Thor: Ragnarok’s trailer provides what the franchise was desperately missing: comedy

One of the most notable moments in Thor: Ragnarok’s first trailer comes at the very end. There’s nothing immediately spectacular about it, but the one-liner Thor delivers has captured everyone’s attention.

The first part of the trailer comes off like a standard Marvel trailer. There’s chaos on Asgard as it is taken over by Hela (Cate Blanchett). Thor is racing to find a way to save his people from her grip. As the trailer goes on, it gets a little lighter, a little more fantastical and, more importantly, a little weirder.

In many ways, the trailer feels like it’s been influenced by Guardians of the Galaxy. The tone that director James Gunn set in his original film, and as seen through trailers for the upcoming sequel, can be felt in this first teaser for Thor: Ragnarok. It’s just the right amount of action and drama juxtaposed with much-needed comedy that the past two Thor movies have lacked.

The best part of the trailer, when Thor finally sees who his opponent is for the gladiatorial fight he’s forced to compete in, could also play out in a Guardians of the Galaxy movie and feel totally in place. The scene in question can be viewed below.

Marvel Entertainment

Whereas Thor: The Dark World relied on Loki and his mischievous character for comic relief, Thor: Ragnarok will use director Taika Waititi’s expertise in creating sardonic, weird humor and actor Chris Hemsworth’s comedic abilities to create a Guardians of the Galaxy-style movie. While there are some people who aren’t fans of the direction Guardians of the Galaxy took the Marvel Cinematic Universe in, many are excited for the change of pace coming to the Thor franchise.

“This feels very Guardians, interesting to see the way they've turned the theme around,” one Reddit user wrote. “Going to be interesting to see how something so jovial will lead into Infinity War.”

Another commenter echoed those thoughts, adding that while they weren’t fans of the first few Thor movies, having the movie in Waititi’s hands gives him hope for the future of the franchise.

It also makes sense from a business perspective that Marvel would want to continue making films like Guardians of the Galaxy. The first film, which brought in more than $770 million worldwide, was also a critical success. Many critics gave director Gunn credit for bringing a form of comedy to Marvel’s cinematic universe that differed from what the Iron Man franchise did.

Thor: Ragnarok was always going to be a comedy. The plan from the get-go was to take the franchise in a new direction, Waititi told Polygon in an interview last year, and introduce a new Thor to audiences that had grown tired with what they were seeing.

“I feel like a guest in Marvel's universe but with the creative freedom to do what I want,” Waititi said. “I think this is the most different Marvel movie to date and one of the biggest.”

Although this will be one of the first times that Hemsworth will get to flex his comedic chops in a Marvel movie, aside from smaller moments in Avengers movies, but it’s not the first time that audiences have seen Hemsworth and Waititi working together. The two paired up in two short movies about Thor and his human roommate, Darryl. It’s become one of the most beloved parts of the extended cinematic universe.

Hemsworth has been able to flex his comedic chops in recent years, starring in movies like Ghostbusters and Vacation. While the actor is mostly seen as the hulking, strong male lead archetype — and is used as such — Hemsworth has spoken at length about how he’d like to play more comedic, silly roles, as have other actors he’s worked with. Teaming up with Waititi in a very Guardians of the Galaxy style trailer gives him the ability to do just that.

Whether or not Waititi can pull off what he’s going for remains to be seen, but the first teaser for the movie is an awfully promising look at what’s to come.

Thor: Ragnarok will be released on Nov. 3.