Thor: Ragnarok is quickly shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the MCU. IN the past few weeks we have learned that New Zealand’s Taika Waititi (What We Do In Shadows) is one of the frontrunners to direct the film, and may have been already hired with the studio just waiting to make a huge announcement, and that Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) may appear alongside Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in the film that could use elements from “Planet Hulk.”

Now there are reports that the Thor sequel could introduce a new female superhero into the MCU, Valkyrie. We are also hearing that this may be the franchise’s darkest film yet, and be a game changer much like Captain America: The Winter Soldier. More on the story below.

Birth Death Movies first broke the news about the Valkyries. Sources tell them that Thor and Hulk will be taking s “cosmic road trip.” This isn’t too far off of what we’ve previously heard of the sequel taking place taking place on a distant planet away from Asgard and Earth. But it does seem to dispel the previous rumor that the sequel would use elements of “Planet Hulk.”

The site also reports that Waititi has indeed been hired to direct the film, and will work on brightening Christopher Yost’s script, which is said to have an apocalyptic vibe. They believe that this will be achieved by putting an emphasis on the humor between Hulk, who is said to have a major role, and Thor. The first Thor film had a cosmic twist on the classic “fish out of water” story, which was lacking in Thor: The Dark World. But considering the latter was directed by Alan Taylor, bringing Waititi, who is more familiar with comedy than Taylor is, might be just the thing to bring back the humor that Thor films are known for.

Their journey will eventually lead them into meeting the legendary Valkyries. In Norse mythology, the Valkyries are twelve handmaidens who choose those who may die in battle and those who may live. However, Birth Death Movies says that Ragnarok may introduce the superheroine Valkyrie into the Cinematic Universe, just the single solo hero, not the group. In the comics, Valkyrie, a.k.a. Brunnhilde is a member of The Defenders – not the superhero group related to the upcoming NetFlix show – who alongside Doctor Strange fought against the likes of Enchantress – who is another villainess with connections to Thor and the Avengers. But the site is unclear on if the film will use the Valkyries as a group or just use Brunnhilde, but are confident that since the film will be using these strong female characters, they are going to have to find some equally strong women to play the part.

So if this rumor is to be true, it is safe to assume that one of the Valkyries or Brunnhilde may be introduced in a Doctor Strange after credit scene. But that is just pure speculation.

Tom Hiddleston and Jaimie Alexander are rumored to return as Loki and Sif, respectively. Thor: Ragnarok opens November 3, 2017.

[Source: Birth Death Movies]