‘Thor: Ragnarok’ production begins June 2016 in Australia

Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” the third instalment of the Marvel Studios’ franchise starring Australia’s Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding comic book Super Hero, has today been confirmed to start pre-production in Queensland in January 2016 with filming to begin in June 2016.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk met with Marvel executives in June in Los Angeles and, through Screen Queensland, worked tirelessly to ensure Queensland was the production destination of choice.

“This is a huge win for Queensland and I am thrilled that Thor will be filming exclusively in our state,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“As our economy diversifies, Queensland is demonstrating its strength as a lead destination for filmmakers both internationally and locally, and my government is doing what it can to ensure that Queensland remains a global hub for the screen sector.

“The production will spend more than $100 million AUD in Queensland and will employ over 750 Queensland crew.”

“Queensland offers an amazing and diverse backdrop for ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and we are very excited to bring this film to such an incredible locale. Marvel Studios would like to thank the Queensland Government for helping to make this a reality,” said Louis D’Esposito, Co-President of Marvel Studios.

The studio will film at many locations throughout Queensland including scenes at Village Roadshow Studios at the Gold Coast.

The first two films in the Thor series–“Thor,” released in 2011, and “Thor: The Dark World,” released in 2013–earned more than $1 billion USD at the global box office.

Disney has slated a November 3, 2017 U.S. release date for “Thor: Ragnarok.”