Here are some things to look out for when you watch "Thor: Ragnarok". |
While the "Thor" solo series has never been the strongest favorite of the Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, it's culmination as the end of the MCU in 2017 has placed "Ragnarok" to do some important setup for the next Avengers movie.
Thor's single outings may be ending with the end of this trilogy, but he won't be leaving without anything for the future of the MCU for sharp-eyed fans to know what could installed for a new line of MCU movies.
So while Thor comes to rescue Asgard from the clutches of Hela, the Goddess of Death, here are some other details that you might want to pay attention to when watching "Thor: Ragnarok".
The Intelligent Hulk
Thor and the Incredible Hulk's rivalry goes all the way since the first "Avengers" movie, but they were never one to trade clever banter between their devastating blows, unlike Stark and Rogers. Those who watched the latest trailers for "Thor: Ragnarok" may notice that Thor and the Hulk were seen sharing a few words more than usual. As adapted from the Planet Hulk comic book series, this has been confirmed that while living on the planet Sakaar, the Hulk has learned to control his speech and let his words do the talking, than his smash all the time.
The Soul Stone
The final piece of the puzzle before "Infinity War" will be found in "Thor: Ragnarok". After teasing us over 3 phases, the last Infinity Stone; the Soul Stone, is set to be found somewhere in the events of "Thor: Ragnarok". Theories are abound as to where the Soul Stone is hidden, but the only way to find out is to watch "Thor: Ragnarok". With the Soul Stone, the 6 Infinity Gems are finally revealed paving the way for "Avengers: Infinity War".
Hela the Goddess of Death for "Infinity War"?
It may seem like a coincidence that the Goddess of Death Hela would be brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe to bring Ragnarok, but it's timing to introduce the character before Infinity War does raise some interesting questions. Fans of the comics may know that Thanos sets off the Infinity War to win over the affection of a (different) Death, so is Hela meant to be a mesh of Death and the Goddess of Death? One way to find out is where Hela will end up at the end of "Thor: Ragnarok" and see if she makes contact with Thanos.
Thor inherits the Odin Force?
One of the most shocking reveal in the trailer to "Thor: Ragnarok" is that Thor's trusty hammer Mjolnir gets destroyed by Hela. While bouncing between galactic gladiatorial arenas and hopping between worlds, it looked like Thor had little time to recover the pieces of Mjolnir to make a new one. Fortunately it did not seem that Thor would need to prove his worthiness once again, as he has been speculated to inherit the power of the Odin Force, and truly wield the powers of Thunder from his father Odin, who has gone missing.
A new love interest for Thor?
While there is much to see in "Thor: Ragnarok", but the ones we won't be seeing are the mortal characters from the first "Thor", and the absence of Jane Foster could mean that she would never be seen again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While some may be celebrating that fact, but having Thor remain without a love interest might leave a gap to be filled in future movies, and there are already plenty of potential peppered through the Nine Realms. While Lady Sif has always been a prime candidate, "Thor: Ragnarok" also introduces a new female character; Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson). What's her role to be at Thor's side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his heart remains to be seen, but keep an eye out for their chemistry in "Thor: Ragnarok".
Is the prophecy of Thor going to be fulfilled?
Being one of the most mythologically inspired characters in the MCU, the question of fate and prophecy plays a big part in Thor's story and comic book fans know that there hasn't always been one who was worthy to wield the power of Thor. Thor's fate has been in question since "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and there is much speculation that one member of the Avengers would not survive the Infinity War. Added with some easter eggs seen in "Guardians of the Galaxy" and possibly "Thor: Ragnarok", Marvel Studios could already be planting seeds for a new God of Thunder to join the Avengers and the MCU.
Cinema Online, 18 October 2017