The Thor: Ragnarok (2017) scene featuring Thor and Loki executing the infamous “Get Help” ruse remains one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most beloved and repeatable moments of pure comedic genius. Fans went absolutely wild when Chris Hemsworth (Thor) confirmed that this iconic gag was not meticulously scripted, but was actually improvised on the spot—a powerful testament to the magical, unforced comedic chemistry he shares with co-star Tom Hiddleston (Loki). Under the direction of Taika Waititi, who famously encouraged spontaneity and played loose with the traditional MCU structure, the moment became legendary.
The Genesis of the “Get Help” Gag
The scene requires Thor and Loki to sneak past guards to escape from Asgard. Thor suggests they employ the “Get Help” tactic, a “highly embarrassing” routine from their shared childhood. The gag involves Thor dramatically carrying a feigning Loki into a crowd of guards while shouting, “Get help! He’s dying!” before abruptly using Loki as a human projectile, throwing him at the bewildered guards to initiate a fight. Both Hemsworth and Hiddleston have since confirmed the scene was the product of on-set improvisation. Director Taika Waititi deliberately gave the actors the freedom to play, giving them only the bare bones of the idea—that the brothers would use a trick they made up as kids. Hemsworth is credited with suggesting the final, hilarious flourish: that Thor wouldn’t just use Loki as a prop, but as an actual, physical projectile. The unscripted nature perfectly captured the chaotic, deeply familiar, and often frustrating sibling dynamic between the two gods, providing a genuine and endearing glimpse into their long, shared history.
Comedic Success and Box Office Triumph
This shift in tone, spearheaded by improvised moments like “Get Help,” was instrumental in repositioning Thor’s character as a major comedic force and injecting new, vibrant energy into the franchise. The result was massive box office success: Thor: Ragnarok grossed over $854 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of the Thor series and significantly outperforming its predecessors, Thor: The Dark World ($644 million) and Thor ($449 million). This surge was widely credited to the successful integration of Waititi’s anarchic comedic style and the undeniable chemistry between Hemsworth and Hiddleston. The film earned high critical praise (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), with critics frequently pointing to the brothers’ banter and the “Get Help” scene as key highlights. The scene’s immediate virality—generating countless memes and parodies—cemented its cultural staying power and comedic brilliance, proving the magic of unscripted moments when chemistry is involved.