Ragnarok is coming. Prepare for an epic showdown of Team Thor vs Hela the Goddess of Death.

Thor, The God of Thunder returns for his third solo movie adventure! This time, the Avenger needs to stop the impending destruction of  his home world Asgard from Hela, the Goddess of Death. His journey takes time to the planet Sakaar and being put to fight in gladiatorial matches. There he finds unexpected allies to team-up in a race to save Asgard.

Official Synopsis:
“In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk!”

Thor: Ragnarok is directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople). Reprising their roles are Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers) as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Tom Hiddleston (Thor) as Loki, Idris Elba (Pacific Rim) as Heimdall, Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs) as Odin, Tessa Thompson (Veronica Mars) as Valkyrie, Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) as Grandmaster, Karl Urban (Star Trek) as Skurge, and Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings) as the lead antagonist, Hela. 

Listen to what the Director and Cast have to say about Thor Ragnarok

What is Ragnarok?

In Norse mythology, Ragnarok was a great battle resulting in deaths of many gods like Odin, Loki, Heimdall, etc and the end of all things. From the movie trailers it can be hypothesized that Hela in her revenge against Asgard will bring about Ragnarok in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ragnarok, the evil robotic clone of Thor.

In Marvel Comics, Ragnarok was a robotic clone of Thor, created by Tony Stark / Iron Man, Hank Pym  Giant-Man and Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic when Thor was presumed dead during the Civil War storyline. Ragnarok went out of control and later destroyed by the real Thor upon return (no superhero stays truly dead in comics). Ragnarok was later rebuild and was used by Norman Osborn / Green Goblin for his Dark Avengers team.

Here are the returning and new characters for in this new movie:

Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the titular god of Thunder. It is no secret from the trailer that he looses the mighty hammer Mjolnir at the literal hand of Hela, and gets a haircuit (do you ladies approve?).

Hulk / Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) was last seen in the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron leaving the team for parts unknown. Now the trailers has revealed that Hulk is also on the planet Saakar, fighting as a gladiator.

Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the God of Mischief and Thor's adopted brother (he's actually a small Frost Giant). He faked his own death after the events of Thor: The Dark World and disguised himself as Odin to rule Asgard.

Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) is a former Asgardian warrior who was once a member of Odin's elite guard. She is now working as a bounty hunter for the Grandmaster in Saakar. It is uncertain whether this movie Valkyrie is the same as the comics version, Brunhilde. She could be ONE of the many Valkyrie warriors.

Heimdall (Idris Elba), the all-seeing and all-hearing Gatekeeper of the Bifrost Bridge of Asgard.

Odin (Anthony Hopkins), king of Asgard. He was last seen in Thor: The Dark World and but viewers were unsure his fate since being "replaced" by Loki.

Hela (Cate Blanchett), the Goddess of Death. She escapes from imprisonment by Odin and now seeks revenge against Asgard. Writhing horns never looked so good!

Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) is one of the Elders of the Universe and master for all games. He created the Gladiator matches on Planet  Planet Saakar.

Skurge (Karl Urban), an Asgardian warrior who aligns himself to Hela. He is also known as 'The Executioner".

Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is now a full-fledged wizard, last seen in his own movie (in after credits) chatting with Thor to help search for Odin.

Get this bromance between Thor & Loki in "Get Help". LOL!

And listen in carefully to those great music tunes in this movie which looks to share the awesome mix vibes in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Thor Ragnarok is currently rated highly on Rotten Tomatoes at 98% and looks to be best of the trilogy. Read what movie critics have to say on Variety. And here's what Australia's ABC had to say about "the funniest Marvel movie ever".

Our resident Vulcan Dr. Mr. Smock reviews Thor Ragnarok together with special Guest The Captain from Pop Culture FUN - Malaysia.

As one of the most highly anticipated blockbuster superhero movies this year, our local cinemas are offering a whole slew of goodies right now:

GSC Cinemas is hosting an early screening for their members on this Wednesday  25 October, 6.20pm at GSC MyTown, Cheras and GSC Queensbay Mall, Penang. The screening package priced at RM30 includes 1 movie ticket, 1 limited edition Thor Ragnarok collectible coin and popcorn / drink combo. Find out more details from their official website. 

  

Now only for advance ticket sales purchase until 26 October, purchase their Thor Ragnarok e-combo online for RM90 to score a pair of Thor and Hulk Podz figurines with a large popcorn and 2 regular soft drinks. Read more on the terms and conditions from the GSC website.

Sample of that Hulk Podz figurine. Photo source: GSC.

Finally the first 50 customers purchasing six D-Box tickets at participating cinemas will redeem an exclusive Gladiator Hulk's Hammer USB plus popcorn and drinks for that party of six. Find out which cinemas are qualified for this prom at their website.

Over at TGV Cinemas, their Movie Club members get to purchase an early exclusive screening of Thor Ragnarok on Wednesday 25 October, 6pm in TGV Sunway Pyramid and Tebrau City, Johor Bahru. These IMAX tickets are priced at RM45 when purchased in advance, or RM60 on the day itself. Some activities like cosplay contest and video games precede the movie screening starting from 4.30pm. For non-members, there are other early screenings in IMAX and standard halls that same night at TGV 1 Utama and Sunway Velocity scheduled for 7pm with activities starting at 5.30pm.

Over the movie opening weekend of 28-29 October, movie marathons comprising Thor The Dark World and Thor Ragnarok will be available for purchase at selected locations.for only RM20 to Movie Club members and RM25 to others. Find out participating cinemas from the TGV website.

Plus from 25 October onwards, purchasing 2 IMAX movie tickets will come with a free mini-poster. Of course only at IMAX cinema locations.

As for movie merchandise, a Hulk Hammer combo is available for RM27 with purchase of 1 Thor Ragnarok movie ticket. This combo includes with a Hulk Hammer water bottle, 1 regular popcorn and 1 regular soft drink. The special bottle is also available at part of an IMAX ticket combo with popcorn for RM40.

MBO Cinemas is offering 3 forms of concession combos:

• Combo A with a 32oz / 950ml Thor OR Hulk helmet cup and a 46oz / 1.35l popcorn for RM27.
• Combo B, an 85oz / 2.5l Hulk Fist popcorn container with a 22oz / 650ml soft drink for RM41 or with 2 soft drinks will be RM43.
• Combo C comes with an 85oz / 2.5l Thor Helmet popcorn container with a 22oz / 650ml soft drink for RM41 or with 2 soft drinks for RM43.

They are also having a contest to win a trip for two to Australia. For more info, read here.

Unexpectedly, retail petrol stations chain Petron Malaysia is also in on the action with exclusive movie premiums available with minimum purchase of RM50 fuel. Then use either Petron points or cash to make purchase of the goodies from participating Petron station. For more details go to their official website.

Avenue K shopping centre is currently having an official Thor: Ragnarok event from 18 October to 5 November. You can take pictures with life-sized statues of Thor and Hulk in their Gladiator armor.

The event area in Avenue K's main concourse, just above the KLCC LRT station.

Life-sized statues of Thor and Hulk

There is also a FREE haircut for fans which the hairstylists will cut your hair short and also give a 'Gladiator Mark' on it (courtesy by C. Michael London hair salon).

Free haircut with the Gladiator Mark. Wonder if Chris Hemsworth approves?

For children, there is a mini 'Gladiator Pit' where they can battle it out like Thor and Hulk. Don't worry, protection are provided.

Gladiator Pit for the kids. Protection provided

There is also a Augmented Reality photo booth where you can take pictures with some of the characters from the movie.

Take pictures with your favorite movie character with the Augmented Reality Photo Booth

Premium Thor and Hulk statues on display

For retail, TGV Cinemas is selling their Hulk Hammer bottle by instead at a discounted price of RM17. Petron has also setup a booth offering their movie merchandise.

For fans who must own a piece of the Marvel Thor universe, here are a number of movie toys and collectibles located by the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.):

Hasbro's Marvel Legends series released six 6 inch figures which include Gladiator Thor, Loki, Hela, Thor (Jane Foster), Ares and Thor Odinson from the comics series. Each of the packaging comes with a body part which are called Build-A-Figure and if you collected all 6 figures, you are able to build your very own Gladiator Hulk! Each figure is priced at RM139.90.

Collect parts from each Marvel Legends figure to form Gladiator Hulk.

For Lego fans there are 2 building sets for this movie being released: Thor Vs Hulk Arena Clash 76088 for RM299.00 and The Ultimate Battle for Asgard 76084 for RM249.00.

Set 76088 Thor Vs Hulk: Arena Clash (RM299)

Set 76084 The Ultimate Battle for Asgard (RM249)

Funko POP  has been on a total rampage creating bobblehead figurines of every pop culture franchise our there, and Thor Ragnarok is not exception. New versions of Gladiator Thor and Loki plus other characters from the movie are priced at RM65.00 each. As per typical Funko POP distribution, some of these figures may be retail or event exclusives and not available from normal toy stores. Try to contact local Funko distributor Sheldonet Toy Store Malaysia for latest availability locally.

Various Funko POP Thor: Ragnarok figures

As with all Marvel movies, Hot Toys will be releasing some really detailed one-sixth scaled figurines for this movie comprising of Gladiator Thor, Gladiator Hulk, Loki, Hela and Valkyrie. No details yet on the price and release date.

Gladiator Thor and Hulk

Loki

Valkyrie

Hela

Thor and Hulk having a bonding session. By the way, Hulk now speaks with intelligent conversation!

Thor: Ragnarok will be opening in cinemas nationwide on Thursday 26 October 2017 with sneak previews starting Wednesday 25 October 2017.

Disclaimer: Thor, Hulk and associated trademarks are copyright to Marvel Studios, referenced here for fan service purposes only without intent to infringe.

The Avengers Re-Assemble to Disassemble Ultron

Yes, people, they are back with more of your favourite action scenes adapted from the beloved Marvel series. The second of the Marvel’s Avenger series is called Age of Ultron. Apparently from the title itself, you can tell that there is a whole new villain that will bring even more challengers for our interestingly dressed heroes. This time however, the problems they face are of their own doing, or rather of Tony Starks’ doing. However, more on that later.

  

So many superheroes not including guest stars yet.

In the meantime, we should welcome back the ensemble cast that thrilled fans in the first instalment of Marvel’s Avengers. First we have Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Aussie Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Of course we cannot forget the very important Samuel L. Jackson who reprises his role as Nick Fury, former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and mentor to the Avengers.

There are several trailers released and watching them all really gives you an impression of how grand a scale this production is, from sweeping panoramic shots to high octane CGI action sequences. The plot this time around centres on a program Tony Stark/Ironman had worked on, called Ultron, using an artificial intelligence technology leftover from the alien antagonists of the first movie, the Chitauri. The technology was supposedly altered to be a peace keeping program to save earth from any further invasion. However, when Ultron is awoken, it takes on a life of its own and decides that peace can only be achieved if the entire human race is eliminated. Now that escalated quickly!

Full on Avengers brawl with the armies of Ultron.

Ultron then recruits newcomers, twins Wanda and Pietro Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson respectively) to aid his dastardly plan. The twins, who are also imbued with special powers, are also known as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. They are apparently the product of Baron Struckner’s experiments and get their powers from an unknown source. Along the way, the Avengers also encounter a new character called the Vision (Paul Bettany), created by Ultron himself, whose intentions are unclear and is rather mysterious. Additionally, James Spader provides the menacing and slightly sleazy voice of Ultron. Another highlight of the movie is the new gigantic Hulkbuster armour operated by Iron Man, which you can see in this trailer fighting the Hulk: 

The scene everyone's been waiting for: Iron Man Hulkbuster vs. Hulk

In order to quell your excitement before the movie actually launches, do check out Marvel’sofficial Avengers website for a tonne of great gallery pictures, wallpapers etc. Be sure you have your speakers at a minimum though, the background music can be quite intimidating.

The gigantic Hulkbuster looms over Marvel fans at Mid Valley Megamall

On the local scene, there is an Avengers Age of Ultron exhibit at Mid Valley’s Centre Court until April 19^th 2015. The highlight of the event is surely the giant live size replicas of the Hulk and Hulkbuster, which is a favourite with the crowd.

Hulk ready to SMASH!

Captain America also makes an appearance.

There are extensive displays of Hot Toys replica collectible figures of Marvel Cinematic Universe characters from the upcoming movie as well as the previous Avengers. Hasbro features their official movie toy products with retail sales available at the adjacent concourse as well as most major toy stores and major retailers. Avengers branded tshirts, stationeries and other official products are also available.

Lots of limited edition Hot Toys 1:6 scale action figures on display.

The upcoming Iron Man Mark 43 limited edition figure previewed.

The Avengers battle Thanos in the Infinity Wars perhaps?

Hasbro Marvel Legends 6in action figures RM99.90.

Kids role-play toys from Hasbro.

Avengers get cute.

Lotsa Hasbro Avengers toys and more available for sale at the event.

Apart from these eye-candy, there are booths for you to take photos, play games and even wrestle a replica of Hulk’s arm. Succeed in a few "Avenger" activities and receive some free goodies. 

Try lifting Mjolnir

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has found more ways to engage your inner geek from the following movie promos. MixFM in conjunction with Walt Disney Motion Pictures Malaysia is giving away free passes for the film if you answer a couple of quiz questions and complete a short slogan, so give it a try and you may be the lucky winners. 

Popular automotive website PaulTan.org is organizing a Driven movie night and in addition to being able to win free passes to watch the movie on April 22^nd, you can win a slew of movie merchandise from car decals, T-shirts, USBs, water bottles, sunscreens and many more. A similar contest where you can win passes and merchandise is available at LowYat.com.

Local cinema chain GSC Cinemas has started the promo ball rolling by offering free poster giveaways for any purchase of two Avengers: Age of Ultron tickets starting 16 April to 13 May, with different posters up for grabs each week. Additionally, selected GSC outlets are offering a special combo of snacks and a limited edition box of Avenger key chains for only RM60.00. 

On the other hand, TGV Cinemas are offering a combo promo at their concessions counter where you can buy a hexagon collectible mini figurine with your popcorn and drinks for only RM19.90. Beginning 16 April, you can purchase these cutesy little figures with The Hulk and Thor released first, whilst Iron Man and Captain America will be on sale beginning 23 April. Keep in mind these are limited edition so get them while stocks last.

TGV's Avengers figurines are too cute to resist!

MBO Cinemas has a similar promo whereby you can get an Avenger figurine cup with a topper that carries a figurine of your favourite Avengers character. The combo is inclusive of popcorn and a soft drink, all for only RM17.

Lifestyle retail chain, Watsons, is similarly on the Avengers bandwagon with a limited edition VIP card with Touch N Go feature.

For men, Gillette's Avengers shavers powered by Stark technology may just wanna make hair grow to be shaven.

By the way, good luck finding the Repulsor1, Thunder, Ultrastrike & XL Gamma models on our shores. They might only be found in Avengers Tower! LOL!

Well, stranger things have happened...

For "superfans", TGV Cinemas is throwing a Superhero Bash on Saturday 25 April at The Ballroom in Jaya Shopping Centre. Activities from 5pm include drawing / colouring contests, games, best dressed awards and more. Find out more and register online at TGV's website.

Expect some marvelous cosplay at the Superhero Bash.

Coincidentally that same afternoon, GSC Cinemas is holding a free screening of Avengers Age of Ultron in Dolby Atmos at their 1 Utama cineplex. To qualify, participants need to watch a video and post photo of themselves in costume on this Facebook post by 22 April 2015.

Marvel's Avengers Age of Ultron will assemble in cinemas 23 April 2015.

Disclaimer: Avengers and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment and/or Walt Disney Pictures, and their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.