Marvel has unveiled their all star cast for Thor: Ragnarok! The title character, Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth) will return, along with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) his father Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins) and the all seeing Heimdall (Idris Elba). The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) will make his debut in the Thor franchise, even though he has already appeared in other MCU movies.
Newcomers to the cast include Cate Blanchett as “the mysterious and powerful new villain” Hela, Jeff Goldblum as the “eccentric” Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson as the “classic hero” Valkyrie, and Karl Urban as Skurge.
What Hela Could Bring to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Hela is the daughter of Loki. Odin appointed her as the Goddess of Death when she grew older. She has rulership over the dead in the realms of Hel and Niflheim. However, she often tried to expand her reach of power into Valhalla, which brought her into conflict with Thor. She always tries to bring unlucky souls into her domain.
During the Infinity Gauntlet event, Thanos kills half of the universe to impress Death. Death is a person in the Marvel Universe, who Thanos is obsessed with. Seeing that Hela is the Goddess of Death, it is entirely possible that Marvel may replace Death’s role in Avengers: Infinity War with Hela, should they choose to adapt the Infinity Gauntlet storyline.
In the movie, it’s likely that Hela will try to take over Asgard, like how she tries to take over Valhalla in the comics. Another role she could play is that of Surtur, who is responsible for starting Ragnarok (the Asgardian Apocalypse) in the comics. Another possibility is that she will try to take over Valhalla, like in the comics, and find Odin there (since we don’t know his fate at the hands of Loki) to bring Thor into conflict with her. If she does invade Valhalla, that could bring her into conflict with Valkyrie, who is supposed to appear in the movie.
How Valkyrie Can Change The MCU Forever
Valkyrie is an Asgardian who was selected by Odin to lead the Valkyrior, which is a group of female warriors made by Odin to bring the souls of slain heroes to Valhalla. She has been both an ally and love interest of Thor, and has served on the Avengers and the Defenders.
She was originally supposed to appear in Thor: The Dark World, and was in the script for such a long time that she even had some concept art made of her. The concept art may reveal what Valkyrie will look like in the film.
Valkyrie will likely be working with Thor in the movie to stop the plans of Hela. Since Hela will most likely be invading Asgard or Valhalla, it would make sense for her and the Valkyrior to come into conflict with her. In the movie, maybe the Valkyrior will have their origin revised and instead of sending souls to Valhalla, they will send them to Hel, the realm of Hela. This would tie Valkyrie closer to the plot.
Another role Valkyrie could play in the film is to take the role of Jane Foster and become the new Thor should the old Thor become unworthy. This would also tie in with the fact that Natalie Portman (Jane Foster) won’t appear in the film. Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) has also signed a multi picture deal.
How Will The Grandmaster and Hulk Tie Into the Plot?
The Grandmaster is one of the Elders of the Universe, along with his brother, the Collector. He is obsessed with Earth’s culture, specifically games of chance and skill. The Hulk, meanwhile, was flying off into space last we saw him.
The fact that the Grandmaster is in the film supports the rumor that the film will feature a gladiator match between Thor and Hulk, seeing as the Grandmaster loves to manipulate people and have them fight for his amusement. This also supports the rumor that the film, in some capacity, will adapt Planet Hulk. For those of you who don’t know, Planet Hulk features Hulk being shot off into space, landing on an alien planet, and fighting in a gladiatorial arena.
Having the Grandmaster appear in the film would help tie the Guardians of the Galaxy into the larger Marvel Universe, seeing as the Collector is the Grandmaster’s brother. In the Infinity Gauntlet storyline, Thanos takes control of the most powerful beings in the universe. Maybe Thanos will take control of the Elders of the Universe and we’ll see a family reunion?
What Will Skurge’s Role Be?
Skurge, also known as the Executioner, is an Asgardian supervillain with a magic double sided axe. He fell in love with the Enchantress, a female magic user similar to Loki, and is often used by her to exact her revenge on Thor.
The movies could replace the Enchantress with Hela, having him fall in love with her and become her servant. The movies could also have him die like in the comics by having him sacrifice himself so the heroes could escape Hel.
The Return of Loki, Odin, and Heimdall
Loki and Odin are among the returning cast members. Last we left them, Loki had take Odin’s place in Asgard, disguised as the ruler of Asgard. Meanwhile, Odin’s fate is left unknown. We already know that Loki will appear in both parts of Avengers: Infinity War, but, as far as we know, this is Odin’s last film.
Maybe we will see Odin when/if Hela invades Valhalla? Or maybe Hela will invade Asgard and Loki will realize he can’t protect Asgard like Odin could?
In the comics, Loki is the father of Hela. Maybe that will be the reason Hela invades Asgard? To find her father?
Heimdall is also among the returning cast members. Since Thor: Ragnarok will most likely address the Infinity Stones (Thor left Earth in the last movie to search for more information about them) maybe we will finally see whether or not Heimdall is holding an Infinity Stone?
Who’s Missing From the Cast?
Natalie Portman (Jane Foster) is not returning for the film, and Kat Dennings (Darcy Lewis) hasn’t been confirmed. Stellan Skarsgård (Erik Selvig) has said that he is not returning, but he has one picture left in his contract. Maybe we might see Dr. Selvig again in Avengers: Infinity Wars?
On the Asgardian sign of things, Jaimie Alexander (Sif), Zachary Levi (Fandral), Ray Stevenson (Volstagg), and Tadanobu Asano (Hogun) were nowhere to be seen. However, Jaimie Alexander took to Twitter and told her fans not to worry. Meanwhile, Ray Stevenson heard that “it’s on the cards” but hasn’t heard anything since. Though they weren’t announced with the rest of the cast, expect at least Sif, and probably the Warriors Three, to appear in the film.
Invincible Marvel 