Where is Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie in Avengers: Infinity War?

The breakout favourite from Thor: Ragnarok is nowhere to be seen - and fans are concerned

*WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR*

Avengers: Infinity War had a ridiculous amount to pack in. The self-described "most ambitious crossover event in history" sees the Avengers meet the Guardians, while Black Panther flings open the gates of Wakanda to the world.

All our favourite heroes coming together to face off against the ultimate villain: Thanos, in relentless search for the six Infinity Stones needed to complete the Infinity Gauntlet, and thus acquire control over the entire universe.

However, there's one particularly noticeable absence that's causing some level of distress: where, oh where, is Thor: Ragnarok's breakout butt-kicker Valkyrie, played with such flair by Tessa Thompson? One more warning: SPOILERS AHEAD.

Valkyrie's prospects don't look great, unfortunately. The very last we saw of her was at the end of Ragnarok, stood next to the likes of Thor and Loki on the Asgardian refugee ship. A ship that we see once more invaded by Thanos and the Black Order at the start of Infinity War.

She isn't obviously amongst those killed during the invasion of the ship, suggesting she may have gotten away, alongside buddies Korg and Miek. One problem - we then see that refugee ship blown to smithereens as Thanos departs, after having acquired the Space Stone.

For a little added confusion, it's implied that Thor is the sole survivor of that explosion, though he later tells the Guardians that Thanos killed half his people. If there were survivors (and Valkyrie was amongst them, perhaps), wouldn't Thor at least attempt to get them to safety? He is their leader now, after all.

Add to that, how do the rules of Thanos wiping out half the universe work? If Valkyrie survived the initial attack on the Asgardians that already halved their population, does that guarantee she wouldn't turn to ash?

If you want to know Tessa Thompson's own contribution to solving the issue (to explain the joke - she really loves goats):

Ah well, perhaps Valkyrie's fate will be saved for a deleted scene. Avengers: Infinity War is out now.

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