Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson

Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok” has beefed up its cast with an impressive group of actors including Cate Blanchett (playing the mysterious and powerful new villain Hela), Jeff Goldblum (as the eccentric Grandmaster), Karl Urban as Skurge, and, the pièce de résistance, Tessa Thompson who will bring the classic hero Valkyrie to life on the big screen!

Mark Ruffalo will also appear in the film, reprising his role of Bruce Banner/the Hulk from “Marvel’s The Avengers” and Marvel’s “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.”

So who is this Valkyrie that Tessa Thompson has signed up to play, you ask? Well, according to the Marvel wiki, she’s an Asgardian by birth, also known by her real name, Brunnhilde. She was selected by Odin to lead the Valkyrior. Among her other aliases are Barbara Denton-Norriss, Samantha Parrington, Sian Bowen, and Annabelle Riggs who were all host bodies to the spirit of Brunnhilde. She is also an ally and one-time love interest of Thor. Her superhero abilities include: superhuman strength, endurance, and the ability to convey spirits of the dead.




“Thor’s” new cast members join returning stars Chris Hemsworth in the title role for the fifth time; Tom Hiddleston as Thor’s adversarial, adopted brother, Loki; Idris Elba as the Asgardian sentry, Heimdall; and Sir Anthony Hopkins again portraying Odin, Ruler of Asgard.

“Thor: Ragnarok,” the third installment of Marvel’s popular Norse Super Hero, is directed by Taika Waititi (“Two Cars, One Night,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”). Kevin Feige will produce the film, joined by executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Victoria Alonso, Thomas M. Hammel and Stan Lee.

A release date is set for November 3, 2017.