'Thor: Ragnarok' cast adds director Taika Waititi as Korg

The “Thor: Raganarok” cast adds another member to its roster: none other than the film’s own director, Taika Waititi. The director will be making an appearance in “Ragnarok” as the character Korg, who is a massive rock creature with origins from the “Planet Hulk” storyline in the Marvel comics. Part of the Kronan race, Korg will be joining the story as an ally to Thor Odinson, the film’s titular character. In a sneak peek of Thor and Korg’s first meeting, it is revealed that the Kronan will also be partaking in the gladiatorial duels arranged by the Grandmaster, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum.

On his character, Waititi divulged that Korg will bring something more lighthearted to the table despite his bulky exterior. “We wanted to change the idea of what a hulking guy made of rocks could,” Waititi explained as per Entertainment Weekly. “He’s huge and heavy, but with a light soul. We wanted to make him funny and a relatable entry point into this world. And Thor needs friends.”

This wouldn’t be the first time Waititi will be making an appearance in his own project. He is quite known making cameos in his films, such as in 2007’s “Eagle vs Shark.” Waititi has even made an appearance in 2011’s “Green Lantern,” in which he played the character Thomas Kalmaku.

“Thor: Ragnarok” sees Chris Hemsworth returning to his iconic role in the Marvel film franchise. The story has Thor on the planet Sakaar where he is forced to participate in the Contest of Champions, a tournament of gladiator duels in which the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) reigns supreme.

Also joining the cast is Tom Hiddleston, who will be reprising his role as Thor’s adopted brother, Loki Laufeyson. Loki was last seen at the end of “Thor: The Dark World,” having assumed the identity of his father, Asgardian king Odin (Anthony Hopkins). Loki was also previously referenced in the post-credits scene of 2016’s “Doctor Strange,” in which Thor is seen conversing with Dr. Stephen Strange and asking for help.

Newcomer to the “Thor” movie franchise is actress Cate Blanchett who is joining the cast as the film’s antagonist, Hela. As the “Ragnarok” trailer reveals, Hela is a force to be reckoned with, having shown her prowess as she single-handedly (literally) stops Thor’s powerful Mjolnir and crushes it into bits and pieces.

“Thor: Ragnarok” is the seventeenth main entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is scheduled to be released on October 26, 2017.