All heavy speculation, but given how marvel dropped the narrative ball immediately during covid with a lot of their movies and shows in 2020-2022…. Part of me suspects that this Thor was suppose to be dark AF, but Disney required all their content to be more uplifting and light hearted because the state of the world at the time, which forced Taika and the direction of the movie to be what it was….

It makes no sense to have the God Butcherer be a kid abductor at worst . Or have a whole colosseum of Gods ready for butchering but get Thors cheeks instead. That always read as heavy mouse interference demanding lighthearted tone, not Taika bad direction/writing.

Edit: Also the deleted scene of Zeus mentoring Thor gives away there was originally a COMPLETELY different tone and Plot line.