Film Trailer | Thor: The Dark World

With Shane Black’s Iron Man 3 released in UK cinemas nationwide from this Thursday (my full review can be read at Cine-Vue here), now seems the perfect time for Marvel to drop the first trailer for their second Phase Two feature, Game of Thrones director Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World (2013). Due for release on this side of the pond in late October, we pick the story up with Chris Hemsworth’s thunder god back in Asgard after the events of Avengers Assemble. However, it’s not long before Thor’s beloved Earth – and plucky human love interest Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) – to come under threat from a new intergalactic force, led by the vengeful Dark Elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston).

For those inclined, Marvel’s official synopsis for The Dark World can be found below:

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 Avengers Assemble, 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.

Although this inaugural trailer doesn’t give too much away, there are many clues as to what plot-lines and themes will be at play. Narrated by Sir Anthony Hopkins’ Odin, the new footage makes clear just how serious a threat Malekith and his Dark Elf army are. The brief glimpses we see of Thor in battle end with a shot of him looking worn out, uncharacteristic for the thunder god. This may be what prompts him to call on a caged Loki (Tom Hiddleston) for help, as shown in the trailer’s final, intriguing scene.

There may also be a love triangle brewing between Thor, Lady Sif (Jamie Alexander) and Portman’s Foster. Comic book aficionados will know of the history Thor has with Sif, and with Thor staying true to his word and retrieving Jane from Earth, this could be a window into exploring that relationship. Even from this brief sizzle reel, it’s safe to assume that Thor: The Dark World will offer plenty of character development and story to go along with the prerequisite hammer swinging.

Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World is due for release in UK cinemas on 30 October, 2013.