Though it wasn’t recognized by The Academy – that honor goes to Blade Runner 2049, Guardians 2, War For the Planet of the Apes, Kong: Skull Island and The Last Jedi – Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok was still one of the most visually accomplished films of 2017.
And if there’s one shot that still lingers in the mind, it’s the epic slow-motion scene featuring Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie. Framed as a fantastical flashback, the shot of Valkyrie riding towards Hela, Goddess of Death, is a biblical precursor to Ragnarok‘s final battle, one which largely takes place on the famous Rainbow Bridge of Asgard. “What were you the god of again?…”
Not only that, but it’s fair to say that Tessa Thomspon’s warrior struck a chord with the Marvel fanbase, who have been quietly rooting for a Valkyrie-centric spinoff ever since November 3rd. Black Widow is getting an MCU movie of her own, so why not Valkyrie?
For now, though, director Taika Waititi (via Heroic Hollywood) has shared an early development test illustrating the slow-mo technique in question.
It’s a magical, downright unforgettable shot in a film full of them, so we can’t help but feel disheartened that Thor: Ragnarok was snubbed by The Academy ahead of the 90th Oscars. Still, this is a fascinating peek behind the curtain, and it even includes a hilarious hip thrust from Waititi. Because reasons.
My dear friends @carlovanderoer & @stuetr from @TheSatelliteLab created the look for Valkyrie's flashback in Thor: Ragnarok. It's the first time in cinema that this technique has been used. Here's an early development test from a few years ago. #NZbrainsRule pic.twitter.com/7PvLi7vgrQ
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) January 26, 2018
Having conquered the global box office and reinstated Thor’s reputation as one of the funniest members of the MCU, Ragnarok is now bound for Blu-ray and DVD. It’s scheduled to hit home video on March 6th – three weeks after the release of Marvel’s Black Panther movie – and it’ll come packing a ton of bonus content.