Marvel confirmed huge casting and character details for the next big screen adventure of Thor.
The God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) will return to face Hela, Goddess of Death, and a villain with a comic book connection to a Guardians of the Galaxy character which could explain why the Hulk is rampaging in the Asgardian’s new movie.
Here’s the official announcement then we’ll break it all down:
Two-time Oscar®-winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Carol, “Cinderella”) joins Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok” as the mysterious and powerful new villain Hela, along with Jeff Goldblum (the upcoming “Independence Day: Resurgence,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Jurassic Park”) who joins the cast as the eccentric Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson (“Creed,” “Selma”) who will bring the classic hero Valkyrie to life on the big screen, and Karl Urban (“Star Trek” trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”) who will add his might to the fray as Skurge.
Rounding out the cast for the film is three-time Oscar®-nominee Mark Ruffalo (“Spotlight,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “Foxcatcher”), reprising his role of Bruce Banner/the Hulk from “Marvel’s The Avengers” and Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
“The continuation of the epic Thor franchise will be powerful and unique, and with the additions of Cate, Jeff, Tessa, Karl, and Mark to the cast we have the makings of his most dangerous and heroic adventure yet,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “The sheer, raw talent each of these actors brings to the screen can’t be quantified. Having any one of them join the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be an honor, and having all of them is incredible.”
Thor’s new cast members join returning stars Chris Hemsworth (“Rush,” “In the Heart of the Sea,” “Ghostbusters”) in the title role for the fifth time; Tom Hiddleston (“Crimson Peak,” “The Night Manager,” “Kong: Skull Island”) as Thor’s adversarial, adopted brother, Loki; Golden Globe® and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Idris Elba (“The Dark Tower,” “Luther,” “Beasts of No Nation”) as the Asgardian sentry, Heimdall; and Academy Award®-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins (“Silence of the Lambs,” “Nixon,” “Hitchcock”) again portraying Odin, Ruler of Asgard.
“Thor: Ragnarok,” the third installment of Marvel’s popular Norse Super Hero, is directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Taika Waititi (“Two Cars, One Night,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”). Kevin Feige will produce the film, joined by executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Victoria Alonso, Thomas M. Hammel and Stan Lee.
Who are these characters?
Hela, The Goddess of Death and Queen of the Underworld based on the Norse Goddess, Hel. Born on Jutenheim as the daughter of Loki (a different incarnation) and survivor of an earlier Ragnarok (Fall of the Gods). Click on the art above which shows Hela in her classic look from comics.
Skurge the Exectioner, a super powered warrior born on Jutenheim armed with an enchanted double-bladed axe.
The Grandmaster (like The Collector in Guardians of the Galaxy) is one of the Elders of the Universe and cosmic game player often pitting two races, teams or opponents against each other for his amusement or as part of a larger endgame. It’s like this alien master strategist will manipulate a rematch between Thor and Hulk in a Contest of Champions style battle.
Valkyrie is a beloved hero from comics based on the “choosers of the slain” who were believed to take dead warriors to Valhalla in Norse mythology. Brunnhilde was chosen by Odin to lead the Valkyrior, she became the ally and lover to Thor. Armed with a sword, flying horse and super strength this warrior was part of major Marvel events. Valkyrie was once an enemy of Hulk before they were part of the Defenders comic book series. Valkyrie would later become an Avenger. This is Valkyrie (above on the cover of The Fearless).
By Editor