Marvel Studios has just launched its latest production, as the cast and crew of THOR: RAGNAROK have descended upon Australia’s Gold Coast to begin the process of bringing this “intergalactic buddy road trip movie” to the big screen. Director Taika Waititi is their fearless leader, and the cast already seems to love the Marvel newbie.

“We will do our very best not to disappoint. @TaikaWaititi our fearless director is doing a great job,” Mark Ruffalo, who’ll be playing Bruce Banner (aka. The Incredible Hulk), said via twitter. He also encouraged people to follow him on Snapchat, as he intends to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the making of THOR: RAGNAROK on that account. “I’m on finally on Snapchat taking you on the set of #Thor3. Follow along #markruffalo.”

According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, the first sequences they’ll be filming will take place in a certain gladiatorial setting we’ve heard so much about. Their report includes a load of photos of the set they’ll be working in:

Fellow Marvel director Peyton Reed (ANT-MAN) even joined in on the excitement over THOR: RAGNAROK heading into production:

When you think about it, THOR: RAGNAROK might be a bigger deal than any of us has previously realized. For starters, Thor is the only of the Core Four from Marvel’s Phase One to have his solo adventures continue (for now). Iron Man‘s solo movies seem to be done. Captain America isn’t likely getting another standalone flick for quite some time, if at all. Another Hulk film isn’t in the cards. So THOR: RAGNAROK symbolizes the next chapter of the only original Avenger whose solo campaign can- or will- continue.

Add in the extra excitement of having Hulk join in on the fun, and THOR: RAGNAROK has a lot more built-in excitement than either of Thor’s previous two movies. 

SOURCE: Gold Coast Bulletin