Marvel Comics has never been one to shy away from the colorful variety of characters it showcases in the thousands of comics it boasts, especially for its live adaptation in the movies. In the case of the upcoming "Thor: Ragnarok," we have seen a star-studded cast set for one of the latest Marvel production, and, lately, we'll be seeing a new character in the franchise, the super villain Skurge the Executioner played by Karl Urban.
According to Comicbook.com, production for the third "Thor" movie commenced on July 4 in Australia, where "Star Trek: Beyond" actor Karl Urban practiced his acting role as Skurge. The 44-year-old actor from New Zealand wanted to also look the part so he even shaved his head.
Now, as Urban finished his parts in filming, he posted on his official Twitter page thanking director Taika Waititi and the rest of the cast and crew for an enjoyable experience.
Earlier, the "Star Trek: Beyond" actor mentioned in an interview with IGN that he wanted to be part of the cast of "Thor: Ragnarok," and playing the part of Skurge is the best way to go. "And the character is fantastic," he said. "He's got a great arc to him."
Speaking of story arcs in the comics, Skurge the Executioner had one so-called "great" arc in "Thor #362" entitled "Skurge's Last Stand" (written by Walt Simonson and published in December 1985). The story tells of the Asgardian hero Thor and his comrades traveling to Hel to liberate some innocents trapped there. On their way back on the bridge back to Asgard, they were being chased and overwhelmed by Hela's army. It was only Skurge who voluntarily thwarted the dark army and sacrificed his life as a hero. Previously, the character was a minor villain in the comic book series who was also somewhat like a lapdog to the villainess Enchantress. It might be possible that the movie might have a similar scene showing the epic last stand of the villain-turned-hero.
In other related news, the cast of "Thor: Ragnarok" will of course be bringing back Chris Hemsworth as the titular hero for the fifth time, with Tom Hiddleston as his rival, adopted brother Loki; Idris Elba as the wise watchman of Asgard, Heimdall; and all-father and Asgardian ruler Odin being played Anthony Hopkins. Additional to the cast is Cate Blanchett ("Cinderella") who plays the role of the powerful and mysterious villainess Hela, Jeff Goldblum ("Jurassic Park") as the strange and eccentric Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson ("Creed") as the Asgardian heroine Valkyrie, and even Mark Ruffalo ("The Avengers") returning as The Hulk.
"Thor: Ragnarok" will be hitting theaters on Nov. 3, 2017.