Marvel-ous Stars of Thor

BY: Zak Wojnar

Thor: Ragnarok is finally upon us, and we’re ready to see some sweaty space gladiator action, punctuated with director Taika Watiti‘s signature brand of screwball comedy. This time, the God of Thunder, in the form of the hunky Chris Hemsworth, is on a quest to save his home, Asgard, from the villainous Hela, played by Cate Blanchett. Let’s take a look at Chris, Cate, and the rest of the cast from the seventeenth (!) film in the ever-expanding universe of Marvel Studios!

Chris Hemsworth

Robert Downey is suave as Iron Man, Chris Pratt is charming as Star-Lord, and Chris Evans is inspiring as Captain America, but let’s face it: Chris Hemsworth as Thor is the sexiest Avenger by a country mile. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it. For Ragnarok, Hemsworth gets a shorter haircut, replacing his luscious blonde locks, but he’s still our #1 superhero crush, even if hair-pulling is now, tragically, out of the equation.

Mark Ruffalo

When The Incredible Hulk first appeared in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe in 2008, he was played by Edward Norton (and previously, Eric Bana, though Ang Lee’s 2003 Hulk has no connection with this version), but for 2012’s The Avengers, Norton declined to return, and the character was recast as Mark Ruffalo. It was a controversial decision at the time, but Ruffalo quickly endeared himself to fans… It helps that anyone can get lost in his dreamy brown eyes. For those who like their men a bit more… Aggressive, he can transform from a mild-mannered scientist into a giant green monster of pure rage. Don’t make him angry. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.

Tom Hiddleston

Chris Hemsworth’s massive arms make it look like he can bench press a school bus, but Thor’s younger brother, Loki, proves that brains can be just as sexy as brawn… Of course, it would be better if he wasn’t constantly plotting to overthrow his father and take the throne of Asgard for himself, but nobody’s perfect. Marvel’s dreamiest super villain, as played by the sassy/sexy Tom Hiddleston, returns in Ragnarok, forming a tenuous alliance with his brother for mutual gain. Will the alliance last? Or will the (adoptive) brothers wind up wrestling in the mud? We’re kinda hoping for the second!

Cate Blanchett

In Thor: Ragnarok, Cate Blanchett‘s stoic, steely beauty is polished to a mirror sheen, and her costume is a magnificent work of pop-art. She stars as Hela, the Norse Goddess of Death. She’s the personification of mortality, and, based on the trailer, Blanchett is clearly having a blast in the role. She introduces herself by effortlessly destroying Mjolnir, the mighty hammer of Thor, and things only escalate from there. Without a doubt, she’s easily our hero’s most formidable foe yet!

Karl Urban

New Zealand actor Karl Urban is no stranger to playing tough guys: in films like Doom, Pathfinder, and Priest, he played strong, intimidating, manly-men, and he even imbued Leonard “Bones” McCoy with a rugged streak in the Star Trek reboots. However, there has never been a role more manly than that of Judge Dredd. In 2012’s Dredd, Urban played the titular hardcore cop, who fought crime with fascistic efficiency, armed with little more than a square-jawed scowl and a big gun. From the brief look at Skurge in the trailer for Ragnarok, it looks like another masculine performance from Urban, who is seen dual-wielding a pair of hefty assault rifles. Judge Dredd would be proud.

Tessa Thompson

It’s looking more and more likely that the breakout star of Thor: Ragnarok will be Tessa Thompson, playing the role of Valkyrie. Thompson previously stole all of her scenes in Ryan Coogler‘s fantastic Rocky revival, Creed, and she’s doing it again as the righteous space-warrior. In fact, Marvel likes her so much, that she’s already been confirmed to appear in next year’s Avengers: Infinity War!

Idris Elba

Since the first Thor film, Idris Elba has stood guard as Heimdall, protecting the realm of Asgard from those who would do it harm. Based on Hela’s apparent success in taking control of the city, we’re guessing he’s due for a scathing performance review. All joking aside, Idris Elba is one of those actors who just makes any movie better. He’s hot, he’s cool, he’s tough, and he’s funny. What’s not to love?