Filming for Thor 2: The Dark World gets underway in Surrey... but where is star Chris Hemsworth?



He starred in the first Thor film as the heroic titular character.



But Chris Hemsworth was nowhere to be seen as filming got underway for the second movie in the Marvel franchise, Thor 2: The Dark World earlier today (Monday).



And it seemed as though it was action from the word go for the rest of the cast as they began shooting scenes for the upcoming film in Bourne Woods, Surrey.



Warrior: Actress Jaimie Alexander was spotted brandishing a large sword as she rode on horseback through the battle

Explosive: The battle scenes for the second movie in the Thor franchise look set to be just as dramatic as the first

Actress Jaimie Alexander, who plays Asgardian warrior Sif, was seen brandishing a giant sword as she rose on horseback through a settlement with a large cut on her forehead.

The second installment in the franchise looks set to be just as action-packed as the first, with a huge explosion sending rubble and ash soaring into the air.



And if these behind-the-scenes snaps are anything to go by, it would seem epic battles will be a major feature of the movie once again.



Behind-the-scenes: A group of warriors recover from the battle

Taking a break: An actor wearing a prosthetic mask sits down for a rest and some water during filming

Preparing for battle: The cast and crew get ready for an epic scene in Bourne Woods, Surrey

Thor 2: The Dark World is due for release in November 2013, with the likes of Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Christopher Eccleston also taking on major roles.



The superhero action movie will document the life of Thor following the events of The Avengers.



But Chris Hemsworth recently revealed the film will have a much more Viking-influenced theme.



He said in an interview with Slash Film: 'I think the science fiction element to Thor - the danger is it falls a little bit into the world of it's 'tough to throw a light to.'



Fire: A hut burns as the fictional battle as warriors flee the scene

Upcoming: Thor 2: The Dark World is scheduled for release in November 2013

'I think of big waterfalls and mountains and a Viking influence, where the Norse mythology kind of grew from. Having that in Asgard is going to make it all the more special.'



Filming got underway in London last month, with the majority of the movie set to be shot in Surrey's Shepperton Studios.



Australian actor Chris, 29, is currently shooting big budget drama Rush, in which he portrays racing legend James Hunt.

Brave: Jaimie Alexander will reprise her role as Asgardian warrior Sif in the superhero movie

Behind the scenes: A special effects crew were on hand to propel fake mist onto the set



