Context, Analysis for the New‘Thor’ Trailer

Last week, Marvel unveiled the theatrical trailer for Kenneth Branagh’sThor, their May 6, 2011 release and the next stand-alone piece of the Avengers puzzle. While the trailer itself is epic in scope, I thought I might provide some context that might explain what exactly is happening in this two and a half minutes. First, watch the trailer:

This post does contain spoilers. However, since this particularThortrailer focuses on reminding people that lovely actress (and probable Oscar winner)Natalie Portmanis in the film, many of the shots are of the God of Thunder on Earth from the portion of the plot where he is exiled from the kingdom of Asgard. As a result, there is quite a bit omitted from the movie’s predominantly otherwordly (Nine Worlds) settings, such as Asgard and Jotunheim.

Those shots feature Portman’s character, Jane Foster, an astrophysicist in the movie rather than a nurse (like in the comics). Seen delivering some snarky lines is her assistant, Darcy, played byKat Dennings, and Foster’s colleague, Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård). These Jeep scenes and introduction of this mysterious stranger are all from the very beginning of the movie, which is then intercut with flashbacks of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) interacting with characters in Asgard and then his exile to our planet.

It also gives us these progressive shots of widening Natalie Portman astonishment:

A flashback re-introduces Thor, son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins), in his home world just moments before he is crowned king of Asgard. After some comic banter with his half-brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), and the Warriors Three, the masses assemble and Thor kneels before his father to take the oath. Check out these beautiful images of Asgard:

But the ceremony is interrupted by an attack on Asgard by the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. (But how did they get in?) Angered by the disturbance, Thor rallies the warriors to march into Jotunheim and cripple the invaders at the source. This sets up a blue-tinted battle sequence (featuring Thor’s signature hammer throw).

A frost beast versus Sif (Jaimie Alexander), Fandral (Josh Dallas), and Hogun (Tadanobu Asano).

Laufey (Colm Feore), the Jotun king.

Upon his return from battle, Odin casts Thor out of Asgard for his reckless actions. On Earth, his first trial is to recover Mjolnir, his mighty hammer. But it’s being protected by Agent Coulson (who Thor calls“son of Coul”) and his S.H.I.E.L.D. team. (You may remember, thefirst trailerprimarily centered on Thor battling guards at the compound to get to Mjolnir.)

His second trial (and means of proving himself worth of Asgardian royalty) is a face-off against“The Destroyer,” a magical suit of armor sent to Earth by Loki to, well, destroy Thor and the Warriors Three. Here’s a shot from the teaser:

The Destroyer powering up:

Thor confronting the Destroyer while Jane, Erik, Darcy and the Warriors Three, including Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), cower in the background. A fight ensues.

But that isn’t the climax. Thor ultimately returns to Asgard to confront Loki, which sets up this scene (note the Rainbow Bridge behind him):

This showdown:

This mighty swing (Loki in the foreground):

And this:

Excited yet?

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