Thor: Ragnarok could be the Thor movie we’ve been waiting for.
Marvel Cinematic Universe producer/mastermind Kevin Feige announced on Friday that the third installment of the Thor franchise has added a series of A-listers to the cast. Cate Blanchett has joined the film as villain Hela, Jeff Goldblum will play Elder of the Universe Grandmaster, Karl Urban will play the battle axe-wielding villain Skurge, and Tessa Thompson will Asgardian superhero Valkyrie.
“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.”
Marvel also released concept art for the film (seen above).
Little except for the cast is known about Thor: Ragnarok, aside that it might follow beats from the Thor clone Ragnarok and his Civil War arc. There’s also been rumors that the story could borrow from Planet Hulk, since Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk is set to appear in the film.
Whatever the story arc is Thor: Rangarok is setting itself up to be a powerhouse of a movie. The previous installments of the Thor franchise have been lackluster, so seeing Marvel up the ante and bring in a bunch of high-profile actors is extremely exciting. The new cast joins Chris Hemsworth as the titular character, Tom Hiddleston as the menacing Loki, Idris Elba as Heimdall and Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin. Taika Waititi is set to direct.
The film is set for a 2017 release.