Tessa Thompson recently clarified and further explained why Valkyrie is known as the ‘king’ of New Asgard inThor: Love and Thunder. Following the events that took place inAvengers: Endgame, the latest quest for the famous god sees Thor (Chris Hemsworth) trying to seek out inner peace and solace.

InThor: Love and Thunder, Thor is determined to bid his superheros days goodbye and start forward on a new path - whatever that looks like for him. In search of a life of rest and harmony from his chaotic life-style, Thor quickly finds his plans for the future soiled when he is forced to face his rival, Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale). However, the master of thunder realizes he can’t defeat Gorr on his own and ends up enlisting the help of multiple friends. Hemsworth isn’t the only actor set to reprise his beloved role in the upcomingThor: Love And Thunder. Thompson’s Valkyrie is set to make a return, as well as Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster, now referred to as The Mighty Thor.Thor: Love and Thunderalso brings back writer/director Taika Waititi’s iconic rock gladiator, Korg. The newThor: Love and Thundertrailers that have been released thus far seem to hint at a lot of shocking twists and turns for both audiences and the main Avenger. So far, fans have witnessed the sudden appearance of the Greek god Zeus (Russell Crowe) and Jane’s Mighty Thorfully equipped with Mjolnir.

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However, one thing fans have seen throughout the trailers that has been bringing up a lot of confusion for them is why Valkyrie is now being referred to as the ‘king’ of New Asgard, as opposed to any of the other various royal titles. Now, Thompson has come forward to set the record straight and explain why Valkyrie is now universally known as the ‘king.’ In a recent interview withTotal Film, Thompson confirmed that the title switch comes from Thor originally being chosen to rule New Asgard, before eventually handing off the gig to Valkyrie instead. Thompson stated that afterValkyrie was granted dominion over New Asgard, they “just didn’t bother to change the title.”

She went on to further describe and elaborate on her character’s overall more casual approach to being considered a ‘royal.’ Valkyrie is shying away from the materialism and public image that she is expected to have as a leader. Thompson shared, “She’s a kind king. I know there’s been some confusion on the internet in terms of the gendering with her being king. The truth is, that’s the job that Thor was going to do, and then he just gave her the job, and we just didn’t bother to change the title, because the title is ‘king,’ and she’s like, ‘Well, I can be king.’ The suits that she wears – we thought it was sort of a fun nod to Frida Kahlo.”

When Thor first handed over the title to Valkyrie, he expressed to her that he intuitively knew she would be making a ton of changes just by her radical presence being there instead of him. Fans will have to wait and see how Thor and Valkyrie’s relationship evolves and changes due to more of a power struggle taking place between them both. However,writer and director Waititialso revealed to fans that apparently Valkyrie is not quite enjoying being the new King of Asgard so far. Luckily, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Thompson dawning a penguin suit and crown.

Thor: Love and Thunderis set to hit theaters on July 8th, 2022.