Thor 4 – director, release date, cast and all latest news on Marvel film
THOR, a favourite with Marvel fans, will return for a fourth film following the success of the third instalment, with Taika Waititi at the helm.
Taika Waititi, who directed the last movie, has signed a deal to write and direct the sequel to his 2017 blockbuster hit, Thor: Ragnarok. Here is everything you need to know on the highly-anticipated follow-up.
Waititis’ movie Jojo Rabbit, a comedy flick set in Nazi-era Germany starring Scarlett Johansson, is scheduled for release in 2020.
Will Natalie Portman star in the new film?
Yes, and she's coming back bigger and better than ever before.
During a press conference at Comic-Con in San Diego on July 20, Natalie confirmed that she will be returning to the franchise, adding that she'll play the first female Thor while waving a huge hammer on stage.
Marvel exec Kevin Feige confirmed that the Hollywood actress will see herself transitioning into the female God of Thunder after Thor becomes unable to lift his hammer due to apparent unworthiness, which fans had first uncovered in Avengers: Endgame.
Portman has fronted the character Jane Foster in numerous installments, having most recently played the role in 2013's Dark World.
Fans seemed delighted with the news and hopped straight to Twitter to share their joy.
One wrote: "OmG I'll see it. I always liked Natalie Portman since seeing her in Star Wars movies when I was a kid. She will be an amazing female Thor."
A third wrote: "With thunderous applause."
What is the release date for Thor 4?
While it has been reported Thor 4 is on its way, Marvel Studios has not yet confirmed the fourth instalment.
However, the film studio rarely make official announcements about their movies so far ahead of production starting.
Although a release date is unknown, Thor 4 is not expected to land until 2021, at the earliest, as Black Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi and Doctor Strange 2 are coming out soon.
Who is in the cast of Thor 4?
Chris Hemsworth is expected to reprise his role as the Asgardian god of thunder, Thor, which he has played in the last three films.
Also, Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki in the movies, is likely to return as Thor’s evil brother, although he died during Avengers: Infinity War.
As Tessa Thompson’s character Valkyrie survived in the last film, it is possible she could make a comeback too.
Other likely returnees include Mark Ruffalo of the Hulk movies and Taika, who directed Thor: Ragnarok.
However, many of the supporting characters including Thor’s friends Warriors Three, his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), his mother Frigga (Rene Russo), Heimdall (Idris Elba) and others – have been killed in recent Marvel movies, therefore they are less than likely to appear in the sequel.
What will Thor 4 be called?
At this stage it is hard to say, given that there are very few details about the film at the moment.
However, it is likely to follow the pattern of past Thor films, including The Dark Work and Ragnarok.
There is a chance Marvel could unveil the title for the fourth film at San Diego Comic-Con, so what this space!