Thor and Captain America to Be Released in Fake 3-D

Posted by on July 14th, 2010   Filed under: Action, Books/Comics, Technology
Source: L.A. Times

A brand new image from Marvel’s upcoming Thor movie has hit the web today, showcasing Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Chris Hemsworth in the lead role. While it all looks well and good (okay, maybe a tiny bit goofy), the image happens to coincide with an announcement that’s sure to make a lot fans nervous: both Thor and Captain America will be 3-D films. Unfortunately, they won’t actually be shot in 3-D, but instead upconverted in post-production using the same method as Clash of the Titans. Directors Joe Johnston and Kenneth Branagh remain convinced that it is the right move, as long as they plan ahead for the conversion.


Marvel’s President of Production Kevin Feige had this to say:

“In being able to think in 3-D from the start — and having every bit of our special effects rendered in true 3-D — we have the opportunity to do it right… When you’re working with a director like Ken Branagh or Joe Johnston, they’re not going to settle for less than perfect image. They’re not going to settle for something that isn’t up to the artistry of everything else they’ve done on the film … they’re not going to put on some overlay in the last 10 to 12 weeks of post-production for a fiscal reason.”

Does that make you feel any more confident in the decision? Joe Johnston apparently tried to do a one-day test shooting in 3-D, but called it “‘a nightmare’ due to bulky gear, calibration issues and restricted filmmaking options.” I guess not everyone can be James Cameron.

Although we haven’t seen a comic book movie in 3-D yet (both Iron Man 2 and Jonah Hex resisted the urge), we do know that the next Spider-Man movie will be shot in 3-D, and The Green Hornet is being converted as well. Ultimately, there’s no real reason to complain as long as there will still be 2-D screenings of the movies, but it will be interesting to see if Marvel can convince skeptical fans that upconverting isn’t always a bad thing.

On a related note, if you’re wondering whether an upcoming movie was shot in 3-D, you can consult this handy website: Is it Real 3D or Fake 3D?. Will you give the 3-D version of Thor and Captain America a chance?



  • Those suits are ridiculous. Holy shit. I would rather see them in the leather and wool of the Tenth Century than this sci-fi looking shit. Oh, what a bad move. And the people look too pretty, as well. Their hair is perfectly blow-dried. Ihave, just this moment, lost all faith in Thor as a movie.

    How depressing.

  • 1978

    “THOR” by Vidal Sassoon

  • Matt

    The picture reminds me of Judge Dredd is some strange way.

  • Kevin Klawitter

    Well, Deven, that’s because you’re an idiot.

  • BigHungry

    After seeing this image, I think 2D or 3D is not going to be the issue with this film… This reminds me of Steel with Shaq or Tim Burton’s superman.

  • andrew

    This reminds me of Flash Gordon for some reason.I agree that everything is way to polished and nice. This is going to be another in a long line of horrible Marvel movies.

  • Death Rose

    That image looks absolutely ridiculous.

  • mark

    These movies both had huge potential… wtf marvel/disney? I was never a thor fan, and based on these images, that probably won’t change.

  • THOR! Ah-ah. Defender of the universe!

  • Tomoo

    I have to say that the armor looks really shitty. It looks really really plasticy and fake.

  • Niklas

    That is a horrible shot.. lol

    and no.. would never see this in 3D.. 2D if anything

  • Marc

    I just threw up in my mouth a little bit! Someone needs to remind both Marvel and Kenneth Branagh that Norse inspired armor isn’t supposed to be made out of the same material and the Iron Man suit!

    Hopefully the trailer will put us fan boys at ease.

  • The majority of comments are along the same line as mine, Kevin, so please call all of them idiots as well, asshole.

  • damndirtyape

    Looks like utter shit. Big surprise. Production designer/art director should be fired.

  • Werner

    Looking at that picture my expectation dropped 50% – and 3D still doesn’t work for me.

  • Dom G

    ““THOR” by Vidal Sassoon”

    Holy crap, this is hilarious!

  • Hugo Van Nor

    Is that a picture of three queen’s? It’s a shame people actaully don’t boycott these films. If you want 3D to go away. Stop going to the movies and giving them your money.

  • TheAllKnowingGod

    What was the budget on this film? Five bucks? That wall looks cardboard and the hammer looks plastic.

  • Bas

    Thor didn’t click with me before this image and it certainly doesn’t click with me after. Absolutely ridiculous.

  • Big Hungry

    Anthony Hopkins’ grin makes me want to punch his other eye out!

  • demonhead6

    Eye Bling and fake 3D – makes this getto.

  • Slix

    I pretty much agree with everyone else. These costumes look like crap. Makes me think of that horrible Captain America movie back in the 80’s. While I was ok with the first Thor images, this just looks so bad. I hate to think that I’m already considering waiting for the DVD on this one. Sigh.

  • Steve

    The look also reminded me of Judge Dredd (maybe it’s just the big fruity shoulderpads). Not a good sign.

  • Steve

    Actually, The Zeus Armour in Clash Of The Titans looked badass compared to this (whatever problems you have with that movie, Liam Neeson looked ferocious)

  • Mark In Ottawa

    Will Abba do the soundtrack ?

  • Wow, that is embarrassing. At least we won’t be able to see the costumes very well because of the bad 3D.