The Avengers took over the movie world. Then Iron Man Three kept the ball rolling. Now it's Thor's turn to show us what he can do with a sequel. And we have good reason to believe he's going to knock it out of the park. With a hammer, of course. Here are just 10 reasons why.

By Evan Saathoff

More Chris Hemsworth

Probably the single greatest thing these Marvel films have going for them is casting. Tasked with playing a heavy metal-worthy lightening God, Hemsworth provides his Thor with a surprisingly great combination of personal touches. He's macho, regal, and just serious enough that all fish out of water jokes really hit. More of Hemsworth's Thor is definitely a good thing, which is good because that's the one thing Thor: The Dark World seems likeliest to provide.

Advancing the Thor-Jane Romance

You wouldn't think it, but the Marvel films have done pretty well in the romance department. Most action movies include a little loving action almost as a perfunctory genre requirement. But with Marvel, we care almost as much for Pepper Potts and Peggy Carter as we do the titular heroes. Thor is no different. And this time, he's bringing Natalie Portman's Jane Foster all the way to Asgard, where she can accidentally say stupid things in pet stores for a change.

Loki's Back!

Ladies love Tom Hiddleston. Well, a lot of guys kind of like him too. Since he ended his villainous run in The Avengers under Thor's custody, it makes sense that he'd show up in Thor: The Dark World. And of course Thor's going to need his help. And of course Loki's going to make him regret it. We don't know how yet, but it's sure to be good.

Things Are Going to Get Weird

If you're going to make a film about mythological Gods, might as well swing for the fences. The first Thor focused mostly on Loki as a villain. This time Christopher Eccleston provides the film with a much goofier bad guy. His Malekith is leader of some kind of army of dark elves. Never let it be said that I don't get totally excited for films featuring an army of dark elves. Who knows what other great cosmic madness might happen?

More Asgard!

We barely got to know Asgard in the first Thor. It sure looked pretty, but as an area where people lived it made little sense. With a film focused more on Thor's side of the galaxy, we're sure to get a better understanding of this majestic kingdom. And with that comes (hopefully) more Anthony Hopkins and Rene Russo action.

Marvel Tie-Ins

Okay, okay. We know this new batch of Marvel movies are going to be light on shared universe tie-ins. We accept it. But that doesn't mean we can't secretly hope for some surprises. And by surprises, I'm thinking specifically of surprises involving the Guardians of the Galaxy. Thor takes place, after all, way out there in the cosmos. Even if it's just a cool post-credit stinger, my fingers are crossed for a little Rocket Raccoon action. But I'll take Groot if that's all they got.

The Dark World

Things don't look that great for Thor in this film. Based on the trailer we have, it's looking less and less likely that Jane will escape the film unscathed. On top of that, Comic-Con footage apparently ended with Loki about to chop off Thor's hammer hand. Maybe the film doesn't get quite as dark as these teases indicate, but Thor: The Dark World does seem determined to deliver a film with real, long-lasting stakes.

It's a Comic Book Sequel

We know the drill by now. When it comes to comic book movies, the first entry sets the stage, while the second takes everything to a whole new level. There are exceptions to this rule, but not many. Just looking at the trailers makes clear Thor: The Dark World's intention to provide a film with much larger scope than the first entry. On top of that, all these characters we already know will only grow in depth as we get to know them better.

The Warriors Three (and Sif) are Back

Thor packs a pretty cool Asgardian crew. The Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg) and Sif (it should really be the Warriors Four) were more than present in the first Thor, but we're still excited for an expanded role in Thor: The Dark World. They even got their own character posters! If we're really lucky, Ray Stevenson will get another line warning others not to mistake his appetite for apathy.

More Idris Elba

And finally, there's this. If one actor got shortchanged in the first Thor, it was Idris Elba, who brought an otherworldly stoicism to his role as Heimdall, protector of the Rainbow Bridge. We didn't see him much, but he was always awesome. Perhaps with a greater focus on Asgard, we'll see more of Heimdall's space machismo. The only downside is we'll probably have to give up a little of Stellan Skarsgård's academic machismo in the process. That was a joke.