Why the Destroyer Couldn't Stop Hela: Exploring 'Thor: Ragnarok's' Strategic Decision

During his escapades, Hela proves to be a formidable and destructive force in 'Thor: Ragnarok,' challenging the kingdom's defenses and asserting her primordial power over Asgard. One question that often arises among fans is why, despite the Destroyer armor being one of the foremost defenses of Asgard, it fails to contain Hela. To fully understand this decision, we need to delve into the context of the film and its narrative structure.

The Context of Hela's Escape

In 'Thor: Ragnarok,' Hela's escape is intricately tied to the absence of Odin. With Odin's influence no longer suppressing her power, Hela's formidable abilities and ultimate status as the Goddess of Death come into full play. The film chooses to focus on the conflict between Thor, Loki, and Hela, limiting its narrative to present a fresh and engaging story rather than rehash old tropes or threats. Given Hela's immense power, it becomes clear that the Destroyer armor, while a powerful piece of technology, is not equipped to handle a being of her caliber.

The Filmmaking Perspective

Markus and McFeeters, the screenwriters for 'Thor: Ragnarok,' have unveiled some insights into their creative choices. In an interview, they discuss the importance of including moments of genuine and intense action, often pushing the boundaries of dark and intense characters. Filmmaker Taika Waititi also acknowledged the need to maintain a pacing that allows for the hero's journey to be compelling, moving from Asgard to the intimidating realms of space. It was decided that the Destroyer armor scene was ultimately redundant and would distract from the primary narrative arc, which focuses on Thor's journey and the impending Ragnarok.

The Role of the Destroyer Armor

The inclusion of the Destroyer armor scene in the film's script and the subsequent removal was a strategic decision. The scene was intended to showcase Hela's power and challenge, but it was deemed unnecessary and repetitive. The destroyers' cameo would've added an additional layer of action, but it would've detracted from the plot's progression. Moreover, the filmmakers wanted to ensure that the audience was fully invested in the relationship between Thor and Hela, and not dispersed by the appearance of advanced technology.

Visual and Narrative Analysis

Although the Destroyer armor scene was dropped, Hela's power and impact were effectively conveyed through visual and narrative techniques. In the scene where Hela discovers the sword in the armory, she easily rips the destroyer armor to pieces, illustrating her superiority over conventional defenses. This moment serves as a visual reminder of Hela's overwhelming power and adds to the suspense of the film. Furthermore, the mention of Hela's monologue being hilariously punctuated by Hogun's oblivious reaction provides a glimpse into the film's blend of action and humor, which was a defining characteristic of 'Thor: Ragnarok.'

Conclusion: The Strength of Hela

Ultimately, the decision to exclude the Destroyer armor scene does not diminish Hela's status as a formidable villain. In 'Thor: Ragnarok,' the plot's subversive climax relies heavily on the dangerous nature of Hela. Her power and her ability to pose a significant challenge to the heroes are critical to the film's narrative and its emotional impact. The absence of the Destroyer armor scene in no way diminished this aspect of the story, and the film succeeded in establishing Hela's role as an essential component of the conflict.

Key Takeaways:

Why the Destroyer couldn't stop Hela: Hela's immense power and status as the Goddess of Death render the Destroyer armor insufficient. What was left out: The Destroyer armor scene was considered redundant and would've detracted from primary narrative. Impact on the final film: Visual and narrative techniques effectively convey Hela's power without the need for the Destroyer armor scene.