The Thor solo films are by no means Marvel Studio's most popular franchise. The last iteration, The Dark World, was the most poorly reviewed Marvel film yet, (at a still serviceable 66% Rotten Tomatoes score). However, this hasn't precluded them from being solid moneymakers, with a third film, Thor: Ragnarok on the way. With large portions of Thor's first two adventures taking place on Midgard (Earth), fans of the character have been waiting for a true, inter-realm adventure. It sounds like Ragnarok may fit the bill, being described as an intergalactic "buddy movie," by co-star Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers), whose Bruce Banner a.k.a. The Hulk, is joining Thor on his adventure. The name of the film is inspired by the apocalypse level event of the comics and Norse mythology. No pressure, Thor.

Marvel Studios and director Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows) are preparing to commence filming of Ragnarok in the city of Oxenford, in Queensland, Australia on July 4th. Now, we have some idea of what the Australian set may be.

The Gold Coast Bulletin, a local publication, has posted set photos - literally. They're photos of the incredible sets being prepared!

CLICK FOR THOR: RAGNAROK SET PHOTOS

In addition to Ruffalo, native Australian Chris Hemsworth is set to reprise his role as the title character. Meanwhile, newcomers to the Thor series and Marvel Cinematic Universe for Ragnarok include Cate Blanchett as Hela, Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster, Karl Urban as Skurge, and Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie.

Asgard in Thor

As well as some very Asgardian looking outdoor sets being built, we get a glimpse of Stage 9, the massive $16 million dollar investment that was created for the production of Thor: Ragnarok, with the aid of Queensland's State Government. While Ragnarok is expected to have some location shooting across Australia, much of the film will be shot here. Considering the size of the sound stage, it's clear Marvel has some epic plans for the sets in this film.

Will Ragnarok be the chapter that finally sends the Thor franchise to the next level? It certainly looks like a possibility. With director Taika Waititi asserting his belief that Thor should be the most interesting character in his own movie, it certainly sounds like the franchise is in good hands.

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on Thor: Ragnarok and the rest of Marvel's movie lineup.

Captain America: Civil War is in theaters now. Doctor Strange opens November 4, 2016; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – May 5, 2017; Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7, 2017; Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel – March 8, 2019; Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 – May 3, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on July 12, 2019, and on May 1, July 10, and November 6 in 2020.

Source: The Gold Coast Bulletin