Marvel Studios has cast its first big female supervillian: Cate Blanchett

Marvel Studios has announced that actress Cate Blanchett is on board to play 'Hela,' the studios' first major female supervillian (as far as movies go, that is). She'll be playing the character in Thor: Ragnarok, and will be joined by Jeff Goldblum who is playing "Grandmaster." The announcement is a big deal for Marvel, as Blanchett will usher in the first instance of a Marvel movie featuring a woman as its primary villain.

Marvel announced the news today, saying that Tessa Thompson from Selma and Creed is also joining the cast; she'll play Valkyrie. Karl Urban will also have a role in the movie as Skurge. Finally, the upcoming Thor flick will feature Mark Ruffalo as (once again) Bruce Banner.

This will be Marvel's third movie starting Thor, and it will, of course, have Chris Hemsworth returning as the Norse superhero. The new movie will be directed by Taika Waititi, with Kevin Feige serving as producer alongside executive producers Stan Lee, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Thomas M. Hammel, and Louis D'Esposito.

Feige praised the new cast members, saying:

The continuation of the epic Thor franchise will be powerful and unique, and with the additions of Cate, Jeff, Tessa, Karl, and Mark to the cast we have the makings of his most dangerous and heroic adventure yet. The sheer, raw talent each of these actors brings to the screen can't be quantified. Having any one of them join the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be an honor, and having all of them is incredible.

SOURCE: Marvel