Did You Know These 10 Things About ‘Thor: Ragnarok’?

When ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ arrived in 2017, it completely reinvented the God of Thunder’s story within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film embraced humor, bright visuals, and cosmic adventure in a way that set it apart from its predecessors. It became both a critical and commercial success, showing a new side of Thor while advancing the larger Infinity Saga storyline.

With its blend of action, comedy, and heart, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ stood out as one of the most unique Marvel entries. Behind the fun, there were plenty of creative choices, surprising influences, and hidden details that made the film special. Here are ten things you might not know about ‘Thor: Ragnarok’.

Taika Waititi Brought a Unique Vision

Marvel hired Taika Waititi to direct the film after being impressed by his offbeat comedies. His style focused on injecting humor, color, and quirky character interactions into the story.

This approach gave the movie a lighter tone compared to the darker ‘Thor’ films that came before. Waititi’s influence reshaped Thor’s character, making him more relatable and funnier than ever.

Planet Sakaar Was Inspired by ‘Planet Hulk’

Much of the story takes place on Sakaar, a chaotic world ruled by the Grandmaster. The gladiator battles and arena setting were drawn from the ‘Planet Hulk’ storyline in Marvel Comics.

By blending elements of Hulk’s comic arc with Thor’s adventure, the film gave fans a unique crossover. This allowed Hulk to have a bigger role, while also introducing new characters like Valkyrie and Korg.

Cate Blanchett Was the First Female MCU Villain

Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, became the first main female villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Thor and Loki’s sister, she brought a mix of elegance and menace to the role.

Her ability to destroy Mjolnir raised the stakes instantly and established her as one of Thor’s most dangerous foes. Blanchett’s performance made Hela a standout character in the franchise.

Hulk Finally Spoke in Full Sentences

In earlier films, Hulk’s dialogue was limited to a few words, but in ‘Ragnarok’ he spoke in full conversations. This change reflected his extended time in Hulk form, giving him a distinct personality apart from Bruce Banner.

The more talkative Hulk allowed for comedic exchanges with Thor, highlighting their odd-couple friendship. It also helped expand Hulk’s character development within the MCU.

The Film Featured Heavy Improvisation

Director Taika Waititi encouraged the cast to improvise, leading to some of the funniest moments in the film. Many of Chris Hemsworth’s comedic lines came from unscripted banter during filming.

This gave the movie a loose, playful energy that felt different from more rigidly scripted Marvel films. The improvisation helped bring out natural chemistry between the characters.

Led Zeppelin’s Music Set the Tone

The use of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’ gave the film its distinct rock-and-roll energy. The song was chosen because of its references to Norse mythology and its powerful sound.

It played during key battle scenes, perfectly matching Thor’s newfound confidence and power. The track became inseparable from the movie’s identity.

Valkyrie’s Role Expanded Representation

Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie was introduced as a hard-drinking warrior who had left Asgard behind. Her character brought diversity and representation to the MCU as one of its first prominent female heroes of color.

She quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her strength, charisma, and complex backstory. Valkyrie’s introduction also paved the way for her future leadership role in Asgard.

Korg Was Voiced by Taika Waititi

The rock-skinned gladiator Korg quickly became one of the funniest new additions to the MCU. What many fans don’t realize is that director Taika Waititi voiced him himself.

Waititi gave Korg a gentle, comedic tone that contrasted with his imposing appearance. The character’s humor and charm made him instantly popular with audiences.

The Movie Destroyed Asgard to Move the Story Forward

In a bold move, the film ended with the destruction of Asgard. This decision set Thor on a new path, emphasizing that his people defined Asgard more than the place itself.

The destruction also cleared the way for future storylines, leading directly into ‘Avengers: Infinity War.’ It marked a major turning point in Thor’s journey.

Stan Lee Gave Thor a Haircut

Stan Lee’s cameo in ‘Ragnarok’ had him play a quirky barber who cuts Thor’s long hair before the gladiator battle. The moment was both funny and symbolic of Thor’s transformation.

By changing his appearance, the film visually reinforced Thor’s evolution into a new kind of hero. It also gave fans another memorable Stan Lee moment to cherish.

What fact about ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ did you find the most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments!