It’s a Marvel in the making as Thor: Ragnarok’s ‘majestical’ universe rises on Gold Coast

AS these first images of one of the Thor: Rangarok sets being built at Village Roadshow Studios confirm, the Coast is about to be transformed into a world worthy of a galaxy of Marvel heroes and villains.

One of several outdoor sets for Thor: Ragnarok being built on the lot at Village Roadshow Studios at Oxenford. Picture: Media Mode Group.

HERE’S hoping July 4 marks the start of a truly ‘majestical’ union that will see Marvel Studios return to the Gold Coast to make movies for many eons to come.

As these first images of one of the many Thor: Rangarok sets being built on the lot at Village Roadshow Studios confirm, the Gold Coast is about to be transformed into a world worthy of a galaxy of Marvel heroes and villains.

Principal photography on Marvel’s Phase 3 Thor sequel, Thor: Ragnarok, the biggest movie to be made in Australia this year, will begin on July 4 and continue until at least the end of October.

The blockbuster and its amazing array of stars will ensure Village Roadshow Studios really is Hollywood on the Gold Coast, at least until filming wraps at the end of the year, with the finished product due for release in November next year.

Superheroes The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo, left) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth, right), pictured here with Captain America (Chris Evans, centre) in Marvel's Avengers: Age Of Ultron, team up for Thor: Ragnarok. Picture: Supplied by Marvel.

THE CAST

Led by Byron Bay superhero Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the Thor: Ragnarok cast reads like the guest list for a Hollywood red carpet premiere.

Jeff Goldblum swaps his Independence Day: Resurgence co-star Liam Hemsworth for big bro Chris to play the eccentric Grandmaster.

Taylor Swift’s new ‘boyf’, Tom Hiddleston, a de facto local after his temporary residency during filming for Kong: Skull Island, reprises his role as Loki, while Mark Ruffalo will burst at his green seams as The Hulk.

Don’t be surprised if you see Jaimie Alexander riding a motorbike down the highway during the next few months — she’ll also reprise her role as Sif.

Aussie Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett joins the team as mysterious and powerful new villain Hela, Kiwi Karl Urban has been cast as Skurge and Tessa Thompson will play Asgardian warrior and hero, Valkyrie.

Hold the Hannibal Lecter jokes if Sir Anthony Hopkins passes through town to offer Thor some fatherly advice in the role of his dad, Odin and expect to see fanboys and girls queue (and most likely squeal) for a chance to see British actor Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther), who plays Heimdall.

Of course, if there’s one thing Marvel fans can expect, it’s the unexpected. Expect more A-listers to join the cast — top secret-star cameos are guaranteed.

Acclaimed New Zealand director Taika Waititi, pictured at his newworkplace, the $16 million Sound Stage 9 at Village Roadshow Studios, where Thor: Ragnarok will film. Picture: Regi Varghese

THE DIRECTOR

Kiwi ace Taika Waititi is as surprised to find himself helming a Marvel blockbuster as his legion of fans are.

Fun, funny and seriously talented, Waititi has been hanging out with his leading man and bonding in Byron Bay.

“I’ve been hanging out with Chris and I’ve been working on the script with the writer, designing swords and things and looking at pieces of armour,” he said

The brains behind Hunt For The Wilderpeople (the highest grossing New Zealand film of all time), 2014’s vampire mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows and 2010 coming-of-age movie Boy, Waititi is a former stand-up comic destined to breathe new life into the blockbuster comic book film format.

“I am an outside choice for Thor for sure — even I see that — but that’s what’s good about Marvel, what’s great about it,” Waititi said.

“They’re able to do that and it’s paid off for them — getting people who aren’t the natural choice. “You see it again and again, so I’m very comfortable in the role. I’m weirdly relaxed.” And so are we.

As Waititi’s wonderful Wilderpeople characters might say: “*hit’s about to get real.”

The actor now known as Taylor Swift’s new boyfriend, Tom Hiddleston, as Loki in Marvel's Thor: The Dark World. Picture: Supplied by Marvel.

THE STORY

Rewrite upon rewrite — that’s the word from the studio lot. But it’s hardly unusual.

Chapter five of Phase Three in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film is based on the Ragnarok storyline in the Thor comics, in which Norse God Thor (played by Hemsworth) discovers Asgard is doomed to Ragnarok and must fight to stop it from happening.

“It’s a very different Thor, it’s a different Loki,” Hemsworth says.

While plot details are few and far between, Hiddleston has confirmed an epic rematch between Hulk and Loki.

“Let’s not forget that it’s no secret that the Hulk shows up in Ragnarok, and the last time Loki and Hulk were in the same room didn’t go very well for Loki,” he said.

“So, he’s got a few chips on his shoulder, but it’s fun. You’ll see.”

Production crew have been working hammer and tong to complete several outdoor sets to be used during the filming of Thor: Ragnarok at Village Roadshow Studios at Oxenford. Picture: Media Mode Group.

THE BACKDROP

Production crew members have been going hammer and tongs for the past few months to get the film’s epic array of props, costumes and sets, said to include several spaceships, ready for July 4.

The State Government helped fund the new $16 million 4000sq m Sound Stage 9 on the Oxenford studio lot, with construction fast-tracked to ensure it was ready in time for Thor.

While a large share of the film will be shot on giant indoor sets, the shoot will also visit various locations around the region.

As this first look at one of the gothic-inspired sets being built on the studio lot shows, Marvel is being treated to more of the marvellous craftsmanship local crews delivered Disney for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

While Dead Men Tell No Tales shared the Oxenford lot with the cast and crew of Netflix TV series Mako Mermaids, Thor: Ragnarok will have exclusive use of all of the complex’s nine sound stages.

The $16 million Sound Stage 9 at Village Roadshow Studios, one of nine studios on the Oxenford lot to be used during production of Thor: Ragnarok. Photo: Regi Varghese

THE NUMBERS

The first two films in the Thor series — 2011’s Thor and 2013’s Thor: The Dark World — earned more than $US1 billion at the global box office.

While the budget for the third Thor outing is yet to be revealed, it’s expected to be somewhere around the $350 million Disney spent on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Thor: Ragnarok is forecast to spend more than $100 million of its budget in the Sunshine State and employ 750 Queenslanders as crew.

Marvel executive David Grant says “lots” of locals will get an opportunity to be involved in the production.

“Hundreds and hundreds of local folk — as many as we can possibly get while we are there,” he says.

Federal Communications Minister Senator Mitch Fifield says every job created in film and TV supports 3.75 jobs in other industries and every dollar of turnover creates turnover of $3.52 in related industries.

Hear that? It’s the sound of cash registers ringing.

Cue thunderous applause.