End Of Days Looming For Asgard In THOR: RAGNAROK Coming July 2017

The Marvel sequels were also announced by Marvel and they've slated a summer release for Thor: Ragnarok. It's title hinting to the end of days in Norse mythology, and there are already rumors (via BadassDigest) that Thor might not survive this epic battle. It's expected that Surtur the fire demon, will be our main villain and will threaten the existence of all nine realms. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are the only two actors confirmed for the film at the moment. Kevin said a few words about the film. It's release date is set for July 28th, 2017.

"This is a very important movie for us in Phase 3," said Marvel's Kevin Feige. "We plan on taking Thor to another level. It picks up where we leave Thor in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' and impacts everything that comes after." 

Surtur isn't the only new character rumored for the film, we've been hearing for ages that Amora The Enchantress will be involved. Granted, we've been hearing that bit since the first film. However, with Loki now taking the throne of Asgard and Odin likely in some cell in the dungeon. Having Amora take the place of Frigga, as the Queen of Asgard would sort of make sense. Given, the sorceress would have just as ambitious motives as Loki. Below is what Surtur looked like in the Thor movie tie-in video game (via concept artwork).

Hemsworth actually liked the suggestion of Charlize Theron in the role, when brought-up by a reporter. I also wouldn't mind seeing actresses such as Ruth Wilson (linked for Captain Marvel role) and Eva Green (Casino Royale, Sin City A Dame To Kill For, Kingdom of Heaven, 300 Rise of An Empire) considered for Amora as well. Ruth (Luther, Lone Ranger, The Prisoner) has actually worked alongside Tom before, so the chemistry would already be there. Either way, Marvel needs to find someone that keep-up with the devilish Hiddleston. Wilson plays a manipulative character named Alice on Idris Elba's series Luther making her a perfect candidate.



There has been talk that actors such as Idris Elba and Jaimie Alexander aren't fond of their Marvel contracts (has hindered roles in other superhero films), so I'm unsure if Marvel will want to have unhappy actors on set. Yet, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins were begrudgingly brought back for The Dark World. I have to assume that production would begin sometime in Spring/Summer 2016.

There's no word on a director, and it's unlikely Alan Taylor will be returning. Due to his commitments to the Terminator trilogy, and will be shooting back-to-back sequels. I would be extremely curious if they would ask Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) back. Patty was originally set to make The Dark World but exited over "creative differences". Considering the film is expected to be a lot darker it just might suit Jenkins better than the last installment. Who knows, they could even ask another Game of Thrones alumni to help them out. Director Michelle MacLaren (Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, X-Files, Game of Thrones) was on a shortlist for Warner Bros. Wonder Woman, but might be a better fit for Marvel. Marvel has picked television directors before, and have gotten excellent results.

A script is in place by writers Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost. It could be arguably the most important Marvel film. We could see either Thor give-up on helping Midgard to rule Asgard or die trying to save the realms. There's talk Thor won't be involved with Avengers: Infinity War.

SOURCE: MARVEL