Thor is going to need all the help he can get.
The Japanese trailer for Marvel Sutdios' Thor: Ragnarok premiered online Wednesday, giving fans their first look at Thor (Chris Hemsworth) interacting with Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) since the mid-credits scene in 2016's Doctor Strange. In their initial meeting, Stephen brought the crown prince in for a serious talk. "So, I keep a watch list of individuals and beings from other realms that may be a threat to this world. Your adopted brother is one of those beings," he said, referring to Loki (Tom Hiddleston). "Why bring him here to New York?"
"A bit of a long story," Thor explained, "but we're looking for my father."
"If you found Odin (Anthony Hopkins)," Stephen said, "you'd all return to Asgard promptly?"
"Oh, yes," Thor said, taking another swig of his beer. "Promptly."
"Great," Stephen replied. "Allow me to help you."
And that's exactly what he's going to do in Thor: Ragnarok (in theaters Nov. 3). In the new trailer, Stephen gives his friend a warning. "I sense a great change in your future. Destiny has dire plans for you, my friend." Confident and defiant, Thor says, "I have dire plans for destiny."
Perhaps Thor should have listened to Stephen. Held captive on the planet Sakaar without his hammer Mjolnir, he must win a gladiatorial battle against an old ally, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), in order to return to Asgard and stop Hela (Cate Blanchett) from killing the Asgardian people.
Thor can't go up against Hela alone, so he assembles a team that includes Hulk, Loki and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson). At one point, Hela pushes Thor to the ground, grabs his face and hisses, "I'm not a queen or a monster; I'm the goddess of death. What were you the god of again?" Funny she should ask, because as the Norse god of thunder, Thor can summon the elements of the storm (lightning, rain, snow and wind). And he's not afraid to do that, either.
Check out more movie stills from Thor: Ragnarok:
Standing Strong
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) glistens as the superhero we know and love.
Off to Battle
Skurge (Karl Urban) reminds us why we would not be on the receiving end of that glare.
Twinning
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) trade in their super suits for a more modern look.
He's Sword of a Big Deal
Idris Elba reclaims his role as Heimdall, the all-seeing and all-hearing guardian of Asgard.
Twisted Games
The Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) may be one of the oldest beings in the universe but he doesn't look a day over 500,000.
All Tied Up
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) looks uncomfortable in a room with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).
He's a Marvel
We know Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is the bad guy, but can you blame us for staring?
Low-Key Posing
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) reminds us why he's the super villain you hate to love.
Earning His Stripes
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) makes the battlefield look like a runway.
Master of Style
Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) is ageless in a very fashion-forward metallic suit.
Head to Head and Knife to Knife
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is back and has found himself battling Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson). Good luck with that one, L.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) face off in an epic showdown.
Blue Eyed Hero
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) looks calm and ready for anything.
Sulky Hulky
Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) seems pensive and you don't want to make him angry.
Squad Goals
Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) are on a mission and we can't wait to see how it plays out.
Red Cape Is the New Black
Sporting a shorter hairstyle, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) plays with some buttons that look like they might be important.
Power Pose!
Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) stands up to the man in a fierce suit of armor.
Ready for Action
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) makes us all want to be a supervillian.
If Looks Could Kill
Grandmaster (Jeff Goldbloom) is sporting some serious eyeliner.
Lady Evil
The ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett) fiercely stares down her adversaries.
Let's Talk
Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are in a heated discussion.
Babes and Brews
Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) joins supervillians for some brews.
Smokin' Hot!
Thor (Chris Hemswroth) makes being a superhero look easy.
Ready for War
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) join together with their swords in hand for a chat.
Directed by Taika Waititi and produced by Kevin Feige, Thor: Ragnarok—the 17th film in the MCU—stars Idris Elba as Heimdall, Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster and Karl Urban as Skurge.