I’m still a bit skeptical about the upcoming Thor film, but I do enjoy the visuals so far. Here are a few photos that have been released over the past few weeks. While I get that the Norse god is part of the larger Avengers story, which Marvel is slowly building, I wonder how these loftier comic tales (such as Green Lantern) will be translated to screen and received by audiences. These characters take the story off world, which is something we haven’t seen in Iron Man, Hulk and Batman — films that arguably have paved the way for these new ones. Is Thor going to be further down the geek spectrum and therefore alienate part of the audience that has continued to support comic movies? I’m thinking yes.

UPDATE 7/21: USA Today bring’s us the latest one — Thor in more earthly surroundings. Chris Hemsworth is stacked!

Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.