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Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor and set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor and set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Taika Waititi, it follows Thor as he tries to escape captivity and return to Asgard to prevent the destruction of his world by Hela and the coming of Ragnarök.

Plot

Thor is imprisoned far from Asgard and must find a way back before Hela brings about the destruction of Asgard and its civilization. The story includes Thor’s captivity on Sakaar and a gladiatorial confrontation with the Hulk.

Production

The film was directed by Taika Waititi and written by Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, and Christopher Yost. It was produced by Marvel Studios as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Release

Thor: Ragnarok was released in theatres on November 3, 2017. Sources list a runtime of about 130 minutes.

Cast and characters

Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor, with Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Cate Blanchett as Hela. The ensemble also includes Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin.

Key facts

  • Third solo Thor film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • Directed by Taika Waititi.
  • Thor faces Hela and must stop Ragnarök.
  • Features a gladiatorial contest between Thor and Hulk.
  • Released theatrically on November 3, 2017.
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Canadian context

The film was widely released in Canada as part of the global Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise and was reviewed by Canadian entertainment outlets and audiences, though it is an American production.[4][12]

Frequently asked questions

What is Thor: Ragnarok about?
It follows Thor after he is stranded away from Asgard and must stop Hela from destroying his home and triggering Ragnarök.
Who directed Thor: Ragnarok?
Taika Waititi directed the film.
When was Thor: Ragnarok released?
It was released on November 3, 2017.
Who stars in Thor: Ragnarok?
The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Hopkins.
Is Thor: Ragnarok part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes. It is a Marvel Studios film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor:_Ragnarok
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, and basic plot summary.
  2. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/movies/thor-ragnarok
    Supports: Official synopsis, director, writers, runtime, and release date.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3501632/
    Supports: Film identification and plot summary.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thor_ragnarok_2017
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and synopsis.
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/thor-ragnarok
    Supports: Release date, rating, director, cast, and film overview.