CASTING NEWS: “Thor Ragnarok”

Even though the third Thor film has been pushed back twice now, fans of the Asgardian hero are chomping at the bit for any/all information about why the God of Thunder was busy during the events of Captain America: Civil War.

Rumors have spread like wildfire (as they always do for a comic book film) when any name is mentioned in connection with the film, but it looks like we’ve got confirmation on a few things.  Kate Blanchett was announced earlier this year, and the most popular theory seems to be correct.  The Oscar winning actress will take on the mantle of Hela, Loki’s daughter.

Yes, Loki’s daughter.  Considering how much Marvel Comics borrowed from actual Norse Mythology, the canonical comic story doesn’t seem so ‘out there’ compared to the real story.  She is the Asgardian goddess of Death, and technically her father is an earlier version of Loki (before he was actually called Loki), while her mother is the giantess Angrboda. She was appointed by Odin to be the keeper of the dead in Valhalla when she reached the proper age. However, as Odin’s attention to Valhalla lessened over the years, Hela attempted to take it for herself, but was unsuccessful in the attempt. Over the years (in the comics) she has formed many alliances with other gods and villains, and proven to be a persistent foe to Thor (much like her father, Loki). This theory will expand on the idea of Hela, and adapt it to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Thanks to the official Marvel announcement this morning, we also know that Tessa Thompson will be joining the cast as Valkyrie, Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster (who is actually The Collector’s brother), and Karl Urban as Skurge.  We also get that long awaited confirmation that Mark Ruffalo will appear as Bruce Banner/Hulk!

Notable returning cast members include Anthony Hopkins as Odin Allfather, Chris Hemsworth as Thor (DUH), Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Idris Elba as Heimdall.  No word on the brave companions nor Lady Sif.

Thor: Ragnarok will be directed by Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows, Green Lantern) is set to hit theaters sometime in 2017.