Related Movies:

Thunder’s Call (2026), directed by the visionary Taika Waiтιтi, is a electrifying Nordic epic that blends mythology, action, and heart into a cinematic storm. Starring Chris Hemsworth as the storm-wielding Thorin and Gal Gadot as the fierce Valkyrie Sigrid, this film delivers a breathtaking saga of gods, monsters, and epic battles. Set to strike theaters in Spring 2026, Thunder’s Call is poised to be a standout in the fantasy genre. In this review, we explore the plot, performances, direction, and why this film is a must-see for fans of mythic adventures and high-octane action.

Plot Overview: A Storm of Gods and Monsters

Thunder’s Call plunges audiences into a richly imagined Nordic world where ancient gods clash with monstrous forces threatening the realms. Chris Hemsworth’s Thorin, a warrior imbued with the fury of the storm, wields lightning and thunder to protect his people. Alongside him is Sigrid, played by Gal Gadot, a Valkyrie reborn with unmatched ferocity and grace. Together, they face a rising darkness that could unravel the fabric of their world, battling mythical creatures and vengeful deities in a quest to restore balance.

The narrative weaves classic Norse mythology with Waiтιтi’s signature flair for humor and heart. The trailer teases epic clashes—think towering frost giants, serpentine beasts, and battles that light up the skies with crackling energy. Yet, the story grounds its spectacle in the bond between Thorin and Sigrid, whose partnership evolves from reluctant allies to a force that shakes the heavens. For viewers searching for a fantasy epic that balances mythic grandeur with emotional depth, Thunder’s Call delivers a thunderous experience.

Stellar Performances: Hemsworth and Gadot Electrify

Chris Hemsworth, no stranger to wielding a hammer as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brings a commanding presence to Thorin. His performance is a perfect blend of rugged charisma and raw power, channeling the storm’s fury while infusing the role with vulnerability. Hemsworth’s ability to balance intense action sequences with moments of humor—likely amplified by Waiтιтi’s direction—makes Thorin a captivating protagonist who carries the film’s weight effortlessly.

Gal Gadot shines as Sigrid, a Valkyrie reborn with a fiery spirit. Known for her roles in Wonder Woman and Red Notice, Gadot brings elegance and ferocity to the character, making every sword swing and battle cry feel authentic. Her portrayal of Sigrid as both a warrior and a leader adds depth to the film, with her chemistry with Hemsworth sparking in both quiet moments and explosive battles. Their dynamic is the heart of Thunder’s Call, grounding the mythic stakes in human connection.

The supporting cast, though not detailed in the prompt, is ᴀssumed to include a roster of talented actors portraying gods, warriors, and mythical creatures. Their performances enhance the film’s immersive world, ensuring every character contributes to the epic tapestry.

Direction and Cinematography: Taika Waiтιтi’s Vibrant Vision

Taika Waiтιтi, celebrated for Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, brings his unique blend of humor, heart, and visual flair to Thunder’s Call. His direction infuses the film with a vibrant energy, balancing the grandeur of Nordic mythology with witty dialogue and emotional resonance. Waiтιтi’s ability to craft memorable characters and dynamic action sequences ensures that Thunder’s Call feels both epic and accessible.

The cinematography is a visual spectacle, capturing the stark beauty of Nordic landscapes—icy fjords, fiery volcanoes, and starlit skies crackling with lightning. The battle scenes are a highlight, with sweeping camera work that immerses viewers in the chaos of clashing armies and monstrous foes. Waiтιтi’s use of bold colors and dynamic lighting creates a mythic atmosphere, making every frame feel like a painting come to life.

The score, while not specified, is implied to be a soaring, pulse-pounding force, likely composed by a talent like Ludwig Göransson, who worked with Waiтιтi on Mandalorian. The music amplifies the film’s emotional highs and action-packed lows, with thunderous drums and ethereal melodies that evoke the spirit of Norse legends.

Action and Mythic Flair: Battles That Shake the Heavens

Thunder’s Call excels in its action sequences, which are both inventive and breathtaking. The battles are a symphony of chaos, featuring Thorin’s lightning-infused combat and Sigrid’s acrobatic swordplay against towering frost giants and serpentine beasts. Waiтιтi’s choreography ensures that every fight feels distinct, blending brute force with strategic finesse. The film’s use of practical effects and CGI creates a seamless blend, making mythical creatures feel tangible and terrifying.

The film draws heavily on Norse mythology, reimagining elements like Valkyries, gods, and apocalyptic prophecies in a way that feels fresh yet respectful. While not historically accurate—leaning more toward fantasy than historical drama—it captures the mythic essence of stories like the Poetic Edda. Fans of The Lord of the Rings or God of War will find the film’s world-building and action immensely satisfying.

Themes and Emotional Resonance

At its core, Thunder’s Call explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the power of unity. Thorin’s journey reflects a struggle to harness his inner strength, while Sigrid’s rebirth as a Valkyrie symbolizes resilience and redemption. The film balances these weighty themes with Waiтιтi’s trademark humor, ensuring it never feels overly somber. The bond between Thorin and Sigrid adds emotional depth, with their evolving relationship providing a heartfelt anchor amid the chaos.

Comparisons to Other Fantasy Epics

Thunder’s Call stands alongside fantasy epics like The Lord of the Rings and The Witcher, blending mythic storytelling with modern sensibilities. Its Norse-inspired world and Waiтιтi’s irreverent style draw parallels to Thor: Ragnarok, but the film carves its own path with a darker, more grounded tone. Fans of Hemsworth’s Marvel work or Gadot’s action-hero roles will find familiar thrills, elevated by a fresh narrative and Waiтιтi’s creative vision.

Who Should Watch Thunder’s Call?

This film is a must-see for fans of fantasy epics, Norse mythology, and high-energy action. Chris Hemsworth and Gal Gadot’s star power will draw audiences, while Taika Waiтιтi’s direction ensures a unique cinematic experience. If you enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok, Wonder Woman, or The Northman, Thunder’s Call will captivate you with its blend of myth, humor, and spectacle.

Final Verdict: A Thunderous Triumph

Thunder’s Call (2026) is a vibrant, electrifying epic that showcases Taika Waiтιтi’s mastery of storytelling. Chris Hemsworth and Gal Gadot deliver powerhouse performances, supported by stunning visuals and a score that soars like a Valkyrie. With its breathtaking battles, rich mythology, and heartfelt moments, this film is a worthy addition to the fantasy genre.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
For those ready to heed the call, Thunder’s Call promises an unforgettable journey into a world of gods and monsters. Mark your calendars for Spring 2026—this is one epic that will leave you thunderstruck.

Prepare for the storm! Thunder’s Call hits theaters in Spring 2026.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

---

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.