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 (former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston) 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.

In addition to the essential action snippets – which features large scale destruction of both Earth and Asgard, in addition to Thor’s prowess in battle – the new footage gives us more details on the challenges Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and co will face. It’s still not clear what exactly motivates Eccleston’s villainous Malekith, but the fact that Thor resorts to seeking the help of his duplicitous half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) speaks for itself. Also glimpsed in the trailer and making a return to the Thor universe is Natalie Portman – seen here getting a small measure of revenge on Loki – as well as Jaime Alexander, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Kat Dennings and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Thor’s pa.

Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World thunders into UK cinemas on 30 October, 2013.