Marvel Cinematic Universe: 10 New Villains To Watch Out For In 2017

Appearing in: Thor: Ragnarok

As mentioned earlier, it'll be awhile before Ragnarok is able to get the spotlight from the Guardians sequel and Spider-Man: Homecoming and we learn more about. Still, though, that hasn't stopped anticipation levels from beginning to rise, and another big reason for that is that longtime Thor villain Hela will finally be making her way to the big screen.

As the ruler of Niflheim - and Hel, of course - she's likely going to be making a power play that involves bringing about the titular apocalyptic event, but just how that involves other antagonists like Loki or fellow newcomer Skurge, played by Karl Urban, remains to be seen, as does how other confirmed elements like Thor and Hulk's galactic roadtrip and Thor's visit to Earth involving Loki, Odin, and Doctor Strange tie in.

Considering, too, that Thanos' love for Death is what gave rise to the Infinity War in the comics, many have already begun speculating that Hela will fill that role instead, something that - if true - could mean Blanchett has a much larger role to play in the MCU than simply being "the next Thor villain" would suggest.

However it shakes out, Ragnarok is going to be a massive game-changer for the MCU, and with Hela potentially at the heart of it, her sheer importance is something to start looking forward to seeing unfold.