When it comes to the solo cinematic adventures of the Avengers, Thor is kind of the red blonde-haired stepchild of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Iron Man, Captain America and hell, even Doctor Strange even though he just showed up, all have had at least one completely fantastic film in their individual series, Thor’s two efforts have been… not bad. I enjoyed the first Thor film and I’ll even admit to having fun with Thor: The Dark World, but they were definitely no Captain America: Winter Soldier or Guardians of the Galaxy.
But everybody’s favourite Thunder God may just be about to get his own magnus opus in the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok and now we can finally show you what it looks like and even officially tell you what it’s about! Marvel released the first official pic late last week, showing off Chris Hemsworth as Thor himself, getting some instructions from director Taika Waititi. I would like to think he’s teaching him to do a new dance called “the Spider-Man Shuffle”.
The big deal here though is the official plot synopsis, which confirms some plot rumours, like the “Planet Hulk” angle, but also adds in a new wrinkle to the tale.
In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk!
Thor battling Hulk gladiator style on a distant alien planet should come as no surprise to anybody that’s been following the development of this movie, as it’s been widely reported that Marvel would be drawing on some elements from the fan-favourite “Planet Hulk” storyline. However, Thor being without his magical hammer Mjolnir isn’t something we’ve heard of before. At least not in the movies.
In the current comics, Thor is actually not Thor. Or rather the big burly blonde son of Odin is no longer “Thor”, as some mysterious knowledge he gained during the “Original Sin” comic book event left him unworthy to wield Mjolnir, with the hammer passing to longtime confidante Jane Foster. Since Natalie Portman (who plays Jane in the movies) is not scheduled to show up in Thor: Ragnarok, I don’t expect Marvel to have followed that story too closely, but it is interesting to note that the Avenger will be without his main weapon when he takes on the not so jolly green giant.
Thor: Ragnarok also sees the return of Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Idris Elba as Heimdal, and Benedict Cumberbatch will also be popping up as Doctor Strange in some capacity. Joining the MCU will be Cate Blanchett as Hela, Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Karl Urban as Skurge. It is scheduled for release on November 3, 2017.
Last Updated: January 9, 2017
Guild
January 9, 2017 at 14:35
I enjoyed the Thor movies. This one does sound the best though
Dean
January 9, 2017 at 14:48
I think the ‘drawing some elements’ should be taken very lightly. Judging from the fact they’re adding in The Grandmaster, the match is more than likely just going to be one of his games to show the audience what he’s about for future instalments.
The element they’ll probably take is literally just the match that, in the comic, was between Hulk and Silver Surfer, but follow on more from the animated movie where Silver Surfer was replaced with Beta Ray Bill.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 9, 2017 at 15:02
Horse Thor is just silly.
Dean
January 9, 2017 at 15:07
Horse Thor at least better than Frog Thor, but not as good as Homeless Alcoholic Thor
Kervyn Cloete
January 9, 2017 at 15:11
Just remember. You can make Thor an alien horse or even a frog, but don’t you dare make Thor a girl! Ew.
The D
January 9, 2017 at 15:09
I say thee neigh.
Kervyn Cloete
January 9, 2017 at 15:02
Oh for sure. Marvel have always been about just borrowing beats and tidbits here and there to make up a new tale.
Also, Zoe says that I should call you a nerd
Dean
January 9, 2017 at 15:07
So I heard
LegionZA
January 9, 2017 at 14:52
So looking forward this, more so than the first Thor flick. And having Hulk smash again, that alone has me purchasing a ticket to see this.
miaau
January 9, 2017 at 14:54
I loved the 2nd Thor Movie a lot, for the same reason I loved Man of Steel. Sci-fi movies, explaining the magic away as such advanced tech we cannot even comprehend it. Awesome stuff. Well done to the creators. I like that.
I Know a lot of people do not.
Kervyn Cloete
January 9, 2017 at 15:05
I enjoyed Thor 2 at at the time, but it is probably the worst example of the Marvel formula with a mysterious macguffin, forgettable villain, quippy sidekick, future movie setup, etc. That’s most people’s problem with it. It’s very generic in places.
miaau
January 9, 2017 at 15:07
Totally generic, Yes. But I still found it fun. Some movies are like that.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 9, 2017 at 14:59
As long as when he’s hunting around for a weapon someone makes a Thord joke.
RinceThis
January 9, 2017 at 16:06
get in the corner!
Matthew Figueira
January 9, 2017 at 16:22
Omg 2017 :O that’s this year! 😀