Locked THOR: RAGNAROK v.1 (First Trailer Released)

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Update: April 11, 2017

THOR: RAGNAROK Trailer is Marvel, Disney's Most Watched Ever in a Day

The trailer for Thor: Ragnarok, which was unleashed Monday by Disney, the parent company of Marvel, has garnered more than 136 million views in only 24 hours. It becomes the not only the most viewed Marvel trailer ever, but also the studio’s most viewed trailer ever across all its brands, which includes Disney’s live-action and animation divisions, Pixar, Star Wars, as well as Marvel.

The Beauty and the Beast trailer was the previous 24 hour record-holder for Disney with 127.6 million views. Star Wars: The Force Awakens was viewed 112 times in that time frame. Captain America: Civil War held the previous Marvel record with 94 million views.

The trailer was met with tremendous enthusiasm, with it channeling a Guardians of the Galaxy vibe with both music and sci-fi fantasy worlds as it set up a scenario where Thor, played a returning Chris Hemsworth, is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer. It offered glimpses of Hela, the movie’s powerful new villain played by Cate Blanchett. And it closed with a killer line as Thor, forced to fight in a gladiatorial arena, sees his Avengers comrade Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and bellows, “He’s a friend from work.” It’s a line he quickly rues saying.



'Thor: Ragnarok' Trailer Is Marvel and Disney's Most Watched Ever in 24 Hours with 136 Million Views(Exclusive)

 

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Update: October 3, 2016

New Skurge, Valkyrie and Ragnarok Details for THOR: RAGNAROK (Possible Spoilers)

SchmoesKnow.com has an exclusive for Thor: Ragnarok. Taika Waititi is coming in hot with his first foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thor: Ragnorok. The buddy team up is now confirmed to be taking place on the planet Ragnarok. This is opposed to a direct translation to the Ragnarok storyline from the comics. Details are very limited but the site confirms that planet Ragnorok will have a Gladiator meets Mad Max aesthetic.

While on Ragnarok, Thor and Hulk end up having to fight their way out in the arenas. The arenas are run by The Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) who has a rather tough enforcer named Skurge (Karl Urban) who plays a big part in the plot of the film. While fighting in the arenas Thor runs into the beautiful Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) a fellow contestant. The two earn each other’s respect and plot a way off the planet. Somehow, Skurge turns to the light and helps them escape. How this all unfolds is still a mystery.

Schmoes Exclusive: What is Ragnarok? New Skurge and Valkyrie Details Revealed
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Update: September 24, 2016

Sam Neill Reunites with Director Taika Waititi for THOR: RAGNAROK

Director Taika Waititi already found a way to reunite with his Hunt for the Wilderpeople star Sam Neill — by putting him in his Marvel movie. The actor, most known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, revealed during an interview with ShortList that he filmed a secret role for Thor: Ragnarok.

“I’m not really allowed to say this and I can’t tell you what it is…I did a couple of days on Thor just before I came over here,” Neill said, noting how he “had to sign all sorts of things. So if I say anything else, Marvel’s secret agents — and they are lethal — will come and get me and probably my children, as well.”

Plot details are currently under wraps, but the title suggests it has something to do with the apocalypse from Norse mythology, and the Hulk gladiator armor shown at San Diego Comic-Con reveals a connection to the Planet Hulk comic book arc. Thor: Ragnarok is scheduled for release on Nov. 3, 2017.

'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' Star Sam Neill Reunites with Director Taika Waititi for 'Thor: Ragnarok'

 

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Update: August 22, 2016

Devo Singer Mark Mothersbaugh to Compose the Score THOR: RAGNAROK

Mark Mothersbaugh, best known as the lead singer, co-founder and keyboardist of the New Wave band Devo, is composing the score for Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, TheWrap has learned.

Production recently began on the superhero movie, which will be directed by Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) and star Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Ruffalo.

Mothersbaugh is no stranger to film work. His previous big-screen credits include The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street, Rushmore and Pitch Perfect 2.

Thor: Ragnarok, due in theaters on November 3, 2017, will be a gladiator movie pitting Thor against Jack Kirby-esque monsters in a arena in a far-off world and then square off against that arena’s champion: The Hulk.

‘Thor: Ragnarok': Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh to Compose Score (Exclusive)

 

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Update: August 22, 2016

THOR: RAGNAROK Set Photos Reveal a Different Odin and Possible Doctor Strange Appearance

Thor Ragnarok is currently filming at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. In one of three behind-the-scenes photos that Waititi had shared on his social network, via user and photographer Daley Pearson, Chris Hemsworth is seen holding a business card which reads: 177A Bleecker Street. Hardcore Marvel fans should recognize this as the address of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum in Greenwich Village, New York, New York.

And it looks like Geek.com's scoop last January that Odin is going to be on Earth as a street corner doomsayer turns out to be true .

Anthony Hopkins' All-Father Odin Appears Very Different In First Look On Thor: Ragnarok

 

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Update: August 17, 2016

Natalie Portman Believes She Won't Be Appearing in Future Marvel Studios Films

When last we saw Natalie Portman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she was helping Thor save the world from the Aether-infused Malekith in Thor: The Dark World [Note: Anung Un Rama's favorite scene]. Jane Foster was then briefly mentioned by Thor again during some party talk in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but has since fallen off the radar. It's been confirmed she won’t play a part in Thor: Ragnarok, so will she ever return to this moneymaker superhero franchise?

According to Portman, that’s a likely no. During an interview with The Wall Street Journal, she said:

"As far as I know, I’m done. I don’t know if, maybe one day, they’ll ask for an Avengers 7 or whatever. I have no idea! But as far as I know I’m done. But it was a great thing to be a part of."

Marvel President Kevin Feige explained in a past interview that Thor: Ragnarok focuses almost exclusively in the cosmos, which is why Jane won’t make an appearance.

Natalie Portman on Future Marvel Movies: “As Far as I Know, I’m Done”

 

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Update: August 6, 2016

Rumor: Cotati Race Will Appear in THOR: RAGNAROK; Possible Link to Mantis

That Hashtag Show, best known for breaking the Iron Fist casting earlier this year, is back at it today with a pretty interesting new rumor regarding Marvel's Thor: Raganarok, which is currently filming in Australia.

According to their sources at Marvel, at some point during the film, the dynamic duo of Thor & the Hulk will encounter an ancient alien race known as the Cotati, which could tie together Ragnarok with one of Marvel's other major 2017 releases.

In the comics, the Cotati are best known for being directly responsible for awakening the powers within Mantis, a character that's set to make her cinematic debut in James Gunn's Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 in May. They're typically depicted as being a stationary plant-like species who tend to rely on their telepathic abilities, but it seems as though, the film versions will look somewhat similar to the character played by Pom Klementieff.

That Hashtag Show was unable to obtain confirmation on whether or not Klementieff will actually reprise her role as Mantis for Thor: Ragnarok, but it's certainly not out of the question with the film's release date still over a year away.

Also, considering that the Cotati originate on the planet Hala, a.k.a. the homeworld of the Kree, it's a pretty safe bet that the God of Thunder and the Green Goliath will likely be paying a visit to Hala while on their universal road trip.

Mantis Could Play A Role In Tying Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 With Thor: Ragnarok

 

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Update: July 23, 2016

Comic-Con Sizzle Reel for THOR: RAGNAROK Reveals Gladiator Hulk and Surtur

A sizzle reel for Thor: Ragnarok was shown from the first five days of filming. After a few very quick shots of Thor and Loki together (but no real indication of what they were doing) and some scenery that was clearly Asgardian, they showed several pieces of concept art.

Loki was shown with a new costume, several shots of Asgard, and Thor was shown with some red streaks down his face. Many tribal-looking characters were shown, in fact, perhaps indicating the presence of the "Planet Hulk" storyline rumored.

One quick shot showed what seemed to be characters from The Eternals, though they could've also been the Celestials. A new throne room was shown, too.

Then came the big finish, with Gladiator Hulk (from the aforementioned Planet Hulk) charging at Thor in a piece of CGI test footage, with helmet, gauntlet, and weapon.

A full shot of Cate Blanchett's Hela was shown, looking pitch-perfect in full green, as if she leapt from the comicbook page. Finally, Hulk jumps, screaming, down from a high point, descending upon the fire demon Surtur.

Comic-Con Sizzle Reel for Thor: Ragnarok Confirms the Appearance of Surtur

 

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Update: July 23, 2016

New Mockumentary Explains Why Thor and the Hulk Were Absent from CIVIL WAR [Updated]

Director Taika Waititi put a mockumentary piece together to explain what Thor was doing during Civil War. "I just am taking a break. We had this cool adventure saving New York, that was pretty great. So I moved to Australia and moved in with Daryl," Thor says in a documentary-style video. Thor has Daryl help him write an email to both Tony Stark and Steve Rogers about their "Relationship problems."

"Dear Steve Rogers, remember when I goaded you into killing those prisoners and you made me swear not to tell any of the other Avengers? I still haven't. Please let me know if you need anything, I'm not doing much at the moment," he said.

Thor had a wall of conspiracy theory about the Infinity Stones. "Who is the purple man in the chair? He's purple, has a magic glove, and doesn't like standing up."

Thor sits down to talk with Bruce Banner, who gets a call from Iron Man. "No amount of money is going to get me into your little pissing contest," he says to Tony. Stark doesn't want to talk to Thor. Banner says that Stark says he doesn't know how to get a hold of Thor, and Thor says he doesn't have a phone, and should instead send a raven.



Director Taika Waititi Explains What Thor Was Doing During Captain America: Civil War

 

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Update: July 23, 2016

First Look at Gladiator Hulk's Costume and Weapons from THOR: RAGNAROK

New photo from San Diego Comic-Con gives us our first look at Gladiator Hulk's costume and weapon for the upcoming Marvel film Thor: Ragnarok. To read more on the details on the Hulk's appearance and more, click here.

Here is how Gladiator Hulk looked like in the Planet Hulk comics:

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Update: July 23, 2016

Marvel Studios Unveils New Official Logo at Comic-Con


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Update: July 23, 2016

Marvel Unveils New Official Logo for THOR: RAGNAROK

 

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Update: May 31, 2016

New Details on THOR: RAGNAROK and How PLANET HULK Elements Factor In

A few weeks ago we got a hefty dose of info on the third solo outing for Thor with Thor: Ragnarok with a number of casting announcements and a few sparse details that tease the story. Now, you’ll recall that JoBlo broke the casting news of Mark Ruffalo back in October of last year, which has obviously been confirmed since then.

The other new additions announced last week are Cate Blanchett as Hela, Karl Urban as Skurge, Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster, and Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie (and yes, even Jaimie Alexander has assured fans she’ll return as Sif).

JoBlo has now heard new rumors of how the story will play out and just how “Planet Hulk” the film will be. Well, here’s what the site knows: The film will definitely have the Planet Hulk element in it, operating as a kind of mash-up with the Ragnarok story. How Thor ends up on the planet in question is unclear, but he will definitely be involved in some gladiatorial games run by none other than Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster.

In terms of Hulk’s appearance in this portion of the film, he will be rocking the one-shoulder armor as seen in the comics, so expect him to be decked out in the familiar Planet Hulk look.

Expect a major change in the look of the God of Thunder himself for this part of the film as he will be sporting a shaved head (but not completely bald) for at least a portion of the film.

Also, expect a very different look for Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie, who is traditionally a blonde-haired warrior type in the comics. For Ragnarok she’ll be wearing war paint on her face, much like a Native American warrior, which should be an interesting take on this variation of the character.

In terms of story, there’s still much in the air, but the gist of Thor’s mission in the film is that he needs to find the ultimate weapon to stop Ragnarok and reset the universe. What is that weapon and how does he gets set on that path? [Probably an Infinity Stone - DLX]

New Details on 'Thor: Ragnarok' and How 'Planet Hulk' Will Be Integrated into the Story

 

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Update: May 26, 2016

Mel Gibson Reveals Turning Down Odin Role in First THOR Movie

Mel Gibson made some publicity rounds at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of his latest film Blood Father, and one interview brought the revelation that Mel Gibson turned down the role of Odin in Thor, the God of Thunder’s moody father who ended up being played by Anthony Hopkins.

Speaking to The Guardian (via The Playlist), Gibson was asked if he was ever offered a role in a superhero movie, to which he simply said, “Yeah, long time ago, to play Thor’s dad. But I didn’t do it.”

Gibson as Thor’s father is an interesting prospect, but Anthony Hopkins has been so perfect in the role that it’s hard to imagine anyone else being quite as effective in the role.

Gibson also shared his on superhero movies in general. “Some are good. Some are kind of funny … Guardians of the Galaxy. Or the first Iron Man. And some of them are just like retreats. I mean you can watch them do Spider-Man five times…”

Mel Gibson Turned Down Playing Odin in ‘Thor’, Talks the State of Superhero Movies and Cinema

 

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Update: May 20, 2016

THOR: RAGNAROK Adds Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban; Character Roles Revealed

Press Release: Two-time Oscar®-winner Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) joins Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok as the mysterious and powerful new villain Hela, along with Jeff Goldblum (Independence Day: Resurgence) who joins the cast as the eccentric Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson (Creed) who will bring the classic hero Valkyrie to life on the big screen, and Karl Urban (Dredd) 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), 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 in the title role for the fifth time; Tom Hiddleston as Thor’s adversarial, adopted brother, Loki; Golden Globe® and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Idris Elba as the Asgardian sentry, Heimdall; and Academy Award®-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins 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 (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.

Marvel Studios Confirms Stellar New Cast Members of the Highly Anticipated 'Thor: Ragnarok'

 

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Update: April 14, 2016

Tessa Thompson Rumored to Play Valkyrie in THOR: RAGNAROK

In addition to Chris Hemsworth continuing his role as Thor himself in Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok, director Taika Waititi has brought in Mark Ruffalo to play Hulk once again, and Cate Blanchett to take on the role of Hela. Tom Hiddelston will be back as Loki

If the previous rumors are to be believed, Thor will be going through some trials that will see the death of a major character and set the movie's stakes. The final showdown with Hela will feature an army of the dead commanded by the villainess doing battle with good Valkyries from Valhalla and the souls of the righteous fallen, including the dead major character. It turns out the second part of that sentence is quite important.

A few days ago, it was reported that Tessa Thompson (Creed, Dear White People) had joined cast of Thor: Ragnarok, and that Natalie Portman would not be returning to the franchise. According to the original Deadline report, Thompson's character was called "a kind of superhero and will appear in other Marvel films as well."

Latino Review is reporting that Thompson is playing the MCU version of Valkyrie. In the comics, this character's real name is Brunnhilde, and she is chosen by Odin to lead the Valkyrior, the Asgardians who roam battlefields, and select the honorable dead for Valhalla. The title of Valkyrie just applies to whomever leads the Valkyries though, so we may or may not be seeing her before she takes on said title. Either way, this character aligns with the report, and could very well appear again in Avengers: Infinity War.

Latino Review Hot Rumor: Tessa Thompson's Role in Thor: Ragnarok Revealed

 

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Update: April 11, 2016

Tessa Thompson Joins THOR: RAGNAROK; Natalie Portman Not Returning

Creed star Tessa Thompson has a key role in Thor: Ragnarok. The third installment of Marvel’s Norse myth-inspired franchise is heading towards a June start with Taika Waititi in the director’s chair.

Chris Hemsworth is back as the Marvel superhero version of the Norse god of thunder with Tom Hiddleston and Jaimie Alexander among those that are also returning. Also playing roles are Mark Ruffalo, as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, and Cate Blanchett.

Details for Thompson’s part have not been revealed, but she could be the female lead as Natalie Portman, who was the female lead as Dr. Jane Foster in the previous two Thor installments, is not returning. Ironically, Thompson is due to also shoot Annihilation, Alex Garland’s follow-up to Ex Machina, opposite Portman this spring.

Thompson’s other credits include Dear White People and Selma. She is also a lead in HBO's much-buzzed about Westworld series.

'Creed' and 'Dear White People' Star Tessa Thompson Joins the Cast of Marvel's 'Thor: Ragnarok'

Comments: Jane Foster not returning...

 

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Update: January 25, 2016

Rumor: THOR: RAGNAROK Will Incorporate PLANET HULK Storyline

A few years ago, there was a rumor that Marvel was planning to weave the Hulk through the Avengers “Phases” in a creative way, banishing the Hulk from Earth after Avengers 2, spinning off into his own Planet Hulk movie (based on the Greg Pak comics storyline of the same name) and returning him to Earth in Phase Three in some sort of World War Hulk (also a comic book storyline) Avengers movie. The specifics of that arc were outright denied by Marvel staff over and over again.

According to Geek.com's sources, after Thor catches on to Hela and Loki’s (still mysterious) plot that is going down in Asgard in Thor: Ragnarok, Hela destroys Mjolnir, and banishes Thor from Asgard. Loki and Hela’s plan involves the major arc of the Marvel Universe, and just when it looks like Thor is about to put a stop to it, he gets banished — but not to any old planet. He ends up on a gladiatorial planet where his head is shaved and he’s forced to fight for his life. Let’s call this planet Sakaar, like it was in the comic books.

Thor knows that he has to get to some MacGuffin weapon object to defeat Hela and Loki (could this be the Infinity Gauntlet that Thanos is in possession of, or maybe an assemblage of Infinity Stones?) and he has to get off the planet. Thor runs through all of his alien opponents in gladiatorial combat, even without his trademark hammer. Finally, Thor has to face the current champion of the arena, and wouldn’t you know who that ends up being? The Hulk.

When we reconnect with Hulk in Thor: Ragnarok, he’s managed to avoid reverting back to the Banner state since we last saw him in the Quinjet in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Hulk in Hulk form is pretty much unkillable, so he survived the trip to Sakaar (however he got there). His “Banner” is starting to seep through into the Hulk persona, and because of the Hulk-Banner melding, Hulk actually remembers Thor and his relationship to him. That’s what starts the two on a Midnight Run to the MacGuffin that Thor desperately needs.

Some of these details could shift like the sands of time considering the shooting script for Thor: Ragnarok hasn’t been locked down, but Geek.com's sources confirm that the outline is there: Marvel found a way to include the Planet Hulk storyline without having to attempt a solo Hulk movie where everyone is a CGI character, not to mention dealing with the character’s solo movie rights (which has some sort of hold-up with Universal). Instead, gladiator Chris Hemsworth will be the audience’s focus as Thor picks up Hulk on his road-trip through the stars.

Hulk’s Role in Thor: Ragnarok Revealed (Exclusive)
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Update: January 28, 2016

Taikia Waititi on Adding His Style of Humor in THOR: RAGNAROK

Taika Waititi: "I love that one moment in Avengers when Hulk grabs Loki and rag dolls him. It lends itself to great humor, do you read those comic books? They’re wacky. They’re crazy. I think that‘s exactly what they need, to keep changing it up. They’ve got their dark films, some are more serious, and I think it’s great that they’re mixing it up. I really want to inject my style of humor into this."

"I’ve learned that there are really no rules. There’s no road map. They’re very similar to Pixar in that way. They are constantly looking for the best story, they’ll tear everything down to rebuild it to make sure they have the best story. That’s why Marvel is good they keep pushing and pushing and trying to get the best thing possible. That’s what I’ve discovered the way things have changed."

[If he is involved with the script] "Well, at this stage, a little bit. I’m not sure. I think the most use I’ll be in terms of humor. Trying to find funnier ways of doing stuff. That’ll be my strength. They’ve got structure and stuff but I’ll be useful at putting jokes in there."

Taika Waititi on Adding His Style of Humor for 'Thor: Ragnarok'

 

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Update: January 21, 2016

Cate Blanchett Reportedly to Play Hela in THOR: RAGNAROK

While many assumed Blanchett would play Amora the Enchantress – easily imagined, given Blanchett’s time playing Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit – that seems not to be the case. According to Geek.com, Cate Blanchett has been cast as Hela, the Asgardian goddess of death and ruler of Hel.

The report says that Hela will team up with Loki, who assumed control of Asgard in the guise of his father, Odin, at the end of Thor: The Dark World. While their motivations remain unknown, the report did offer some hints at the villainous duo’s plans.

In Thor: Ragnarok, Hela and Loki will have set their plan well in motion by the time Thor gets wise to what’s going on. Hela ends up creating the incident to Thor’s journey in the film. According to the site, when Thor confronts Hela, things do not go well. Not only does she banish Thor from Asgard, but she destroys Mjolnir!

Sounds like an epic battle for sure, and perhaps one that could explain the rumored appearance of the Valkyries, tasked with escorting the honored dead to Valhalla.

Cate Blanchett's Villainous Thor: Ragnarok Role Reportedly Revealed
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Update: January 20, 2016

Odin's Role in THOR: RAGNAROK Rumored to Be Revealed

Thor is going to be teaming up with his new best buddy, the Hulk, in Thor: Ragnarok, but what about his father, Odin?

Last we saw of Odin was in Thor: The Dark World, where he was not exactly himself, so to speak. His adopted son, Loki, had used a glamour to replace Odin on the throne of Asgard, leaving Thor and Odin's subjects none the wiser. Many assumed Odin dead, but killing the All-Father is no easy task. A new rumor supposedly reveal the fate of old one-eye.

According to Geek.com's sources close to the film's production that Odin is alive, if not exactly well. Whatever coup Loki attempted ended with the All-Father exiled from Asgard and taking refuge on Midgard, in the persona of street corner doomsayer.

Odin's Role In Thor: Ragnarok Rumored To Be Revealed

 

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Update: December 10, 2015

Cate Blanchett Joins the Cast of Marvel's THOR: RAGNAROK

Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, coming off her best actress nomination for the 1950s drama Carol, is in final negotiations to join Thor: Ragnarok, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The move comes a little more than a week after the Marvel Studios project hired Stephany Folsom to work on the script.

It is unclear what character Blanchett would play but several sources say that Marvel has been on the hunt for a "bad-ass female." Taika Waititi, who co-wrote and co-directed the vampire spoof What We Do In the Shadows, is directing the project, the third installment of Marvel’s Thor movies. Chris Hemsworth will be back as the Norse god of thunder for the film that is also due to feature a team-up with the Hulk. Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters on Nov. 3, 2017.

Marvel has always tried to go outside the box when it came to casting its movies (and went even further with the actors it hired for Doctor Strange) but the Thor movies always attracted top global talent, ranging from Anthony Hopkins to Idris Elba.

Blanchett, who won an Oscar last year for Blue Jasmine, is riding high this awards season with acclaim and nominations for her performance in Todd Haynes’ drama Carol. Blanchett is no stranger to the fanboy universe, having appeared in multiple Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films for Peter Jackson.

Academy Award-Winning Actress Cate Blanchett Joins the Cast of 'Thor: Ragnarok'
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Update: December 2, 2015

Marvel Studios Taps Stephany Folsom to Write THOR: RAGNAROK Script

Stephany Folsom has been tapped to work on the script for Thor: Ragnarok. It’s the first move on the Marvel Studios project since early October, when Taika Waititi, who co-wrote and co-directed the vampire spoof What We Do In the Shadows, came on board to helm the project, the third installment of Marvel’s Thor movies.

Chris Hemsworth will be back as the Norse god of thunder for the film that is also due to feature a team-up with the Hulk. Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle previously worked on the script.

Folsom is the latest female writer to be brought into the Marvel stable, whose stock in trade is a genre that many think of as male-oriented. Marvel already had Nicole Perlman as a writer on Guardians of the Galaxy and she is now writing Captain Marvel with another female screenwriter, Meg LeFauve (Inside Out).

Folsom is best known for her 2013 Black List script 1969: A Space Odyssey or How Kubrick Learned to Stop Worrying and Land on the Moon. The drama earned high marks in its alternate-history telling of a publicist that convinces filmmaker Stanley Kubrick to work with NASA in order to fake the moon landing.

Folsom also wrote script for The Princess of North Sudan, Disney’s unique princess tale inspired by the true account of an American man claiming a territory in Africa and proclaiming himself and his family its royal rulers.

'The Princess of North Sudan' Scribe Stephany Folsom to Write the Script of 'Thor: Ragnarok'

 

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Update: December 10, 2015

THOR: RAGNAROK to Have Marvel's First Major Female Villain?

We know Thor will be joined by the Hulk in his third solo outing, Thor: Ragnarok. We expect Loki to return, given his position of power at the conclusion of Thor: The Dark World. We've heard rumors that Valkyrie may make her debut. Now the website of gossip maven Elaine Lui is claiming to have rumors that Marvel Studios will include a major female villain in the film:

"I have heard that Marvel is also planning on bringing their first major female villain into their cinematic universe. I don't know who the character is for sure, but there are a couple likely candidates from Asgard: Amora the Enchantress, a sorceress; or Hela, Queen of the Dead."

The report seems to be speculating on who the villainess could be based on the available characters in the Marvel Universe, rather than on an information from sources, but these do seem to be the most likely candidates. Enchantress is one of Thor's oldest foes, and the Queen of the Dead would have a natural role in the events of the Asgardian Ragnarok.

They also seem to be speculating when they say the studio is looking for an actress who is "Cate Blanchett big," indicating that is the level of actress Marvel is looking for, but not necessarily that they've actually courted Blanchett for the role.

'Thor: Ragnarok' Rumored to Feature Marvel Studios' First Major Female Villain
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Update: October 25, 2015

THOR: RAGNAROK Begins Filming in Queensland on June 2016

Several days ago, the Australian government officially announced that Thor: Ragnarok will be shooting in the land Down Under and today, Marvel Studios has confirmed when pre-production and principal photography for the film will begin.

Thor: Ragnarok pre-production in Queensland will being in January of 2016 and filming is to begin in June of 2016. They'll shoot at various locations throughout Queensland including scenes at Village Roadshow Studios at the Gold Coast.

"This is a huge win for Queensland and I am thrilled that Thor will be filming exclusively in our state," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. "As our economy diversifies, Queensland is demonstrating its strength as a lead destination for filmmakers both internationally and locally, and my government is doing what it can to ensure that Queensland remains a global hub for the screen sector. The production will spend more than $100 million AUD in Queensland and will employ over 750 Queensland crew."

"Queensland offers an amazing and diverse backdrop for 'Thor: Ragnarok' and we are very excited to bring this film to such an incredible locale," said Louis D'Esposito, Co-President of Marvel Studios. "Marvel Studios would like to thank the Queensland Government for helping to make this a reality"

Marvel Confirms Thor: Ragnarok To Begin Filming In June 2016 In Queensland

 

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Update: October 15, 2015

Mark Ruffalo's HULK Confirmed to Appear in THOR: RAGNAROK

Mark Ruffalo is in negotiations to play his Bruce Banner/Hulk character in Thor 3: Ragnarok. The movie just recently found its director in Taika Waititi and is moving quickly in pre-production. The move, first reported by JoBlo.com, firms up the Jade Giant's next appearance after his inconclusive ending in this summer's Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Ruffalo and his take on Hulk was one of the standouts in the first Avengers movie and fans have been clamoring for a Hulk solo movie. The Hulk rights may be a bit twisty - Universal has the distribution rights even as Marvel has the character back in its fold, according to source - so fans will have to make do with this.

Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki, and Jamie Alexander, who plays Lady Sif, are also returning to the franchise. The movie is set for a Nov. 3, 2017 release.

Coming off a strong turn in Begin Again and into a heartbreaking performance as wrestler Dave Schultz in Foxcatcher, Ruffalo is at the center of the strong ensemble cast of Spotlight, the Tom McCarthy-directed film about the Boston Globe Spotlight team's reporting that exposed the cover-up of phile priests by the Catholic Church in Boston.

Mark Ruffalo Confirmed to Be in Negotiations to Bring the Hulk intto 'Thor: Ragnarok'
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Update: October 13, 2015

Rumor: Valkyrie and Enchantress to Appear in THOR: RAGNAROK

According to Birth.Movies.Death, Thor and Hulk will be taking a cosmic road trip together in Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok. Along the way they're going to meet Valkyries, as you might expect from a story about the Norse end of the world. The site reports that besides the Valkyries (generic) the film might launch Marvel superheroine Valkyrie into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

First introduced in the pages of The Avengers, Valkryie, aka Brunnhilde, was a longtime member of The Defenders, hung out with Doctor Strange and had Norse goddess The Enchantress as her enemy. In fact it was an Enchantress story that introduced Valkyrie in the comics - could this mean we'll see The Enchantress finally make it to the screen?

It's not entirely clear on how Valkyrie is being used - it could be in the group of Norse mythological beings who bring the gods to Valhalla after they die or it could be as the standalone superheroine. Marvel thinks they're going to cast some great women in this movie.

Keep Valkyrie in mind as you hear rumors about women meeting with Marvel. If the superheroine is joining the MCU (and you have to think it's a good idea), the studio will be meeting with many powerful women who could also play Captain Marvel. It's going to be an interesting rumor season leading up to Thor: Ragnarok. The film opens November 3, 2017.

The Enchantress, Valkyrie and the Valkyries Possibly Appearing in Thor: Ragnarok
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Update: October 13, 2015

Rumor: THOR: RAGNAROK is Marvel Studios' Darkest Script Yet

Thor's had a bit of a rocky ride in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far. While both Thor and Thor: The Dark World have earned their fair share of fans, neither have really stunned audiences in the same way that other solo flicks like Iron Man or Captain America: The Winter Soldier did. Phase 3 could be the God of Thunder's time to shine though, and according to a new report from Birth.Movies.Death, it sounds like Marvel is about to change up the series' tone - dramatically.

You can tell from the movie title that things are going to be bleak in Thor: Raganrok, but just how serious is the movie? It's so serious, so dark, that Marvel decided to hire a comedy director to bring a touch of lightness to the proceedings. Yes, Taika Waititi was hired to balance out the grimness of the script and bring it tonally a little closer to what Marvel fans have come to expect.

That's what sources deep inside Disney are whispering to BMD, anyway. Waititi may yet be joined by another writer to help brighten the corners of Ragnarok while maintaining writer Christopher Yost's apocalyptic vibe. One way that may happen is to up the humor between Thor and Hulk, who will be not only appearing in the movie but will be playing a major role. The two heroes will be taking a cosmic road trip together, Hope and Crosby style. Thor: Ragnarok opens November 3, 2017.

Comedy Director Taika Waititi Brought In To Balance Out Thor: Ragnarok's Dark Script

 

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Update: October 12, 2015

Mark Ruffalo's HULK Will Reportedly Be in THOR: RAGNAROK

Fans of Thor and the Hulk, get ready to be happy. The last time we saw Bruce Banner/Hulk, he was flying off into the sunset in a Quinjet at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron, which supposedly crashed in the ocean somewhere with no sign of the man or beast to be seen. This left a big question mark as to when or where the Hulk would reappear in the MCU prior to the obvious inclusion in Avengers: Infinity War films. Well, wonder no more.

Hot on the heels of NYCC, JoBlo has gotten word from their inside sources that Thor: Ragnarok will see Chris Hemsworth's Thor team up with none other than Mark Ruffalo's Hulk for the Odinson's third solo film, which finds the God of Thunder facing what amounts to the Norse Apocalypse. Only this time out he'll have some help from a fellow Avenger.

Mark Ruffalo joins Tom Hiddleston (also confirmed by JoBlo's sources) and Jaimie Alexander in Ragnarok, which we've also heard will involve a "distant planet" that is "not Asgard and not Earth." What does that mean? Certainly the theory will be made that this is where Marvel will work in the long-rumored Planet Hulk storyline, and although the site can't completely verify that. It's still uncertain how much time Ruffalo will spend as Hulk vs. Banner, but he's absolutely part of the supporting cast and will feature prominently.

Thor: Ragnarok is directed by Taika Waititi and starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, and Jaimie Alexander. The film is slated to hit theaters on November 3, 2017.


Exclusive: Mark Ruffalo's Hulk Will Be in Thor: Ragnarok as a Supporting Character
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Update: October 2, 2015

Taika Waititi in Talks to Direct Marvel's THOR: RAGNAROK

Taika Waititi, who co-wrote and co-directed the vampire spoof What We Do In the Shadows, is in negotiations to direct the third installment of Marvel's Thor movies, titled Thor: Ragnarok. Chris Hemsworth is reprising his role of the Norse god of thunder.

Waititi's emergence as the choice caps off a round of intense meetings that took place over the last month. Ruben Fleischer, Rob Letterman and Rawson Marshall Thurber were the other directors that were finalists for the gig. Waititi is the latest head-scratcher from Marvel for their pick to direct a big-budget extravaganza, especially one steeped in the Norse mythology and an Apocalypse myth.

Waititi is best known for his comedic work co-starring with Jemaine Clement in What We Do In the Shadows, the well-regarded vampire parody that debuted at Sundance. He wrote and directed episodes of Flight of the Conchords and is a writer on Disney's upcoming animated feature Moana, which will star Dwayne Johnson.

Fun fact: he appeared with Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern, the 2011 adventure movie from Marvel's superhero movie rival, Warner Bros.

While Waititi may not be the obvious choice for a movie such as a Thor installment, the kind of outside-of-the-box thinking behind hires like Waititi's has served Marvel well. The studio tapped comedy directors Joe and Anthony Russo for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a move that turned out so well that the brothers not only directed the third Captain America movie, they are now working on the new Avengers outings. Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn is another example of someone from the fringes that Marvel brought into the majors.


'What We Do in the Shadows' Director Taika Waititi to Helm Marvel's 'Thor: Ragnarok'
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Update: June 22, 2015

The Reasons Why Marvel Studios Won't Make HULK Standalone Movies Anymore

Back in April, Mark Ruffalo revealed that Universal owns the distribution rights to a solo Hulk movie. "As far as a Hulk movie, a standalone Hulk movie, Marvel doesn't really have the rights to that yet," said Ruffalo. "That's still Universal's property, so there's that issue. That's a big impediment to moving forward with that. Now I don't think that's insurmountable, by the way, but I don't know where it's going from here for me."

A Forbes article expands on Ruffalo's statement. Marvel owns the film production rights to the Hulk. They have since 2005, after Universal's character license lapsed since a follow-up to Ang Lee's 2003 film Hulk had not yet entered into production. In the first quarter of 2006, then-Marvel Entertainment chairman Morton Handel announced in an earnings report that the rights to Hulk and Iron Man had reverted to Marvel; later that year, the studio also regained film rights to Captain America and Thor.

Now the complication: Universal still retains distribution rights to the Hulk, along with the right of first refusal. In other words, Marvel can make their movies without any interference from Universal, but Universal decides whether or not they want to act as distributor. That being said, if Universal opts not to distribute, Disney would then immediately be able to scoop up the distribution rights. So, for Universal: Nothing to do with production; distribution rights are dependent on exercising that option.

Marvel's Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Thor were all distributed by Paramount. Marvel's deal with Sony as it pertains to using Spider-Man, Marvel can use the character for team-ups while Sony can continue to produce and distribute their own Spidey-centric films. So it's obvious that Marvel Studios is willing and able to make arrangements with other Hollywood power players.

So if a Hulk movie is possible, why isn't it probable? As Forbes sums up, there are three reasons:

1) Previous Hulk films have not been, relative to other Marvel films, as critically or financially successful for the studio and thus pose a greater risk for developing another standalone feature. Coupled with the extremely high cost in special effects if you were going to make a film in which Banner is The Hulk for most of the movie, make it a dicey investment.

2) The Hulk seems to work better as a wildcard member of a team rather than the central character shouldering the entire movie; in short: he's a supporting character.

3) Reimagining the Hulk as anything more than a rage monster has not impressed audiences in past films.

Who Owns the Hulk? A Breakdown of Movie Production and Distribution Rights