the gym, more focus on the character.
Actionable Insights for Marvel Fans
If you're waiting for the return of the Prince of Power, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Trades, Not the TikToks: Don't trust every "leaked" trailer on YouTube. Real news about Thor 5 or a Hercules project will hit The Hollywood Reporter or Variety first.
- Read "The Incredible Hercules" (2008): If you want to know how Goldstein will likely play this role, check out the Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente run. It’s the definitive version of the character—funny, heroic, and slightly chaotic.
- Keep an Eye on Avengers: Doomsday: Even if he doesn't get a solo movie, major characters often get re-introduced in the big crossover events to remind the audience they exist.
- Expect a Tone Shift: The "Roy Kent" voice is Goldstein's trademark, but expect him to drop the gravelly growl for something more "Olympiun" if and when he returns to the big screen.
The Brett Goldstein Thor Love and Thunder cameo was a promise. Whether Marvel keeps that promise or lets it fade into the "what if" pile of the multiverse remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: you don't cast an Emmy winner just to have him stand in a harness once.
Next Steps for You: Check out the Thor: Love and Thunder "Assembled" episode on Disney+ for a brief glimpse of the behind-the-scenes filming of that post-credits scene. It shows just how quickly that set was put together.