As the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands into new worlds and civilizations, Set The Tape brings you a ‘Who’s Who’ for Thor: Ragnarok, the highly anticipated third installment in the MCU’s Thor franchise.
While this installment in the franchise appears to be steering the franchise in a different and humorous direction, the title Ragnarök refers to an event in Norse mythology involving a great battle, natural disasters, the loss of major figures, and the world as it is known changing forever.
First, let’s get reacquainted with our returning characters:
Thor (Chris Hemsworth)
Chris Hemsworth makes his fifth MCU appearance as the titular God of Thunder. Thor, once heir to the throne of Asgard, carries the franchise in a new and humorous direction as he finds himself stranded on the planet Sakaar without his hammer or a way to escape.
Thor must do battle with former allies in order to stop an all-powerful villain from destroying Asgard and civilization as he knows it.
Loki (Tom Hiddleston)
Tom Hiddleston returns as Loki after what could be called a short absence from the MCU. Since the events of Thor: The Dark World, Loki has been in disguise on the throne of Asgard. His character made minimal appearances in trailers and promotional materials, and little is known about his role in Thor: Ragnarok.
However, in those promotional materials he is seen on what seems to be the Asgardian side of the battle. Thor: Ragnarok is rumored to be one of, if not the last appearance of Tom Hiddleston in the role of Loki.
Heimdall (Idris Elba)
Idris Elba is Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard. Heimdall is not always good at his job, but is one of Thor’s strongest allies. In trailers and promotional materials, Heimdall certainly looks a little worse for wear. It is rumored, due to the nature of his powers in previous Thor films, that the final Infinity Stone, The Soul Stone, will be found within Heimdall.
His role in the film is uncertain at this point, but we look forward to his role in Thor’s redemption.
Odin (Anthony Hopkins)
Anthony Hopkins will appear in Thor: Ragnarok as Odin, father of Thor and former king of Asgard. Odin’s fate was quite uncertain after Thor: The Dark World saw him lose his throne and be seemingly replaced by Loki, posing as him, but Hopkins was spotted in production photos looking quite ragged as the character.
These photos seemed to place him in a city setting, from which we presume he’ll need rescuing.
Sif (Jaime Alexander)
Though there has been no official confirmation, Jaime Alexander is listed in the Thor: Ragnarok cast to reprise her role as Sif, an ally of Thor and a female Asgardian warrior.
It remains to be seen whether she will accompany Thor into battle once more.
Volstagg (Ray Stevenson)
Volstagg is another Asgardian warrior and close ally of Thor who is portrayed by Ray Stevenson. The greedy adventurer is a founding member of The Warriors Three, Thor’s regular supporting cast in comic books and films alike.
Like Sif, his appearance has not been officially confirmed, but Stevenson was spotted in Australia during filming.
Hogun (Tadanobu Asano)
Like Sif and Volstagg, Hogan’s appearance in Thor: Ragnarok has not been officially confirmed, but the final member of The Warriors Three is listed in the cast. Actor Tadanobu Asano was also spotted during filming in Australia.
As the title Ragnarok implies, a great battle is set to occur, so it would make sense for Thor’s warrior allies to appear, even if it is not for very long.