THOR: THE DARK WORLD Spoiler Review

So this is it, the real spoiler-heavy review for THOR: THE DARK WORLD. Took me long enough but here it is.

Compared to the first THOR movie, the second had so much meat. Again I refer to it as meat not the whole package. But's lets go back to that later.

Malekith The Accursed here was under-utilized. I mean here we have a powerful enemy for Thor and Asgard with technology that made the feared Asgardians look like chumps and we rarely get to see them do anything other than infiltrate Asgard, threaten Natalie Portman's character Jane Foster and kill Rene Russo's Frigga. That's it for them. It would have been better if they get raided throughout the Asgard scenes seeing that Malekith's got a lot of Dark Elf fodder at his beck and call.

Underused is also how I would describe the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif. They all have their cool moments somewhere in the film but it's really not enough. These aren't you average foot soldiers after all; these are the most trusted advisers for the future king of Asgard. Amongst them four, I really felt bad for Hogun the Grim who was practically written out of the story. The moment the battle was won in his world, he stayed behind and then towards the end, we see a glimpse of him; just a glimpse.

The love triangle between Lady Sif, Thor and Jane Foster was also non-existent. That's one of the things I was looking forward to in this Alan Taylor-helmed film yet it never resurfaced. We're only relegated to a few dirty looks and that was it.

Kurse was cool here. I loved how he transformed from Angrim to Kurse. Those scenes also could lead to future Agent of SHIELD territory but really, that's a long shot. What's definite is that monster that got left behind in London during the 'big' battle scene between Thor and Malekith and the rest of the Dark Elves. Coulson, Ward and the rest of our team would have their hands full that's for sure.

With regards to the special Avengers cameo here - It's Captain America.

This happens after Thor busts out Loki from his cell and Loki keeps on transforming to annoy his brother. One of the transformations that he undergoes through is as Chris Evans' in his Captain America costume from The Avengers. It's short, sweet and totally caught me off guard. Good one Marvel Studios.

Like what I've said in the non-spoilery version, I loved how the filmmakers gave Asgard. What was once an empty and dull civilization is suddenly full of life with actual people and with actual soldiers to boot. Kudos to Alan Taylor for his experience in directing episodes of Game of Thrones, at least this doesn't look like a ghost town. And they actually have MRIs and Gun turrets in Asgard too.

The two post credit trailers were up there in my list. Benicio Del Toro as The Collector was very interesting, almost Mugatu-ish. Still pretty and it also gives us more insights with regards to what the INFINITY GEMS will look like in the MCU. The dialogue was just.... wow. It does open the world of hurt for the good guys as it's implied that The Collector too is after the gems. Also wow again for making both the Tesseract (re: Cosmic Cube) and the Aether are both the gems. 

The second post-credit scene was OK. I mean it doesn't change anything other than having Thor at the ready for Avengers: Age of Ultron. That and that scary looking monster that got stranded in Midgard following the transdimensional fight between Thor and Malekith. 

Fuck I almost forgot that Marvel wasn't quiet about showing us Surtur's fiery realm in the climax. That alone is a huge easter egg if fan clamor/rumor is to be trusted. Surture and the fire giants, here we come! 

Finally, the ending was great. I read somewhere that the trilogy for the big three always wanted to emulate the formula for the Star Wars trilogy. THOR: THE DARK WORLD definitely hit the right chords if it wanted to become the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK for the film franchise. Oh and if you're asking me how I saw that ending, I'd say Loki got Odin trapped somewhere in a deep, dark recess of the dungeons. Somewhere only he knows or everybody's forgotten. Heck he could've forced Odin to tell him the location of this dungeon. 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD did not have a mission statement so it's really hard to gauge it on anything other than the previous movie. It does open new doors for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the TV-verse spearheaded by the Agents of SHIELD series. 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is still showing in all cinemas nationwide! 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD Review NON SPOILER

Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and the rest of the heroes and villains of the Asgard have returned for a second serving of action and adventure in Marvel Studios' THOR: THE DARK WORLD. 

Conforming with what's 'proper' this is non-spoilery. 

Like the last movie, I'm still pretty much impressed with the star power. Natalie Portman, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Idris Elba and Kat Dennings just to name a few are all great actors. Newcomers Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who, G.I.Joe Rise of Cobra) are totally exceptional in their roles as Fandral the Dashing and Malekith the Accursed. But while the star power was good, some stars just didn't float enough. Natalie Portman and Hemsworth's romance was dry; Hiddleston's Loki was written to actually make him look like the real star of the movie. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif (Jamie Alexander) all get even shorter screen times. Finally, Hopkins as Odin was a little tired and uninspired. 

Visuals were great. It's a facelift from the last Thor movie. This is a world where people actually live in. Given that the film is directed by Game of Thrones' director Alan Taylor, it's pretty obvious that he knows how to do these kinds of things. I totally loved the feel for Asgard here. The fighting is intense which again perpetuates the word 'Hammer Time'. 

One of the greater things about THOR: THE DARK WORLD is the smarter, funnier script. Some times they obviously try to seem funny and it's 50/50. Some are just comedy gold especially the lighter scenes between the brothers Thor & Loki. 

Speaking of Loki and Thor, the cameos in this film just blew me out of the room. To avoid even sending you to spoiler territory, let's just leave it at that. 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD was never clear with it's role in the general scheme of things within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was simply a movie that was created to make more money for Marvel and create additional tension for this beautiful and savage world that Marvel created. That's my minor annoyance here but that's something I can live with. The action after all is fun and wicked and it certainly gave me more reason to forgive the movie. In fact the moment the Kronan stoneman appeared and Thor literally crumbles the damned thing, every critical thought about the film was chucked out the window. 

Fun Fact: The Stoneman was an easter egg and a reference to the first appearance of Thor, which was in JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY # 1. This was the issue where Donald Blake finds the cane that transforms into Mjolnir

Final pieces of advice, the 3D works well but it's not really going to ruin anything if you don't see it in 3D or IMAX.

VERDICT: B(-) Big in action, dull in romance, great in comedy and fanservice through and through.

Special thanks to:

Also major thanks to Walt Disney Pictures Philippines

Guardians of the Galaxy Banner Spotted

I've got newfound respect for the Facebook group Marvel Cinematic Universe as they have been giving out some pretty neat info. 

A friend pointed out to me that this group was where he found out the identity of that surprise guest-star in THOR: THE DARK WORLD and now they've shared this little bit of promotional material for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.

This was plastered in the cinema where THOR 2 premiered in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Nothing really to go by but it's a pretty sweet connection especially if you've seen the post-credits scene from the Chris Hemsworth starrer.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Hot Toys Thor: The Dark World Thor Preview

Hot Toys can't cash in too much on Thor but they've done the next best thing, preview two new figures at the same time.

The next highly anticipated Marvel Studios film this year – Thor: The Dark World is soon hitting the theatres. Following the events of The Avengers, Thor returns to the big screen and sets upon a journey to confront a new enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand.

To celebrate the launch of this epic sequel of Thor, Hot Toys is proud to present the new 1/6th scale Thor Collectible Figure. The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Hemsworth as Thor in the movie, featuring the newly developed head sculpt, muscular body, highly detailed costume, weapon and accessories.























Mind you this is the standard armor for the Thunder god, there's another 1/6 scale figure preview waiting in the wings!!!

Also this head sculpt is spot on with the likeness of Thor actor Chris Hemsworth. In fact, I daresay that it's actually better than what we've seen from The Avengers Thor figure.

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Natalie Portman Returns as Jane Foster in "Thor: The Dark World"

Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman once more plays the esoteric astrophysicist Jane Foster in Marvel's “Thor: The Dark World.”

Jane Foster is an astrophysicist who met Thor when he was exiled to Earth by his father. The two had an intense attraction in the short time they were together, and through Jane, Thor learned the value of humility and the heroic nature of humanity. After being separated since Thor’s first visit to Earth, Jane has moved on with her life…but now finds herself pulled into Thor’s world once again by an ancient evil. Portman enthuses, “It’s really fun to get to come back and play her again. I think it’s rare to get the opportunity to play these female scientists in this kind of movie, so it’s nice to have a foil for the Super Hero!”

“Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” finds Jane Foster making big changes in her life. Portman explains, “Jane has moved, so she’s now in London, not in Santa Fe anymore. Obviously she has gone through missing Thor and also being upset at him because he didn’t come knock on her door when he was on her planet. She’s definitely been getting over that and trying to move on.”

In the course of the story, Thor and Jane do reunite and, as Portman points out, “Obviously she’s upset at first, but he quickly explains why he didn’t come say hi. He makes it up to her by saving her life and then they become this great team.”

Jane winds up spending most of her time on Asgard, Thor’s home world, where he has taken her for protection. For Portman, this fish-out-of-water scenario not only provided some comedic moments but also a chance to wear Asgardian costumes. “It was definitely new to be in the Asgard clothes and luckily I think my character should feel uncomfortable in them, so, any discomfort I had could be part of the character’s feelings as well,” notes the actress.

Portman also feels that the scale of the sets harkens back to a different era of filmmaking. She comments, “It’s really like the old days of cinema. The sets are incredible and you walk on to set and you think ‘wow, we’re making a movie’. The scope is just so grand. It’s fun to be on that kind of set and see the craftsmanship that goes into it.”

She was likewise delighted to be working with director Alan Taylor, commenting, “Alan is really incredible. He’s really made this film so epic and is also very dead on with all the character moments. He doesn’t do a lot of takes, but knows really specifically what he wants and gives helpful notes.”



Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 30 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D, 2D and regular theaters, Marvel's “Thor: The Dark World” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

Unconfirmed Thor: The Dark World Post-Credit Spoilers

Two unconfirmed spoilers for the post-credits of Marvel Studios' "Thor: The Dark World".

This was collected from Brainfreeze.be thru Comicbook.com (so if it fucks up, I'm not the instigator hehehe).

POST CREDIT SCENE 1:

Involves Lady Sif and Volstagg returning this 'aether' to the Intergalactic museum where we get to meet this guy...

Yeah, apparently Marvel snuck in an appearance of Benicio Del Toro as "The Collector". This is basically a tie-up to next year's "Guardians of the Galaxy". Del Toro's Collector then utters the words "One down, five to go". There's a subtle reference to the six Infinity Gems which Marvel seems hellbent on doing past the MCU Phase three.

POST CREDIT SCENE 2:

Will focus on the lovestory between Thor Odinson and Jane Foster back on Earth. According to the plot, the reunited lovers go for a passionate kiss but is disrupted by an Asgardian beast tearing through London.

Must be a BILGESNIPE

THOR: THE DARK WORLD opens October 30.

Hemsworth Back as the Mighty Avenger in "Thor: The Dark World"

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth reprises the role of Thor for the third time in Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World.”

In this latest epic adventure, Hemsworth is back in his glory, looking every bit like the Mighty Avenger that audiences have come to idolize. Hemsworth says of his return, “I love playing the character. The trick is to find new ways to make the character have some sort of advance or growth from the last film. Each time we get to break him down and find his human qualities and his vulnerable side it’s interesting because he has such a tough exterior and an unbreakable feel.”

In Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World,” Thor’s character arc does indeed continue, exploring both the fractured relationship between Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Thor, and Thor’s relationship with Jane (Natalie Portman). But Hemsworth reminds, “The bigger picture is that potentially Thor is stepping into the role of king, and he needs to prove that he deserves to be there and also understand and come to terms with the responsibilities that becoming king carries. He figures out that it doesn’t necessarily come with all the privileges; there are a lot of sacrifices. It’s that next step in his evolution to become king.”

Hemsworth approaches his role by looking for the conflict and determining what Thor is trying to work through. “You’ve got to make sure the hero is a big catalyst to the resolution; that he’s not just there to step in at the very end and save the day,” explains Hemsworth. “You want a journey. I think what we managed to find was real conflict with Thor about where his place is. Is it with Jane on Earth, or is it here in Asgard? His senses are now awakening and he’s having a greater understanding of the world and its problems.”

Hemsworth has definite feelings about why Thor, even though he is a god from another world, is so relatable to audiences. “Thor’s in love with a human, so that helps,” says the actor. “Instantly there’s a connection. It helps that we’ve brought the story into a more real, grounded look. But Thor is going through human problems. His conflicts and emotions are the same as ours. They’re not so far off that we can’t find any connection to it. He’s battling with his responsibilities and coming to terms with who he is, his place in the world, his relationships and family.”

In Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” the polarizing relationship between brothers Thor and Loki takes a new turn. Hemsworth relates, “In the very first film Loki and Thor as brothers had a friendship where there was less hatred involved. We get to a place in this one where there’s more of that this time around again. Thor gets to ask Loki what this is all about and how they got to this point in their relationship.

“Thor is able to confront Loki and say, ‘It’s about time that you recognize your role in this. You know, it wasn’t all everyone else’s fault.’ In ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ it was us yelling at each other and butting heads, and that happens a bit in this, too, but for the most part it’s a far more interesting dynamic,” concludes Hemsworth.

Hemsworth has nothing but praise for fellow cast member Tom Hiddleston, who plays the scheming Loki. “Tom brings so much to the part; people love that character,” says Hemsworth. “He brought such empathy to Loki that audiences were conflicted. He’s the villain but we kind of love him. Any time you can do that, it makes it so much more interesting. Some of my favorite scenes are with Tom in every film we’ve done.”
The relationship between Thor and Jane Foster also gets put to the test in when the two reunite. Hemsworth explains the tension between the two, saying, “Jane’s been wondering where the hell he is and where the hell he’s been, and why he hasn’t contacted her since he left. She comes to understand that he’s been saving the universe, so that’s not a bad excuse. But the two of them have to figure out whether or not this is a realistic relationship.”

This film marks the first time that Hemsworth has worked with director Alan Taylor. Describing Taylor’s approach to the material, he states, “Alan’s fantastic. He’s got a great sense of story and a need to find the truth in this and not have it be hokey and ridiculous. Very much like the ‘Game of Thrones’ series, which was where Alan had just come from, there was grounding in reality no matter how mythical the world got. Asgard does look like a place you could visit. There’s a sort of medieval feel, but there’s also a science fiction quality to it.”

Despite its serious overtones and fierce action, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” doesn’t lack for comedic moments. Hemsworth reveals, “The humor doesn’t lay so much in Thor’s kind of naiveté as it did in the first one when that fish-out-of-water quality played so well. As much as we wanted to repeat that we couldn’t because it would contradict the fact that he was now becoming more mature and aware. But Kat Dennings and Natalie Portman certainly have a ton of humor in this and some great dialogue. It’s through their observations of how wacky our world of Asgard is. So, it’s sort of what we had in the first one, but a bit of a role reversal.”

Hemsworth expects audiences will have a great experience when they see the film in theaters. “I’m excited for people to see the updated version of this world and these characters,” says the actor. “I’m excited myself to see it all come together on the big screen. There are so many pieces in the puzzle and so many different sections and departments with everyone doing their bit that it’s such a satisfying thing when it comes together and works. It is what you thought it was going to be and hoped it would be.”

Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 30 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D, 2D and regular theaters, Marvel's “Thor: The Dark World” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

Thor Battles to Save the Nine Realms in "The Dark World"

From Marvel Studios comes the highly anticipated “Thor: The Dark World,” continuing the big screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that pre-dates the universe itself.

In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Based on the ever-popular comic book series, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor with Academy Award® winner Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, award-winning Stellan Skarsgård as Selvig, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Christopher Eccleston as Malekith, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Algrim, Kat Dennings as Darcy, Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, Zachary Levi as Fandral, Tadanobu Asano as Hogun, Jaimie Alexander as Sif with Rene Russo as Frigga and Academy Award® winner Anthony Hopkins as Odin.

Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” is directed by Alan Taylor from a story by Don Payne and Robert Rodat and a screenplay by Christopher L. Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely and is produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a.

In 1962, the now-legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced “The Mighty Thor” to readers of Marvel Comics, unleashing a new era of action-adventure with their take on the hammer-wielding Norse god. Despite the Nordic-sounding names, the story was rooted in familiar, universal conflicts that have driven human drama since the beginning of time: a son impatient to prove his worth to his father; a lethally resentful brother; and a woman who helps a man see the world anew.

After the global cinematic success of Marvel’s “Thor,” the filmmakers reached once more into a rich archive of Norse mythology and comic book history for Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World.” The movie paints an adventure of the most epic and spectacular proportions. Again drawing on universal and familiar themes, the film pits duty and family allegiance against personal aspiration and love. It sees a nation in conflict with an enemy long thought to be dead, but who now threatens the very existence of the universe.

At the end of “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor’s adopted brother Loki is taken back to Asgard by Thor as a prisoner, after trying to take over the world. From this starting point, producer Kevin Feige, executive producer Craig Kyle, the screenwriters and a large team at Marvel sat down to look at where Thor’s story should go next. Screenwriter Christopher L. Yost explains, “We really wanted to look at how you could escalate the story personally for him and push things to the next level in terms of conflict.”

Director Alan Taylor, describing Thor’s journey, says, “In the first film, we saw Thor go from being an impetuous prince to taking his first steps towards maturing and growing up, and in our film that life story continues. He’s moving closer to actually claiming the kind of power that comes with Odin. He’s becoming not just a man, but potentially a king as well. In this story, as Thor matures and deepens, he has to give some things up and suffer.”

To create the conflict, the filmmakers give Thor a worthy adversary—the villainous Malekith. Introduced in June 1984 in issue #344 of Thor, Malekith is leader of the dark elves, who inhabit Svartalfheim, one of the Nine Realms. After waging war with the Nine Realms, and being defeated by Asgard, the dark elves were considered to be extinct. But Malekith put his planet and the surviving dark elves into hibernation for many thousands of years, until a calculated time when he was ready to avenge the universe and turn light once more into darkness. Malekith and the dark elves will prove to be formidable enemies with a violent and personal history with Asgard.

In creating “Thor: The Dark World,” Marvel filmmakers worked diligently to respect the film’s origins and the legions of comic book fans it spawned and worked carefully to endear and excite not only those fans but fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well.

Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 30 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Thor: The Dark World” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

Ron Howard Takes the Helm of Maritime Action Adventure "Heart of the Sea"

Burbank, CA, September 24, 2013 – Production is now underway in the UK on the action adventure “Heart of the Sea.” Oscar® winner Ron Howard (“A Beautiful Mind”) directs from a script by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) and Charles Leavitt (“Blood Diamond”), based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s best-selling novel about the dramatic true journey of the whaling ship Essex. The film is a co-production between COTT Productions and Enelmar Productions, A.I.E. for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

“Heart of the Sea” stars Chris Hemsworth (Marvel’s “The Avengers,” upcoming “Thor: The Dark World”) as the vessel’s veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw (“Skyfall”) as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light.

In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. “Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.

The film also stars Tom Holland (“The Impossible”) as young seaman Tom Nickerson, and Brendan Gleeson (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”) as the same man, 30 years later. Spanish actor Jordi Mollà (“Riddick”) is the captain of another ship, the Archimedes, who tries to warn the Essex of what may lie ahead.

“Heart of the Sea” is produced by Paula Weinstein (“Blood Diamond”), Joe Roth (“Oz the Great and Powerful”), William Ward, Brian Grazer (“J. Edgar”) and Ron Howard. Serving as executive producers are Sarah Bradshaw, Palak Patel and Bruce Berman. William M. Connor is co-producer. The film is based on the novel In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrick.

Production, which began September 10th, will shoot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Herfordshire, UK, and on location in the Canary Islands.

“Heart of the Sea” is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a COTT Productions-Enelmar Productions, A.I.E. co-production, a Roth Films/Spring Creek/Imagine Entertainment Production. The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Thor: The Dark World" Fun Facts

Get to know the fun trivia surrounding the making of Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” from director Alan Taylor (TV's “Game of Thrones”) and starring Chris Hemsworth as the god of Thunder.

Marvel's “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the nine realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's “Thor” and “Marvel's The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos ... but an ancient race, led by the vengeful Malekith, returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

• More of the Nine Realms are introduced in the film, offering a better understanding of the history and complexities of Thor’s universe. The Nine Realms are taken from Norse mythology and refer to the nine worlds that are supported by Yggdrasil, an immense ash tree, central to Norse cosmology. Asgard is depicted at the top and Earth, known as Midgard, in the middle. In the original “Thor,” Yggdrasil was established as a cosmic structure formed by a series of interwoven wormholes linking the nine worlds (Realms) together.

• The Medina/streets of Asgard set is the biggest set ever built for a Marvel film. One can actually walk around the streets of Asgard and see the shops, the pubs and the training ground.

• An aerial camera crew flew to the Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland (Europe’s most powerful waterfall) to film the cascading waters from every angle so that the waterfalls ringing Asgard could be rendered realistically by the computers to replicate the world.



• Filming in Iceland involved remote locations where the crew had to drive for hours from the airport just to get to their hotels. Then, to get to the fields of volcanic ash that stood in for The Dark World, they drove for up to two hours more.

• There were about 30 hammers made for Thor of various weights for different uses. The master hammer is made from aluminum but it is replicated in different materials and weights, including a “soft” stunt version. Of the 30, five versions are used most often, including the “lit hammer,” that emits light when lightning strikes.



• The design of Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer, was changed from the version Thor wielded in “Marvel’s The Avengers.” The new hammer has more of a sense of history and age to it and its grip is more aligned to the hammer used in “Thor.”

• The inscription on Thor’s hammer, written in Norse runes, translates to: “Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.”

• Thor and Odin each have one look in costuming, but Thor needs 15 sets of his costume as he does so many stunts and action scenes. Odin has about 6repeats of his costume.

• David White, the designer of the dark elves and the prosthetic effects designed and created 40 suits for the dark elves, utilizing 100 technicians over a 3 ½month period. The off-world look was derived from diverse ethnic and tribal elements.

• The stunt men and extras playing the dark elves had to go through a training period where they practiced standing tall and proud since the dark elves are envisioned to be a noble people. Prosthetics designer David White helped out too by designing the helmet so that the eye line was slightly pulled down, forcing the actors to tilt their heads slightly up and back, which gave them a very proud, strong feel.



• Both Christopher Eccleston and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who play the dark elves Malekith and Algrim, respectively, had to memorize their dialogue written in an elven language that was created specifically for the film.

• The film shot between October and December 2012 at Pinewood Shepperton Film Studios in England, with key locations in London—Greenwich, Wembley, Borough Market and Hayes—and Stonehenge in Wiltshire. For the look of the dark elves’ world, Svartalfheim, the filmmakers chose Iceland for its black, volcanic landscapes.

• Before sending helicopters to film over historic Greenwich, England, on a quiet Sunday morning, the location crew dropped 4,000 letters in the area: 2,000 on one side of the river and 2,000 on the other side of the river, explaining to the residents what was going to be happening.

• Filming at the famous Stonehenge historical site proved to be a challenge. After finally getting permission from English Heritage, the filmmakers found out that there were lots of rules and regulations associated with filming there. They could only be in amongst the stones outside of the normal visiting hours. So shooting had to take place early in the morning before opening, which only gave the film crew about three hours before they had to pull back for wider shots once the stones were opened to the public. Being a heritage site, no one was allowed to touch the stones or walk on any stones, so a lot of logistics had to be applied to the filming there.

Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 30 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Thor: The Dark World” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.