The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever expanding place. The shared universe has its release schedule down to a science, giving fans a new installment every few months. The next blockbuster coming down the pipeline is Taika Waititi's Thor: Ragnarok, which will arrive in just a few weeks time. Early reception for the threequel has been overwhelmingly positive, and now one major MCU figurehead has come to sing Ragnarok's praises: Guardians of the Galaxy writer/director James Gunn. After attending the World Premiere, Gunn wrote a lengthy post on his Facebook praising the film. In particular, he was impressed how Ragnarok channeled campy classics like Flash Gordon, and even said the film is the funniest in the MCU.
I don't think any film of the modern era has captured the batshit crazy fun of 80's classics like Flash Gordon and Buckaroo Banzai as well as Taika Waititi has here. I felt like I was fourteen watching a magical VHS tape that exploded into something grand. It's the most colorful of all Marvel films -- I mean, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is practically sepia-tone in comparison -- and it's also the funniest.
That is some seriously enthusiastic praise. And while James Gunn's somewhat nerdy excitement is what makes him such a delightful presence on social media, his reaction to Thor: Ragnarok surely speaks volumes to the film's overall quality.
Overall, it appears that Thor: Ragnarok is set to be the most beloved installment in the thunderous Avenger's trilogy. Taika Waititi purposefully tried to lighten up the franchise, including far more elements of humor than its predecessors. And adding returning players like Mark Ruffalo's Hulk and Tom Hiddleston's Loki make the story feel all the most important for the overall narrative of the MCU. Plus, there are some exciting looking new characters making their debut.
James Gunn's Facebook post addressed these new characters as well. In addition to praising Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie, Gunn voiced his eternal love for Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster, as well as newcomer Miek.
I sat in the "director's row" with the Jons (Favreau and Watts) and Captain Marvel's Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, and Favreau and I laughed loudly, perhaps even inappropriately so, at nearly everything Jeff Goldblum did. In fact, I might say the Grandmaster is my new favorite character in the Marvel universe if it weren't that Miek makes his debut in this film.
It should come to no surprise that Jeff Goldblum is utterly hilarious in his debut performance as The Grandmaster. Miek is a Marvel comics character who will join Thor's motley crew on his mission, although details have been mostly kept under wraps.
Thor: Ragnarok will arrive in theaters on November 3, 2017. In the meantime, check our 2018 release list to start planning your next trips to the movies. And be sure to pre order your tickets for Ragnarok now.
