Actors Karl Urban and Jeff Goldblum have joined the growing list of cast members for Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, which is currently in production.
Goldblum is said to play Grandmaster, an intelligent being who enjoys playing chess with “primitive” life-forms such as humans. Urban, on the other hand, will play Asgard warrior Skurge.
Marvel also revealed that Tessa Thompson will take on the role of Valkyrie, a character portrayed as a blonde, blue-eyed warrior in the original comics. For the movie, however, Marvel wanted to diversify the characters, hence their decision to cast the 32-year-old actress for the role.
The studio had already done something similar with Idris Elba playing the character of Heimdall, a guardian who oversees the bridge from the city to various locations throughout the galaxy.
Cate Blanchett is set to portray the main villain.
Moreover, Mark Ruffalo will make an appearance as Bruce Banner/Hulk, marking his first time on the popular franchise.
“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,” producer Kevin Feige stated. “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.”
Fan favorite Sif, portrayed by Jaimie Alexander, will not appear in the film due to conflicting schedules with Nbc’s Blindspot.
Thor: Ragnarok will be released in November 2017.