Marvel Cinematic Universe: Top 25 moments of all time

16.  Thor: Ragnarok – The Executioner Stands Tall

To start, Karl Urban was a great choice for the role of Skurge (The Executioner), he just nailed it.  It is unfortunate that he wasn’t seeded in with earlier Thor films, as it would have been more effective to see him more in his role as anti-heroic Asgardian.

However, I think Urban’s acting helped clue the audience in on the character of The Executioner.  Selfish, and at times cowardly, in “Ragnarok”, Executioner joins Hela in her domination of Asgard. He takes orders while she destroys the place he should feel is his home.

It isn’t until the last of the Asgardians are trying to flee Hela’s wrath, that Executioner decides to make his stand. Using his Midgardian M-16’s, Des and Troya, he holds off Hela’s forces so the Asgardians can leave.

Now, this movie is really tied to a moment in comics, that’s where its value comes from. Walter Simonson’s run on Thor from the 80’s is great, and features many an epic tale. It is one such tale that Executioner’s movie role is based on. Not to spoil too much here, but Executioner goes against his antagonistic nature and makes a similar sacrifice in Simonson’s story. It’s not a perfect rendering, but this is why I love the MCU, because I get to see some of the best stories in comics adapted for the silver screen.