Christian Bale to play villain in Thor: Love and Thunder

Tessa Thompson, who plays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has confirmed that Batman Begins-star Christian Bale will play the villain in Thor: Love and Thunder.

According to reports, Thompson said, "Christian Bale is going to play our villain, which is going to be fantastic."

"I've read the script, but I can't tell you much. Lots of exciting text messages exchanged between Natalie (Portman) and I. We're going to have fun. Taika is writing and directing. There will be some familiar faces. Some new people are also coming into the mix," she added.

She also confirmed that when viewers reunite with her character for the first time post-Endgame, she will be King Valkyrie. "She's king," she clarified of her royal title. "If she can't find her queen, she'll just be king and queen at the same time."

The fourth instalment in the Thor franchise was announced at last summer's Comic-Con, with Taika Waititi revealing that Natalie Portman will be reprising her role as Jane Foster.