The Teaser Trailer for “Thor: Ragnarok” is an Absolute Hoot

Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the two Thor films have been among the most forgettable. They’re not bad, but they lack personality and the fun of the rest of the MCU. Well, as you’ll see with this Teaser Trailer that debuted yesterday, Thor: Ragnarok certainly seeks to change all of that. As will become apparent, there’s a lighter tone in effect, a larger scale, and a vibe that isn’t at odds with the rest of the MCU. It’s very different, almost entirely in good ways. The Teaser Trailer will probably tickle your fancy, but before we get to that, some mild analysis is coming your way!

This sequel is the third Thor film and one that works as a sequel not just to Thor: The Dark World, but also to Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War as well. Having left Earth, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) now comes home to Asgard and finds trouble. In place of his missing father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), trickster Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has assumed the thrown. As if that’s not trouble enough, Hela (Cate Blanchett), the Asgardian goddess of death has accidentally been freed and takes over. She banishes Thor across the galaxy, where he’s made to compete as a gladiator by Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).

Supported by Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Thor lucks out when he finds one of his opponents are none other than Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). A team up is then in the cards. Taika Waititi directs a screenplay from the group of Stephany Folsom, Craig Kyle, Eric Pearson, and Christopher Yost. Also in the cast this time around are the likes of Jaimie Alexander, Benedict Cumberbatch (cameoing as Doctor Strange), Idris Elba, Sam Neill, Ray Stevenson, Karl Urban, Ken Watanabe, and of course, a cameo from Stan Lee. Cinematography will be by Javier Aguirresarobe, while the score comes to us courtesy of Mark Mothersbaugh.

Without question, this looks like the most fun the God of Thunder and company have had in some time. Closer in spirit to something like Guardians of the Galaxy than Thor or Thor: The Dark World, it’s almost building towards a romp. To be sure, there are stakes, but the presumed adventure that Thor and Hulk will have as they make their way home should be joyful for film fans. This movie won’t suddenly become an awards player beyond where the MCU normally contends, but it marks another bold tinker for a company that almost always hits their marks. The MCU just gets stronger and stronger.