'Thor: Ragnarok' release date, spoilers news: 'Planet Hulk' location confirmed by director

"Thor: Ragnarok" has long been rumored to incorporate parts of the "Planet Hulk" storyline into its narrative. This was seemingly confirmed back in July when Marvel unveiled the Hulk's gladiator armor. Now, director Taika Waititi has revealed that a location crucial to the comic series will be featured in the upcoming movie.

In an article featured in the latest issue of Total Film magazine, Waititi spoke about his approach and inspiration in making "Ragnarok" and in an effort to show viewers something they haven't seen in the past two "Thor" movies, he decided to feature Sakaar and elements of the "Planet Hulk" storyline.

"Sakaar was just an insane, far-off, futuristic place which was the biggest shift for the film and these characters," the director told TotalFilm (via MCUExchange), adding, "I was really excited when Kevin [Feige] and the rest of Marvel jumped on board with the idea to use [Jack] Kirby as a big influence in the design of the film. What's really hard is staying authentic."

In the "Planet Hulk" comic book series, the Hulk was supposed to be shipped off to an uninhabited planet but his ship crashed on Sakaar instead. The Red King, the planet's emperor, then captured him and forced him to fight in the Imperial Arena.

It has been revealed that in "Ragnarok," Odin (Anthony Hopkins) will be missing and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) will team up with villain Hela (Cate Blanchett), the goddess of death, to banish Thor (Chris Hemsworth) from Asgard. Sakaar will be where Thor and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) will be reunited. Similar to the source material, the Hulk will have "made a name for himself as a gladiator." It is said that the Avengers will be forced to battle it out in the arena.

Given that most of the movie's events will be in the cosmos, Waititi teased that "Ragnarok" will be the most "out there" Marvel movie to date. It was previously confirmed that Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) will also be featured in the upcoming film. He is said to be helping Thor find his father.

"Thor: Ragnarok" will arrive in theaters on Nov. 3, 2017.