Huge numbers are expected but this shatters all expectations.Thor: Ragnarok hammers the worldwide box office, taking a highly-impressive $500 million on its first opening weekend.

This latest Marvel extravaganza hits the great spot in audiences worldwide. With the proven star power of its lead star Chris Hemsworth and an exciting array of supporting cast members such as Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Cate Blanchett, audiences flocked to the theaters in droves.

Ragnarok is the third installment of the Thor franchise that has become a money-making machine for Marvel execs. Based on numbers and amazing fan reaction, it looks like there will be a fourth movie.

Certified Fresh At Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes served its highly-coveted and mighty red tomato to Ragnarok to the tune of 93 percent certified fresh. As everyone understands, Rotten Tomatoes is a powerful entity that will make or break any film. The great reviews help boost Thor's hammer, crushing its competition to smithereens.

Fan and film critic reviews have been stellar to say the least. They gush over the overhaul of Thor's usually one-dimensional character becoming more alive and showing more depth. Hemsworth's acting performance is reminiscent of Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man character.

Very Funny Movie

Some fans are touting that Ragnarok is 'not your typical superhero movie". Creators may have wisely followed the blueprint of what Guardians of the Galaxy has been offering to its audiences — sarcasm, cheekiness and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud moments.

Moviegoers regarded it as a full-blown comedy. The consensus: Ragnarok is a very funny superhero movie.

Taika Waititi directs this box office smash. Back in his native New Zealand, he is also a screenwriter, actor and comedian. He also provided the voice for the character "Korg".

The Reign Of Thor

Ragnarok has effectively halted a bad string of box office flops during October. Projections show that the latest Thor will continue to reign supreme as king of the box office. Other films that are set for release are Fox's Murder on the Orient Express and Paramount's comedy Daddy's Home 2.

With all the combined numbers generated by past box office sensations like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and Spider-Man: Homecoming, Marvel is on its way to easily pass the $2 billion mark worldwide. Whether we like it or not, the superheroes are here to stay. So when's the next Wonder Woman?

Tags: Thor 3 Thor: Ragnarok Chris Hemsworth Marvel Disney