By Jake Fillery
The Zeus introduced in the MCU's Thor: Love and Thunder is very different from the ones in Marvel's comics.
Much like Thor is a well-known character, both from his Norse Pantheon and as the Marvel character, Zeus exhibits this fame as well. The Greek King of Gods has appeared in many Marvel Comics over the years, and now, a live-action debut with Russell Crowe as the God, in Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder.
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Like with all comic-book adaptions, things can change from page to screen. These can be visual alterations or even more severe ones like the way a certain character behaves or acts. Zeus is one of the Thor: Love and Thunder characters to differ from their comic depiction in some major ways.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
8 Thor’s Hero
With Thor, Mighty Thor, Valkyrie, and Korg all venturing off to seek the help of the gods, and Zeus in particular, Thor explains with glee how excited he is to see Zeus. Thor tells of Zeus’ legend, and how he is Thor’s hero. The way that Thor speaks of Zeus leaves audiences admiring him, until they, and Thor, discover that he is a shell of his former glory, and a selfish god at that.
In the comics, Zeus was depicted as a mentor to a young Thor. Out of the respect and friendship between Zeus and Thor’s father, Odin, the two shared a deep friendship. Once Odin died, Zeus acted as a father figure and advisor. The film depicts the two at odds, with them trying to kill each other.
7 Costume Design
Zeus’ appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder is a lot more vibrant and pays homage to other film depictions of Zeus. The Greek God appears with his golden armor and a white tunic underneath. This depiction isn’t far off from what audiences have seen from Zeus in films like Clash of the Titans and games like God of War. However, it’s more of what is seen in Greek mythology rather than the Marvel Comics.
In comic books, Zeus is usually seen in an actual superhero costume befitting of a comic book character. He has been seen sporting a cape, whether that be red or green. His armor is often silver, or black, with part of his torso exposed. His look screams superhero for the comic books.
6 Thunderbolt Weapon
Part of the plot for Thor: Love and Thunder involve the crew of Asgard needing Zeus’ help in defeating Gorr and rescuing the stolen children. Zeus, uncaring, denies help. He then proceeds to try and kill them with his Thunderbolt, which is a powerful weapon that can be used as a javelin, sword, or split into tiny projectiles. The weapon is lethal and can piece anything, as seen by piercing Zeus and Korg.
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For the comics, Zeus’ Thunderbolt is not his only weapon nor is it the treasure of his throne. Zeus can command thunderbolts at will with his hands, but in the early set of comics, held thunderbolts in a quiver to hurl them when necessary. The depiction is also different in the color, as the film’s thunderbolt looks more like a physical tool than a bundle of glowing light.
5 Love For Lewd
As in the Greek depictions of Zeus, the deity can be rather lewd. Zeus has many children with Goddesses and mortals alike, whether that means changing his shape or appearing as he usually does. Zeus can be rather disgusting with his mannerisms and sexual behavior. Thor: Love and Thunder also depicts this, as Zeus seems to obsess over “orgies”.
Multiple times throughout the scenes with Zeus, he brings up orgies and how Thor is uninvited because he keeps talking back. These joking themes aren’t the same as in the comics, as Zeus is often depicted as all-powerful and all-serious, without the need for such lewdness.
4 Personality Type
With a comedic accent from Russell Crowe, Zeus comes off as rather goofy. He is a showman, who lazily declares his abilities above all. Zeus is not seen as noble nor courageous, or even a warrior. Zeus has grown greedy in life so long and so filled with luxury, that he only cares about his pleasures rather than the people around him, or those that worship him as a god.
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Due to the immense power beheld by Zeus, he is stoic and serious in the comics. The character lacks a joking manner and is seen as someone to fear and respect. His personality and desires for the universe can often conflict, but make no mistake, Zeus is no punchline in Marvel Comics.
3 Omnipotence City
As King of the Olympians, Zeus also leads all the other Marvel gods in Omnipotence City. In the film, this city houses all gods from across the universe, including the Celestials. This location floats in gold above the sky and holds the sun in place. Visually, it’s a treat, but as for Zeus’ purpose there, it is different from the comics. Zeus is the leader of this great city of gods.
This location was introduced in Thor: God of Thunder, a comic series by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribić, the same creators of Gorr the God Butcher. It was a parliament of pantheons and was created over four billion years ago. Zeus has no part of the city, as he rules over the Olympians, rather than demanding the respect of the gods of the universe.
2 Hatred For Thor
After a disagreement about Gorr the God Butcher, things became violent at Omnipotence City. Thor and his allies fought against the guardians that tried to kill them and would slay many in their path. One such being was Zeus, who tried to kill Korg and then Thor. After being struck with his own Thunderbolt, Zeus swears vengeance on the Asgardians. Thor sends his son, Hercules, to hunt down and kill Thor.
The Olympians and the Asgardians are not strangers to war with each other. One such tiding had Hercules lead a band of warriors from ancient Greece to battle Norsem*n. This conflict involved Thor and started a war between the two pantheons. Only the friendship between Zeus and Odin put things to rest.
1 King Of Universal Gods
As the King of Olympus and God of the Sky, Zeus leads all meetings at Omnipotence City. No longer does Zeus live on Mount Olympus, nor does he just control the Greek Pantheon, for in Thor: Love and Thunder, he demands the respect and rule of every god. These gods range from Korg’s species to even food gods.
In the comics, Zeus holds a rocky relationship with other gods. He mainly sticks to his pantheon, and worries about the Greek gods under his kingdom. Zeus has been a known member of the Council of Godheads, which is a loose committee of the leaders of Earth’s pantheons, but never so much as to lead the entire universe of gods.
Thor: Love and Thunder is currently available in theaters.
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