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'Thor: Ragnarok' Cast and Characters Confirmed; Includes Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson

Marvel Studios has confirmed the new cast members for its upcoming Phase 3 film, Thor: Ragnarok, and the characters they'll be playing. Newcomers to the Thor series include Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, and Mark Ruffalo.

Cate Blanchett will be playing the film's man villian, Hela. In the comics, Hela is the Asgardian goddess of death and ruler of Hel and Niffleheim. Alongside the casting announcement, Marvel.com also released a piece of concept art featuring Hela and her antler-esque hair.

Joining Blanchett is Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster, an Elder of the Universe with a fascination with games of skill and chance. He's not the first Elder of the Universe to appear in a Marvel film, either, joinging Benicio del Toro's The Collector from Guardians of the Galaxy. In the comics, the Grandmaster holds an Infinity Stone so maybe one of the remaining two stones will be revealed.

Tessa Thompson will be playing the Asgardian and ally of Thor, Valkyrie. Rounding out the newcomers is Karl Urban as the Asgardian villain Skurge. Finally, Mark Ruffalo will no doubt cause plenty of chaos as the Hulk finally makes his triumphant return after going AWOL after Avengers: Age of Ultron

“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,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “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."

Returning stars from the previous Thor films include Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Idris Elba (Heimdall), and Anthony Hopkins (Odin). Noticeably absent is Natalie Portman, who played scientist and Thor's romantic interest Jane Foster in the two previous installments. It would make sense, given that this film takes place entirely off Earth.

Thor: Ragnarok is being directed by Taika Waititi and will be released next year on November 3, 2017.

Matt Rodriguez
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