'Thor: Ragnarok' to feature female main villain?

Thor: Ragnarok Marvel Studios

"Thor: Ragnarok" is heavily speculated to feature the fire giant Surtur as the main villain, given that in Norse mythology it is Surtur and Loki responsible for Ragnarok, the end of the world. However, according to a report from Lainey Gossip, the film will in fact feature the first female main villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The report claims that Marvel is indeed gearing up to use a female villain for the film and that this time the female antagonist will not just be a side-villain or underling. Instead, this unknown villain will be the main antagonist that Chris Hemsworth's Thor will be fighting against.

Female villains have been seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before but they were never the main enemy. "Guardians of the Galaxy" had Nebula (Karen Gillan) and "Avengers: Age of Ultron" had Wanda aka Scarlet witch (Elizabeth Olsen), although the latter eventually turned over to the side of the Avengers.

Unfortunately, there is no further detail given and the identity of the new villain remains a mystery.

According to Screen Rant, the most likely candidate would be Amora the Enchantress. Amora is known as one of Thor's most powerful foes in the Marvel comic books and is a very likely figure to trigger the events of Ragnarok alongside Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and possibly Surtur or Thanos (Josh Brolin).

Other candidates that could fill in this role are Hela the goddess of death and, in Norse mythology, the daughter of Loki; Karnilla, who is one of the Norns that govern the threads of destiny and fate; or Knorda, a known Asgardian warrior for the Mountain Giants.

If Hela were to fill in the role, Screen Rant states that her origin may be altered to not make her the daughter of Loki. Karnilla and the Norns did make an appearance in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" in a deleted scene where it is shown they were the ones who revealed to Thor how to defeat Ultron (James Spader).

"Thor: Ragnarok" opens in theaters on Nov. 3, 2017.

News
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic

The US State Department has said it is closely monitoring the prosecution of a Christian woman who prayed silently in an abortion clinic buffer zone. 

Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians.