Big changes are in store for fans when the third “Thor” movie comes out in November 2017. “Thor: Ragnarok” has added Tessa Thompson in the upcoming film as Thor’s new love interest replacing Natalie Portman.
The Oscar-winner, who portrayed Thor’s love interest Jane Foster in the past two films, won’t be returning to reprise her role in the third film, Marvel Studios confirmed”
Fans were disappointed that Portman won’t be returning as Jane anymore, but Marvel Studios is positive that this huge shake-up in the franchise will allow the film to surpass “Thor: The Dark World” which didn’t do well compared to the first “Thor” film.
Ecumenical News reports that Thompson will not only be Thor’s new love interest but she will also be portraying a mystery character or another superhero that could potentially appear in other Marvel films.
The 32-year-old actress is known for her roles in “Selma.” “Dear White People,” and “Veronica Mars.” She recently starred as Bianca, the leading lady of Michael B. Jodan in the Rocky reboot film “Creed.”
Details surrounding her character are still vague, but Marvel confirmed that her character is to make her debut on “Thor: Ragnarok.”
Speculations say that Thompson will portray Brunhilde, a heroine like Thor who was culled from actual Norse mythology.
There are also reports that she could portray Lorelai, the other most notable potential love interest for the Norse God. The character has already appeared in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” TV series as a villain.
Wired reports that its hard to guess who will Thompson portray ahead of Marvel Studios’ official announcement as there are only a few women tied to Thor in the original source material.
The website speculates that Thompson is most likely to play Valkyrie, a heroine who has had various incarnations over the years but served as shieldmaiden to Thor’s father Odin.
Valkyrie has also been a member of the Avengers, the Defenders, and several Marvel super-teams in the comic books.
In Norse mythology, the heroine has also carried the worthy dead to Valhalla, which could fit with the apocalyptic theme of “Thor: Ragnarok.”
Wired reports that the Valkyrie storyline is enough material for Thompson to stick around for more MCU installments and it also fits Deadline’s hints that the character will portray a kind of superhero.
The “Westwood” star took to her Instagram her excitement about the casting news announcement. She expressed her excitement to be part of the film and thanked director Taika for pushing her to be part of it.
Interestingly, Thompson is expected to do a film entitled “Annihilation” opposite Portman. The film will also star Oscar Isaac and Gina Rodriguez.
“Annihilation” is expected to come out in 2017 and is directed by Alex Garland. It will serve as the follow-up to Garland’s other film, “Ex-Machina.”
“Thor: Ragnarok” is the seventeenth installment in the MCU and the fifth installment in MCU’s Phase Three. It is the sequel to 2011’s “Thor” and 2013’s “Thor: The Dark World.”
It will be directed by Taika Waititi and production is slated to start this July. Chris Hemsworth will be reprising the titular character as well as Tom Hiddleston returning to reprise the antagonist Loki. Jamie Alexander will also reprise her role as the Asgardian goddess Sif.
Mark Ruffalo is also expected to make an appearance as Bruce Banner/ The Hulk. Deadline reports that Cate Blanchett and Lou Ferrigno have also been confirmed for the third film.
The studio is currently gearing up for “Captain America: Civil War” which hits theaters in less than a month.
Hemsworth will reprise his role as “Thor” as well as previous actors reprising their MCU characters in the upcoming film. They are currently busy promoting the film.