Thor’s secret identity got reduced to a quick cameo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But the good doctor could make a villainous comeback.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe was pragmatic about adapting Thor to the silver screen. Among the many changes it made was the removal of his secret identity, Doctor Donald Blake. His final presence in the original Thor film was that of a nametag and an offhand mention as an ex of Jane Foster. But there is a case to be made for the good doctor to make a proper debut in a dramatic fashion.
Blake was originally a relic of Thor’s early comic years. Existing as someone Thor would swap places with while on Earth, the comics would eventually remove the character before bringing him back as a wrathful villain. And this interpretation of Blake could form the basis of the character’s comeback appearance in the MCU. This villainous turn would not only serve as a course correction to Thor’s comedic outings but also act as a painful link to his past.
Donald Blake Is a Serious Threat to the MCU’s Thor
Blake’s path to the MCU lies in the comics. After Thor got killed by the Serpent, Blake suddenly came into existence as his own being. He then proceeded to wage a path of destruction against Odin and Asgard for being little more than an alternate identity for Thor. He was ultimately defeated and punished with Loki’s title of the God of Lies. But Thor #28 by Al Ewing, Donny Cates, Salvador Larroca, Edgar Delgado and VC’s Joe Sabino had the good doctor transform into the world-ending Serpent, ready to seek revenge through Ragnarök.
Using this route, Blake would add some welcome dramatic pathos to Thor’s journey. The God of Thunder’s last cinematic outing, Thor: Love and Thunder, received criticism for being unable to balance humor and drama. Having the Serpent intend to destroy Thor’s rebuilt home would provide a course correction into very dark territory that leaves little room for humor. It would also force Thor to relive the loss of Asgard as he contends with the possibility that Ragnarök could happen again.
Thor’s Past Friends and Enemies Connect to Donald Blake
The biggest factor favoring a return for Blake is his history with Thor’s loved ones. Since he’s established as an ex of Jane’s, this would allow him to connect with Thor on a personal level. Taking up the role of the God of Lies would also allow Blake to serve as a reminder of Loki. Furthermore, the deaths of both Jane and Loki are something he could taunt Thor over to make their rivalry more personal.
Donald Blake is a minor part of Thor’s mythos. But his development into a villain could provide a serious challenge to Thor in the MCU. A battle with the Serpent would not only give Thor a cataclysmic threat but also force him to reflect on all the loved ones he couldn’t save along the way. Challenging Blake would be a dark chapter in Thor’s life, as he would be up against his most personal enemy to date.
